2024 S.C. Press Association Awards Presentation (Part B)

SHORT STORY

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Terri Richardson

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Eleanor Nash

The Sun News

SHORT STORY

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Mary Dimitrov

The Island Packet

When you see a viral video and wonder “Did I see what I think I just saw?” this is the sort of follow-up you want. Quick, factual, fun and informative. Plus it debunks the video without upsetting those who are convinced otherwise.

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Al Dozier

Lexington County Chronicle

SECOND PLACE

Vanessa Brewer-Tyson

Pageland Progressive-Journal

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852

exemplified hope, faith, love, & Blue Devil pride

Jonathan Vickery Publisher

Alma Battle was an inspiration to many Williston-Elko students and families over the years.

FIRST PLACE

Graduation excitement

Jonathan Vickery

The People-Sentinel

schools held their 2023 graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 26.

The Barnwell resident dedicated over 30 years to Williston School District 29 (now part of the Barnwell County Consolidated School District) as a secretary, athletic gate keeper, and Save the Children grandmother. The Blue Devil for life passed away on May 21 at the age of 76 following a brave battle with cancer.

“Ms. Battle exemplified hope, faith, loyalty, inclusivity, and pride. She was a dedicated and servant-leader to the Blue Devil family up until the time that God called her home. Although life threw her a curve ball, her faith never wavered, her service to our district was never interrupted, and her smile never turned into a frown. To know her was to know love, joy, service, and happiness,” said BCCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcella Shaw.

Ann Widener said Battle was “the face of Williston-Elko” while Vivian Reed Dicks called her “a legend in the Williston community” who was always willing to help.

“The gym, football field, and schools were her life. She was happiest when she was with the children, teachers, and family members. Ms. Battle

“Ms. Alma exemplified hope, faith, loyalty, inclusivity, and pride. To know her was to know love, joy, service, and happiness.” -

BCCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Marcella Shaw

loved unconditionally. She was soft spoken, funny, and full of interesting stories,” said friend Vickie Benjamin.

Battle impacted many lives over the years, including hundreds of children.

Memorial Day: Honoring their sacrifices

Beautifully written. Quotes are well chosen and paint a picture of the woman Battle was.

stationed in Quam, in the Waygal district of Afghanistan's far eastern Nuristan province,” said LTC Brown.

Nine soldiers were killed in

Barnwell High, Blackville-Hilda High, and Williston-Elko High

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Colby Baker proudly holds his diploma from WillistonElko High School; Enrique Fredrick dances across the stage after receiving his diploma at Blackville-Hilda High School; Seneca Baines takes a selfie with Barnwell District 45 Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton while Barnwell High Principal Franklin McCormack smiles in the background. More photos on pages B1-4.

Blackville & Williston photos by: Alexandra Whitbeck Reporter Barnwell High School photos by: Jonathan Vickery Publisher

Alma Battle wearing blue for her favorite Blue Devils.

3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Robert Howey The Lancaster News

Saturday-Sunday, October 21-22, 2023 THE LANCASTER

McCants remembered for strong faith, support of officers

BY ROBERT HOWEY CORRESPONDENT

Myra McCants was known as a strong woman, who shouldered her share of personal tragedy, but kept a tough upper lip with an enduring faith.

Over the course of her life, McCants lost her husband, Dale, and father, William “Doc” Marion Estridge, within hours.

Dale died in a 1978 industrial accident and her father, a well-known Lancaster city policeman, died a short time later at her home.

“Their funerals were a day apart,” said Myra’s brother, William “Bill” Estridge.

Myra, 79, died Oct. 6, leaving a lasting legacy of handling tragedy.

Later in her life, Myra

lost her son, Brent, a York County deputy who was shot and killed following a Rock Hill traffic stop in 1992.

Myra advocated for justice for Brent and became a staunch supporter of law

enforcement.

Myra McCants, mother of Brent McCants, holds a sign in 2017 honoring her son when a section of Dave Lyle Boulevard in Rock Hill was renamed for him. Brent was killed in the line of duty there in 1992. file photo

“Myra was such a sweet soul,” Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile said.

“She was very generous and she wanted the law enforcement community to know they were appre-

file photo

In July 2018, Myra McCants gave Tommy Pope a breeding pair of Buff Silkie chickens for his birthday.

ciated. She called and stayed in touch.

“During Law Enforcement Week each year, she would send a cake out to our office,” Faile said.

“She was faithful about that.”

Faile said he admired how she handled the tragedy in her life.

“To have gone through

so much, Myra was the happiest person I knew,” Faile said. “She had a strong faith and leaned on the good Lord.”

Four years before Brent’s death, Myra’s son, Billy Dale, was involved in a car wreck, which left him confined to a wheelchair with severe head trauma. Myra cared for Billy Dale, with him often at her side, until she could no longer provide that care. He’s now in a special facility in Ridgeway.

“Myra often brought Billy Dale out to our office and we would visit them,” Faile said. “We enjoyed those visits and her sharing her love for her family.”

Kathy Estridge, Bill’s wife, said Myra was a “wonderful person.”

SECOND PLACE

Hannah Strong Oskin

The Horry Independent

From left are Kim and Tommy Pope, McCants and Kaylen Pope. Tommy Pope prosecuted the men who murdered her son, Brent McCants.

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Hannah Strong Oskin and Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald

Very well written summary of a community journalist’s life and impact, capturing the spirit as well as the facts of the man without forgetting the practical information related to his death and funeral. Stood out among many other strong entries.

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier North Augusta/ The Star

SECOND PLACE

Hannah Wade

The Post and Courier Columbia/ Free Times

FIRST PLACE

Andy Brack

Charleston City Paper

Well written, with concise information without feeling over-emotional.

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Bill Bengtson

Aiken Standard

SECOND PLACE

Matthew Robertson

Morning News

FIRST PLACE

Bryn Eddy

The Sumter Item

USC Sumter professor and poet remembered as brilliant, fiery by friends and family

BY BRYN EDDY bryn@theitem.com

Poetry can find the common thread among seemingly unrelated topics. It stitches together parts of the human experience into lyrical linens, so to speak — some short, some long, some rhyming, some not.

Sumter poet Michele Reese sewed together strawberry picking and polymer manufacturing, swim practice and growing up as a person of color, and she did this, this written threading of themes and such, for decades. She died in her home on July 27. She was born in Texas on Jan. 17, 1973, but grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia,

REESE

and moved to Sumter in 2002 for her career at the University of South Carolina Sumter as an English professor. As a writer, dancer, teacher, mom, coach, Catholic, athlete, Daughter of the American Revolution and advocate for women and minority rights, Reese was unapologetically into what she was into, her opinions seldom left up to interpretation. She had pride but the good kind of pride and was brilliant, her ex-husband and father to

SEE REESE, PAGE A6

Great descriptors. This obit opens as poetically as the woman it describes. Excellent quotes. Good work weaving the information together in such a way that it reflects her personality. This makes me wish I had met her.

BY KEVIN FREKING Associated Press

WASHINGTON a group known as have unveiled a list want included in a sure to keep the federal ning after the end It's a smorgasbord Democratic-controlled White House, signaling House Speaker Kevin next month to get without alienating conference. Historically, members Caucus rarely support bills to keep the government Republicans holding ty in the House, they age over the agenda.

THIRD PLACE

Joanna Johnson Herald-Journal

COMBINED

SECOND PLACE

Parker Milner

The Post and Courier

FIRST PLACE

Bob Montgomery

Herald-Journal

Great lead and a reporting effort that let us hear about Rudy from many people. Nicely done.

THIRD PLACE

Aïda

SECOND PLACE

Aïda

Rogers

Rogers

COLUMN OR EDITORIAL WRITING

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Kenton Makin

A well written perspective about a South Carolina founding father that few want to face.

When I opened my email yesterday at the office, I was in for a rude awakening. It was a message from our publisher to everyone on staff, myself included.

And, no, I wasn’t being put out to pasture yet even though I will turn 88 next week.

His email said “…a photography company will take headshots this Thursday at 10 a.m. in the office.” It also continued, “Everyone, please dress up for a professional headshot pic.”

That photo session would take place two days after I read it — tomorrow to be exact. I began to panic and not without cause.

You see I have committed the ultimate mistake any woman of any age can do to themselves — two days earlier, in frustration, I picked up a pair of scissors and decided I could do a better job on my hair than the beautician whom I felt had done a bit of

You see I have committed the ultimate mistake any woman of any age can do to themselves — two days earlier, in frustration, I picked up a pair of scissors and decided I could do a better job on my hair than the beautician whom I felt had done a bit of butchering on my hair during my last haircut.

butchering on my hair during my last haircut.

I was so wrong.

I have a new rule every woman should follow religiously — never cut your bangs yourself. You will live to regret it, especially if one is to be photographed two days later.

And bangs cannot be stretched, nor will they grow in two days.

The request to “dress up” for the shoot also caused me some distress.

Since the pandemic, my wardrobe contains only two types of clothing —

pajamas and casual work outfits. After my favorite store for purchasing pretty and well-fitting plus-sized separates closed, my shopping became a thankless task of ordering pants that were either too large or too small but never in between and blouses and shirts that were either short in length or much too long.

I know at my age I will never turn back the clock, and I understand that 88 is not the new 68 no matter how much I wish it was.

Some days I consider it a major

victory to be able to get dressed and drive to work. And I know no one is expecting me to be a fashion icon as I stroll behind my little rollator up and down the halls of the office.

My feet have decided that Birkenstock sandals are the perfect footware for my tootsies as they change, and I will never, ever wear another pair of high heels.

One thing doesn’t change — no matter how old I am.

I have my jewelry and the earrings still fit on my ears, and my wrinkled fingers can wear as many rings and bracelets as wish to slide onto my hands in the mornings.

Maybe my favorite turquoise and silver Brighton earrings will distract the attention from my short and gapped bangs.

I keep telling myself they will.

In the meantime, take my advice and protect yourself from making a huge mistake. Place those scissors under lock and key, and then throw away the key. You will thank me for it.

Something of the utmost importance

Accountability is not always an easy path to tread. It demands courage to admit and fix mistakes. It is, however, important to recognize accountability is not about blame as much as it is a commitment to making things right. Mistakes, when acknowledged and corrected, become stepping stones to progress, rather than stumbling blocks.

BY BRANDON ROBERTS

IIt

just

n this era of digital dominance and social media saturation, it is easy to overlook the enduring significance of the printed newspaper. Yet, the humble newspaper remains an indispensable and important institution within our communities, serving as a trusted and reliable source of information, a mirror reflecting our society and a unifying force that binds us together. Newspapers are, first and foremost, the glue that holds many communities together by tirelessly investigating, reporting and informing, bringing to light issues and events that affect us on local and regional levels. From uncovering the go-

also foster a sense of identity. They serve as a platform for local voices, allowing citizens to share their opinions, concerns and achievements (just look to the right of this column). In this way, newspapers are a catalyst for civic engagement, encouraging dialogue and debate that can lead to positive change within our communities.

During the 34 years my parents lived there the front door was never locked and friends and relatives came and went at all hours. We had million birthday parties and family gatherings there. Every emotion under the sun — love, anger, joy, sadness — took place there. Many nights after dinner my sisters and parents sat packed into our tight little kitchen around giant table, laughing and sharing stories.

Never once did we feel our home was small.

which, to them, was Heaven on Earth. Still, the house was modest in size and it forced the eight of us to live together — there was simply no way to avoid each other.

In those days we couldn’t just take our smart phones to our distant bedrooms and lock the rest of the family out.

homes, smaller homes were all they could afford. And now, with the highest interest rates in years and shortage of affordable homes on the market, builders are going small.

The Journal cited one builder in South Carolina who said that buyers are happily buying homes between 1,500 and 1,700 square feet.

Newspapers are also instrumental in connecting local businesses with their customer base. Through advertising, they help small enterprises thrive, contributing to the economic vitality of the community. Newspapers have a captive audience while many other mediums do not.

Interestingly, according to Business Insider, the only reason home sizes continued to grow after the 2008 housing collapse was that many people who had a lot of home equity, good jobs and excellent credit had the financial qualifications to meet stringent lending requirements. By 2015, however, as younger people who lacked such credentials began buying

In my opinion, they will find more happiness in their smaller homes than they ever would in a much larger one. The modest-sized house grew up in was mansion by the measures that really count.

Purcell creator of the infotainment site ThurbersTail.com, which features pet advice he’s learning from his beloved Labrador, Thurber, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor

In turn, this supports local jobs, strengthens the tax base, and helps maintain the overall health of the region’s economy.

and the enduring power of newspapers to shape public discourse cannot be underestimated. One of the cornerstones of what newspapers are intended for lies in their ability to print diverse range of opinions. While the internet offers us an echo chamber of our own beliefs, newspapers continue to stand as a bastion of diverse voices.

printing diverse opinions can be challenging. The rise of digital media and the decline in print readership have forced many newspapers to adapt or downsize. In some cases, this has led to reduction in editorial diversity. It is equally as challenging for editors to navigate the fine line between presenting different opinions and giving a platform to hate speech or misinformation. Responsible editorial oversight is essential to ensure the diversity of opinions and news does not lead to harm.

Laurel Street resident has concerns

In an age when misinformation and fake news proliferate online, newspapers remain beholden to journalistic integrity. They adhere to stringent editorial standards, fact-

Newspapers have established editorial guidelines and provide platform where contrasting ideas can and should coexist. This tradition of presenting different viewpoints promotes critical thinking. When readers encounter a variety of perspectives on single issue, they are encouraged to evaluate the arguments and consider alternative viewpoints. This process is essential for

COLUMN WRITING WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Terry E. Manning

The Island News

These columns tackle urgent issues head-on. This is exactly what good columnists do –provide readers with another lens through which to view the issues of the day.

FIRST PLACE

Chris Trainor Index-Journal

KELLY DUNCAN INDEX-JOURNAL

While watches are a big Father’s Day seller for a lot of jewelry stores, the employees at Tidwell Jewelers said some customers gravitate toward necklaces like the one shown.

SHOPPERS

From page 1A

UNDER 7,000

Their most popular seller? A classic watch. “Watches are always big for Father’s Day, and money clips with a personal design or sports clocks with their favorite team. Some men wear jewelry, but it’s more about the

Have yourselves a weekend, dads. This one’s for you.

watches. A lot of men like to collect watches,” she said. The same can be said for the staff at Tidwell Jewelers — watches are one of the go-to items while gifts such as knives, wallets and silicone rings are close runners-up. There’s the saying that the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and at Thayers, owner Taylor Tucker

said some of her bestselling items are her barbecue sauces and peanuts.

“We like to have areas dedicated to the dads and things dad might like,” Tucker said. She said foot traffic has been steady, but as people have stopped to view topiaries, they’ve come in to browse. Social media has helped spread the word and reminded people

We see you, dads

Ithat Father’s Day is coming up.

“The guys love to go straight to the recliner section. We try to keep some on the floor and we try to offer a variety of prices,” Tucker said. “People get excited that they can shop at any price point.”

Contact Kelly Duncan at 864-943-5648 or on Twitter @ KellyWriter1993.

gible in any category,” it said, under new “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Protocols” released Friday.

the time, he described AI as “kind of scary but exciting,” adding: “We will just have to see where that leads.”

The rule was set following the semiannual academy’s board of trustees meeting last month, where it was determined that work that features elements of AI are eligible, as long as a human creator is responsible for a “meaningful” contribution to the music

In addition to the AI rule, the Recording Academy announced that there have been swift changes made to other categories: now, to win a nomination for the album of the year category, a music creator has to account for at least 20% of the work.

Find your special place

t’s OK to seek out your special place, especially when the summer starts its inevitable fade.

CHRIS TRAINOR

Saturday, May 13, 2023

he comes down for a few days each summer.

It’s for all the ones who keep the SUV hurtling forward on those long family road trips, with an eye on that estimated arrival time on the GPS screen. The ones who push just a few exits further before stopping for a bathroom break request from the back seat, and who prioritize quickness and efficiency for any meal stops, because you always want to make it to the destination in “good time.”

By ROBERT JORDAN rjordan@indexjournal.com

TPHOTOS BY ROBERT JORDAN INDEX-JOURNAL

Youths play with a limbo stick Friday as Sunshine House presented a luau to mark the approach of the school year.

This one’s for all those dads who are the lords of the backyard grill during summer cookouts and gatherings. The fathers who will passionately choose a side in the everlasting charcoal vs. natural gas debate, and who keep one eye on those steaks for a perfect medium-well cook, while also simultaneously firing a football off the deck to the kids in the yard and keeping up with the conversation from the other dads who inevitably gather around wherever there’s grill smoke. This is the column for the fathers who hustle from work to school auditoriums for orchestra concerts and school plays.

Youths said goodbye to summer in wet and wild style. Leis, grass skirts and a tiki bar heralded the approach of the new school year as the Sunshine House on Grace Street treated students with a luau. The staff wanted to do something to give the kids a fun time before they go back to school next week ... and back into books, said Asia Tate, an assistant director at Sunshine House. She helped supervise games and got soaked as she embraced youths as they raced down inflatable waterslides.

Kids took full advantage, swinging plastic golf clubs and occasionally hitting the balls, playing at a tiki bar that staff had briefly left unattended, bending under a limbo stick and occasionally dancing to

For the ones who take shaky cam videos of their daughters at dance recitals and pose for pictures during the hectic, crowded moments right after those recitals, just before everyone heads out for celebratory pizza.

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Veterans organizations are rallying to help the area’s homeless population.

It’s a weekend for the dads who volunteer to help coach their kid’s baseball or soccer or softball team, even if that means helping lug the equipment around, keeping the orange slices and juice boxes on ice, and making sure none of the young players wander off. And it’s for those dads watching from the bleachers, ties loosened around their necks after a day at the office, yelling encouragement for the team and, occasionally, a pithy retort to an umpire’s call. This is for all those dads — and yes, I was one of them in April in Atlanta — accompanying their daughters to Taylor Swift concerts on the Eras Tour. The ones who waited in those impossibly long lines at the merch stand for a T-shirt, who traded Eras bracelets and who sang along to “Cruel Summer” at the top of their lungs. I see you, fellow Swiftie Dads. It’s for the fathers who stay up late helping make sure the volcano for the class science project is going to work correctly.

We called him Mr. Pete

he sign out there on the scoreboard is just a little faded.

Let the sunshine in as school year begins

My memories of the man, thankfully, are not. One night earlier this week, I found myself sitting in one of those folding tailgating chairs behind the backstop at the Claude Simmons Dixie Youth Complex on Highland Terrace in Abbeville. My 9-year-old nephew Jack’s baseball team, the Blue Gills, had a game, one of the last few of the season, and I had traveled up from Lexington to check it out.

Jessica Sinkovics holds onto a child during wet and wild fun at a Friday luau at Sunshine House.

show off colorful leis and grass skirts.

goodbye to students who will go to school as well as welcome new students.

Director Michelle Waters said Sunshine House works with up to 98 youths from 6 weeks old up to the fifth grade.

The luau is a chance to say

On Tuesday, the center will offer haircuts for boys. A nail technician also will visit to work on girls’ fingernails, she said. They all are ready for school, Waters said. She recalled one student last year who was already reading at a first grade level. All the kids enjoy games, but Waters recalled one girl who, if given a choice, would visit the book center. Summer activities include field trips to Greenville and even instruction in leadership skills, she said.

For the ones who proofread English class essays and fire off geography questions the night before a big test. And it’s for the ones who race off to Publix at the crack of dawn because — surprise! — their kid signed up to bring potato chips to the class party, a fact that hadn’t been mentioned until the morning of the event. This is a weekend for all kinds of dads. The ones who drive diesel pickup trucks and the ones who drive electric cars. The ones who know the perfect place to set up a deer stand and the ones who have been looking forward to that new exhibit at the museum. The ones who wear tailored suits everyday and the ones who still wear that Chicago Bulls 1996 championship T-shirt. It’s for the dads who have beards or tattoos or earrings, or none of those things, at all. Indeed, Father’s Day arrives this weekend. It’s a time to celebrate the dads who, through it all, have continued to be a force in our lives, day after day, year after year. The ones who were there for you when

you scraped a knee when you were a youngster and, decades later, are still there to serve as a sounding board and offer advice on careers and family matters and everything in

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Thanks for always showing up. We see you.

8 and 12 and was beloved by the players. This was back in the late 1980s and very early 1990s. Even though he was in his late 60s and early 70s at the time, Mr. Pete would hit countless ground balls and fly balls to the players during practice and worked constantly – and patiently — with the pitchers. He was serious about baseball but brought a light touch to the whole thing. I can still see his smile and hear his chuckle now.

Oh, certainly we are still firmly in the midst of summer in terms of the formal calendar (the technical last day of summer isn’t until September) and the thermometer (after a mild spring, the temperatures lately have been like an oven). But while the actual calendar says it’s very much still summer, more and more in South Carolina the school calendar says otherwise. It seems like every district is charting its own path these days, with many operating on schedules that bring back students much earlier than in the old days.

Lakelands | State

It’s the type of place where you can charter a boat along Big Bay Creek and ride out into the South Edisto Inlet, where a pod of dolphins will just about swim right up to you. You can wind along up St. Pierre Creek and see fishermen looking to catch that night’s supper, and take in sweeping views of the natural beauty of the Lowcountry in a place that somehow still seems largely untouched by the larger forces of the outside world. And, if you’re lucky, your captain will be the mayor. (Literally, Edisto Beach Mayor Crawford Moore captained our charter last week.)

Chris Trainor is a contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Greenwood District 50 returns to class next week, on July 26. Meanwhile, students in the Abbeville School District return the following week, on Aug. 1. My daughter’s district in Lexington goes back the week after that, on Aug. 9.

Older students enjoyed two inflatable waterslides. They formed two lines as staff members lifted them in and out the pools or held them as they shot out from the top and slid into the bottom.

And there was, of course, the El Camino. Mr. Pete drove a Chevy El Camino, which folks of a certain age will remember was basically part car, part truck. A car with a truck bed in the back, essentially. Mr. Pete would often pick up players before practice and drive them home afterward, and in those days, we didn’t think anything of riding in the back truck bed of the El Camino, the wind cutting through our hair. You don’t see folks riding in the back of trucks anymore, and that’s probably a good thing. But, gosh, it was fun back then.

Veteran groups helping homeless

In a meeting room Wednesday at the Greenwood County Veterans Affairs office, members of various veterans groups

Some experiences are remarkably resilient. Watching kids play youth baseball is one of them. Like so many others, I played rec league baseball throughout my youth – on that very same field where I was watching my nephew – and I could immediately follow the throughline from then to now. Oh, certainly there are differences. For one thing, these days it seems every player, even at 9 and 10 years old, brings their own personal bag of expensive equipment to the games. Shiny bats, personalized helmets and on and on. When I was a kid, we all used the equipment that was provided by the city recreation department, all of which was lugged to the game by the coach in a large canvas satchel

JOHN MCCRAVY

With less than a week off, the state Legislature will be called back in to work starting Tuesday. The Legislature hit its final day of the regular session on Thursday without what’s called a sine die resolution. These resolutions, commonly passed before the end of session, list the matters the Legislature can return to take up.

traordinary occasions” the government takes this step. Aside from finishing their work on the state budget, the governor said the Legislature will tackle a bill to enact stricter bond provisions for people charged with violent crimes, and a bill that would ban abortions at about six weeks of pregnancy.

And so, with those opening school bells looming, we packed the car this week and headed for our special place, to spend time with friends and family in one of the last summertime getaways of 2023. That place is, of course, my beloved Edisto Island, that rural oasis along the South Carolina coast just south of Charleston.

The special session begins at noon Tuesday, and McMaster said he doesn’t expect it will go past the end of the month.

We’ve got a place there, an old house on stilts that sits on a dirt road. There’s a screened-in porch with rocking chairs where everyone seems to want to congregate, with Christmas lights strung up around the top and rocking chairs scattered here and there. Though it’s two blocks from the shore, when the tide is high at night you can sit on the porch and hear the waves so clearly it sounds like the ocean’s in the front yard. There’s a tidal creek in the backyard, one where egrets regularly hang out, their long necks poking just above the swampy, tall grass. There’s a little dock back there, and my friend Frank sets crab traps in the creek when

But on Thursday, the session ended without a sine die resolution. On Friday, Gov.

“Certainly, we knew about it ahead of time,” said Rep. John McCravy, R-Greenwood. “The governor agrees with leadership in the House ... that there are two major issues we need to address before we go home.”

It’s where crowds of families pile into 3 Gulls Creamery ice cream shop each summer night as the sun begins to fade. Excited kids stand on tiptoes, straining to press their face against the glass of the ice cream freezers to take in the colorful confections held within, as sunburned moms and fished-out dads try in vain to corral everyone into something that resembles an organized line. By the end of the night the young workers behind the counter look as if they’ve been in an ice cream battle, their shirts splotched with remnants of chocolate and Superman and Rocky Road. And Edisto is the place where you can catch some serious waves on the boogie board out on beach access No. 5, when the tide is rising and the wind is just right. Where you can get a flounder sandwich and an extremely cold beverage at Whaley’s, or watch the sunset over the creek from the windows in the dining room at Pressley’s. It’s the place where a cold slice of key lime pie from King’s Market is waiting for you in the refrigerator after a long day in the surf, and where the house on stilts starts swaying when the kids have a dance-off in the living room after dinner. Summer days are growing short. The school bell is about to ring. Find your special place.

Henry McMaster took a step that hasn’t been made since 2002 — he passed an executive order to call legislators back to Columbia to round off some unfinished business.

McMaster said it’s only in “ex-

From staff reports

He said last-minute efforts to re-write a Senate abortion bill came because there was little chance of passing “Human Life Protection Act,” which tried to ban abortion from conception. Instead, McCravy worked to re-write a Senate bill that bans abortion when fetal cardiac activity is detect-

ed, which is usually at about six weeks.

“It’s time that we agree on the best bill we can get,” he said. “(House Speaker) Murrell Smith said bring your pillows, bring your supper, we’re staying here until we pass that bill.” As for the budget, McCravy said it’s not unusual that it gets finished after the regular session. It’s usually handled through a sine die resolution, but since the two chambers were unable to agree on such a resolution, it will be handled in this special session instead.

“I don’t think the budget process has ever really been

Chris Trainor is a contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

Greenwood woman faces abuse charge

Index-Journal,

McMaster brings lawmakers back into session over unfinished business

derailed,” wood, the that solved constitutional abortion until identified special sion, 2024 first Matters up sion

Mr. Pete has been gone for quite a while now — he died in 2008 at the age of 89 — but I still remember him all these years later. Batting practice and hitting grounders. That balance between being serious and having a quick smile. Driving us home after practice in the El Camino and stopping at the Fast Fare for a Coke. And I remember him standing outside First Baptist Church on Sunday mornings,

Greenwood man sentenced to 21 years in string of thefts

AMBER L. DAVIS

A Greenwood woman is facing charges after officers spoke with an employee of the Department of Social Services in reference to a complaint of child abuse on March 16.

From staff reports

Amber Lyne Davis, 34, of 124 Oak

Reading the columns I could picture my old little league coach and thought about the local legend the field was named after back in my hometown. I could envision being on Edisto Island, a place I’ve never heard of. The writer took me on an adventure in each column. Well

A Greenwood man is headed to prison for more than two decades after pleading guilty to charges stemming from more than 20 vehi-

Ridge Drive, was arrested and charged with children/cruelty to children (torture, deprivation) on July 17. A Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office report said that in February a child complained of back pain and said she was beaten. At that time, no bruises or marks were found.

stealing a golf cart and taking it to a stash house in Abbeville County.

Officers used cellphone data and pictures on Hawes’ phone to connect him to other thefts that had been reported by residents. Police were also able to make contact with peo-

Saturday,

Saluda County School District Education Foundation

1ST OF A SERIES CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER

COLUMN

THIRD PLACE

Maura Hogan

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Cindi Ross Scoppe

The Post and Courier

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE

Issac Bailey

The Sun News

Issac Bailey does what the best columnists do best - makes the reader sit up in his chair and pay attention. His no-holds-barred language and take-no-prisoners opinions act like a cold slap in the face. You have my attention, Mr. Bailey. And now I can’t sit still.

Panic from the passenger seat

er other King ods, tive people. studying Morehouse nonviolent ma British legacy Burton Yes, dear, they are still alive CONTRIBUTING COLUMNIST

your Emergency Services Director Derek Oliver. “By signing up for GEM alerts, community members can stay informed and take appropriate actions during emergencies, contributing to more resilient and prepared community.” People who signed up to CodeRED will be transferred to GEM, but officials ask residents to log into GEM to review and update their notification preferences and confirm their contact information. Users can provide multiple addresses, such as home and work, to receive location-specific messages, and add multiple phone numbers in single account to keep an entire family informed.

the

on

planet for

years,” said.

which was a part of the pop tapestry of my own generation. “You know, when was just about CHRIS TRAINOR LINDSEY HODGES INDEX-JOURNAL Truck damages Hodges Cemetery A pickup truck went off road Friday afternoon and into the Hodges Cemetery, taking one corner of the fencing with and razing some of the fence posts. The extent of the damage was unclear on Friday afternoon. From staff reports Greenwood County Emergency Management is replacing its CodeRED emergency notification system with Genasys Emergency Management. “This new system will replace CodeRED and serve as the primary communication tool for public safety topics, including severe weather alerts, evacuation notices, missing person reports and other critical information,” said news release Friday from Greenwood County. GEM is set to go live today, and all residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts. To register for free, visit bit.ly/3JZKiSt. While registering, users can chose the types of alerts to receive and how to receive them, including through landline calls, cellphone alerts text and SMS messages and email. it also provides Spanish-language option. “This powerful mass notification system will improve the county’s ability to disseminate critical information and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents,” said

the biggest group DO JUST ONE THING

listened to the song and thought for second, then offered the sniper shot. “Are they still alive?” she asked.

age these guys were Greenwood replaces CodeRED with news emergency system We all know that smoking cigarettes terrible for our health, but it’s awful for our environment as well. Cigarettes aren’t easily biodegradable or compostable, and they contain chemicals that

I’ve only had one speeding ticket in the past 20 years. was late for a movie and got going a little too fast. (The officer wasn’t swayed by my suggestion that I was going to miss the previews.)

But other than that pre-cinematic dalliance, I’ve been pretty safe on the roadways. However, you would be hard-pressed to acknowledge that if you witnessed my wife’s dramatic reactions when she is riding in the passenger seat while I’m driving. To start, in her mind there is no safe distance from other cars, at least when I’m behind the wheel. She is steadfastly insistent that am pulling out in front of other vehicles, no matter how far away they might be. If pull out of our neighborhood in Lexington, and another vehicle is leaving their driveway in Calhoun Falls, my wife is worried we are going to crash into each other.

It is a physical, full-body reaction. She sits up straight in her seat, extends both legs out into the far reaches of the floorboard, then grabs the center console with her left hand in what can only be described as death grip. And with her right hand, of course, she reaches up and grips that handle above the passenger side door. The internet tells me those handles are called “assist grips” or, more simply, “grab handles.” But the web also notes that people — and my wife would most certainly fall in this category — refer to them as “panic bar” or a “Jesus handle.” It’s the handle she grabs when she thinks she’s going home to meet the Lord because pulled into Starbucks too fast. What her visceral reaction accomplishes, other than testing the fortitude of the center console and grab handle of a Chevy Tahoe, is that it nearly gives me a heart attack. I’ll be driving along, totally normal, at a legal speed and with plenty of distance between me and the car in front of us, and her sudden, panicked reaction as if we are about to get in fiery crash that would rival Vin Diesel movie sends an instant jolt through me.

speaker from the Racial Justice League, a group Burton heads. Anyone is welcome to join in the march and program. The Greenwood Garveyites will join in the parade, a group named after the ideals of activist and publisher Marcus Garvey, whose ideas heavily influenced Malcolm X and latthe school year, when she was studying “Romeo and Juliet” at school. One night over dinner mentioned there was movie version starring Leonardo DiCaprio that came out when was teenager. “Was in black and white?” my daughter asked. almost choked on my dinner, but managed to compose myself long enough to point out that DiCaprio only few years older than me. “Right, right,” she said. “So was in black and white?” After picking myself up off the floor, assured her the 1996 film was, indeed, in color. And that, the ripe old age of 48, DiCaprio is still alive and kicking today, just like her old man. suppose perspective everything when comes to age. But no matter what my daughter thinks, I’m not that old yet. Now you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go fire down multivitamin and prop my glasses up on my head to read book. Chris Trainor contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

This also is true when I’m following along behind another car on the roadway. The other car might stop, or slow down, a full 100 yards ahead of us — an action that can clearly see and easily react to — and yet my wife will dramatically gesticulate as if we are about to careen into a crowded second turn at the Darlington Raceway.

“What happened?” I’ll ask.

“You were about to hit that car!” she’ll reply, excitedly. And thus begins an inevitable argument in which insist that, no, was not in any way about to randomly crash into another vehicle that I could plainly see many, many car lengths ahead of us. To which she replies that, while it is true that I didn’t hit that other car, it’s only because she “saved” me from doing so with her reaction.

And around we go. guess you never know where you might find a thrill. For some, it could be scaling the soaring cliff of mountain or leaning into the freefall of bungee jump. For my wife, it comes from riding with me to the farmers market on Saturday morning. Grab the panic bar and hold on tight. Someone in Calhoun Falls just pulled out of their driveway.

Chris Trainor is a contributing columnist for the Index-Journal. Contact him at ChrisTrainorSC@yahoo.com. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisTrainorSC. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

SPOT SPORTS STORY

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Elijah Campbell & Kevin Oliver

Lexington County Chronicle

I kept coming back to this story. The variety of quotes was a plus. Just enough details about the young man as well as the game.

The Daniel defense, which had rounded into one of the state’s best after having to replace eight starters to start the year, had been battered by 46 Patriot rushes, and on the thirddown play from the Lions’ 1-yard line, they were unable to stop Powdersville quarterback Eli Hudgins from getting to the edge and cutting the lead to 3534 with 8 seconds remaining. Luckily for Daniel, the Patriots gave the Lions another chance for a game-winning stop

as they elected to try for a decisive two-point conversion. With the game — and Daniel’s 36-game winning streak — on the line, Hudgins tossed the ball to star running back Thomas Williams, and despite the best efforts of linebackers Carson Chasteen and Ty Plumblee, Williams managed to just score on the run to stun the Lions and give the Patriots 36-35 win.

“We didn’t have enough tonight,” Daniel head coach Jeff Fruster said. “Hats off to Coach (Robert) Mustar and his team. They fought valiantly all night, and I thought they took advantage of the opportunities they were given.”

The Patriots lived up to their lofty billing as they only trailed for a little less than five minutes of action against a Daniel team that had won every game during its 36-game unbeaten streak by two touchdowns or more. Although the Patriots controlled the game for much of the night, the Lions stayed within shouting distance despite costly turnovers and missed opportunities in the end zone.

“We knew coming in that the execution needed to be extremely high,” Fruster said. “We couldn’t just be on par with what we had done, and we weren’t able to take advantage of those opportunities.”

The missed opportunities were there from the start for the Lions, as they forced a fumble recovered by Tremaine Davis Jr. with Powdersville driving deep into Daniel territory on its opening possession, only for Jaylen Brown-Wallace to fumble it back to the Patriots two plays later, setting up Powdersville’s first touchdown on a run by Hudgins. After punting, the Lions were in trouble again on defense before a holding penalty seemed likely to halt the Patriot drive. Facing third and 18 from his own 42-yard line, Hudgins launched a deep ball that was well on the way to being picked off by either Davis or Isaac Turner. However, the ball instead bounced off their fingers

• Framing Lumber

CARDIAC REBELS

Byrnes edges out Dorman for down-to-wire victory

Move to 3-0

in region play

BY TREY STEWART SPORTS EDITOR

All Zy Landrum needed was an opportunity.

FIRST PLACE

Trey Stewart

The Greer Citizen

‘I was proud of the guys, because there was no fingerpointing. They just kept playing and responding.’

back Tre’ Segarra ran the read option to perfection, marching down the field with ease on a Dorman defense that had been stout all night. Landrum got the Rebels down to the Dorman 37-yard line. Then, he took matters into his own hands.

Reggie Shaw Byrnes head coach

With Byrnes and Dorman tied at 14 in the fourth quarter, he finally got it. Byrnes’ backup quarterback took charge under center after heavy rain at Nixon Field picked up early in the fourth. Byrnes ing the move at halftime if it really started raining,”

Landrum pulled the ball on the read option and took off himself down the left side of the field. Players all around him slipped and slid trying to bring him down, but Landrum was too quick. Behind several key blocks, the junior

Blue Ridge running back KB yards and three touchdowns win. He has over 1,000 yards

T.G.I.T.

Blue Ridge first win Thursday

SPOT

THIRD PLACE

Wes Kerr

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Mike McCombs

The Island News

SPOT SPORTS STORY

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Wes Kerr

The Island News

I felt like I was there. Very interesting and left me wanting to know more about the team.

THIRD PLACE

Justin Driggers

Morning News

SECOND PLACE

Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

SPOT SPORTS STORY

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

Excellent sports reporting by Kyle Dawson. Feels like I was at the match. Well done.

SPOT SPORTS STORY

THIRD PLACE

Michael Lananna

The State

SECOND PLACE

Karl Puckett

The Island Packet

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE

Chapel Fowler

The State

Really nice take on the game within the game, the focus on sportsmanship and the relationship between these coaches on and off the court.

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

THIRD PLACE

Andrew Miller

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Scott Keepfer

Greenville News

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Bob Montgomery and

Samantha Swann

Herald-Journal

Story goes into great detail about why two Minor League teams could be supported in area.

was three-year starter and was never hurt,” Keels said. So how he dealt with the next six years did not necessarily come from experience, but from something within him.

“I guess maybe it’s just how was raised,” he said. He did have the benefit of a dad (Mike) who followed much the same path he was about to enter. As good a player as he was, Reed said he walked off the graduation stage at Lewisville standing six-feet-tall and weighing about 180 pounds.

he got his weekly turn in the rotation, Reed took his place behind the plate. He started as a sophomore (when Lewisville was state runner-up) and put together an all-state resume. Oddly, given what was to come, Reed said he was “just OK at the plate” in the prep ranks, but was among the top defensive catchers in the state. Errant pitches rarely got by him and would-be base stealers always thought twice about trying to test his arm.

“He really never faced much adversity in high school. He

“Most colleges want their catchers to come in at 6-foot-2 and about 220 pounds,” he said. So his college career would begin at Brunswick Community College in North Carolina. It’s a junior college, one that has constantly changing roster, with most players staying for two years and some only one (before transferring). “We would have guys come in that had played D-1 ball and gotten hurt, had Tommy John surgery or something,” Reed said. “They’d redshirt and rehab for year, play one year and then transfer.” With a lot of talent coming in-and-out and Reed needing some time to physically mature, he opted to take a redshirt sea-

son as freshman. He got bigger, saying more intense workouts and time on the field usually left him starving and eating lot more. As his sophomore year began, though, he had a big fall campaign, which often sets the stage for a big spring. “That’s when you have a chance to get noticed, in those inter-squad games and scrimmages against other schools,” Reed said. His first year playing in college was a good one. As he started to see more and more college pitching, he became a much more effective hitter. A position switch also helped as he made the move from catcher to first base. “It’s hard to hit and be a catcher,” he said. “When moved to first base, turned into more of a slugger.” He could have transferred after that season but decided to play for a second year at Brunswick. As he had another good fall in 2019, he had no way of knowing that second year of junior college baseball was more than year away. He’d likely have ended up missing the season anyway, because of hand surgery, but no one would play full college season in 2020 because of the

onset of the COVID pandemic. As was the case with all college players, that year did not count against Reed’s eligibility. Even still, once things started to return to normal, he had the opportunity to move on if he so chose, with number of Division II schools showing him interest. “That’s not the route wanted to take,” he said. “I wanted to play Division baseball.” So the rare, nearly unheard of fourth season of junior college baseball was in store for Reed. “That part of the resilience he showed throughout his college career,” Keels said. “Because again, most guys would not have hung around for a fourth year in junior college.” Coaches at Brunswick were unaccustomed to having a player for as long as they did Reed and teammates certainly took notice of how long Reed had been around.

“They called me ‘Paw Paw,’ Reed, now age 24, laughed. “It was pretty funny, actually.” Reed was basically betting on himself, shunning offers for the chance to put up a big season and gain Division attention. The bet paid off big time, with

Reed having a huge season and leaving Brunswick with career average of .321 and 11 home runs. That got him seen in the way he’d hoped and he ultimately committed to Appalachian State. Reed had a big fall and was projected to start at first base just days before the season started. Unfortunately, right before opening day Reed tested positive for COVID-19 and per protocol, was on the shelf for while. A freshman ended up starting the season at first. “And he won the Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year Award,” Reed said. So, he went from potential starter to little-used backup and pinch hitter in an instant. He kept good attitude and kept working hard, but said the life of reserve can be a hard one.

“They might tap you on the back in the dugout and tell you to be ready to pinch hit three or four straight games and you still never get in. Then, when you do, it’s very hard to hit when you only get one at-bat every other week or so,” he said. After the season, Reed was informed his scholarship was being pulled. Coaches liked him and wanted to keep him, but in college baseball, he said, coaches can’t afford to invest scholarship money in player who isn’t on the field and isn’t contributing (even if it’s because of reasons beyond his control). Keels said Reed could have transferred or just walked away from the game at that point, but didn’t. “At that point, was one year away from finishing. I just couldn’t quit,” Reed said. Reed had another good fall and said he basically led the team in every offensive category. So, for the second straight year and going into his final season of eligibility, he finally appeared poised to realize his

Finding the Light

Downtrodden Woodruff High Baseball Program Returning to Winning Ways Under New Coach

By: Garrett Mitchell

To say that Woodruff High School baseball was in a dark tunnel with no light in sight would be a bit more than an understatement.

The Wolverines were mired in a two-season long doldrum that saw the program win just five games combined between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Woodruff was an abysmal 5-40 during those two long and demoralizing seasons.

Prior to the start of the school year, Woodruff hired a new head coach who they hoped could turn things around. Wesley Brown had a reputation for building or turning struggling programs around, but rarely does that happen in just one season. But under Brown s leadership and unique coaching style, the Wolverines have not only found the light at the end of the tunnel, they are already basking in the glow of a program which has been rejuvenated far quicker than anyone could have imagined.

Entering spring break, the Wolverines carried a record of 10-6 and a 4-2 tally in conference play, having already locked up a play-off berth for the first time in four years. More than that, the players, many who were there during the misery of the previous two seasons, have rallied around their new coach and embraced his style of coaching Brown s methods are different, and sometimes outside of the mainstream but he has stripped the game down to the basics as he starts to rebuild the Wolverines program from the ground up.

Senior centerfielder Nemo Cochran stated that Brown s coaching tactics are designed to make practice more difficult so the games come easier once the team steps onto the diamond. That and a sense of stability have helped to unify the team.

We ve had three coaches here in the past four years, and think what Coach Brown brings to the table is he s uncommon ” said Cochran. “He does things that are uncommon and that prepares us for uncommon situations in games. Everybody has that drive that they want to win, including Coach Brown, and fee like he brings that out of us more than we have ever had in the past.

Cochran is batting .289 on the season and leads Woodruff in doubles with five. Meanwhile, senior left fielder Carson Tucker is also enjoying the best season of his career. It is a welcome change, he says, from his first three years of high school baseball.

It’s a new energy,” said Tucker who is batting .349 with 19 runs driven in through the first 16 games o the season. Coach Brown and the new coaching staff, they ve brought it out here. absolutely love those guys and they are the reason where we are at right now.

Woodruff began their season in March at the annual Steve Sanders Tournament and won their

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

The ‘I’s’ have it

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

He never wore a uniform and was rarely on the field, but for 43 years, Chester’s Dr. Sam Stone was an important part of the Clemson Tigers football team. When the Tigers

I’S

FROM PAGE A1

played Florida State two weeks ago, Stone and his family were given the honor of “dotting the I” in “Tigers” as part of the football team’s pregame entrance cere mony.

SEE I’S/PAGE A3

It’s a special recognition or someone who worked in the first aid station for every home game and spring game (and concerts by the Rolling Stones and Eagles) for more than four decades. Stone began working Clemson games (on a strictly volunteer basis) for the same reason he does many things…because it was a chance to give back. “Clemson has been awfully good to me,” Stone said. “I was just giving back what was given to me.”

City Council argues over information sharing

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

It began as a discussion of increased user fees but turned into an argument about the sharing of information.

At last week’s meeting of Chester City Council,

reason people love his dad so much. He doesn’t just treat a patient and move onto the next. There is genuine care and compassion, a friendly face, a kind word and a willingness to listen.

“So many medical professionals want to get patients in and out and see as many as they can in a day. They probably don’t get someone like my dad.

He’s always taught us that people come first and business comes second,” Pete said.

the only expectation being to see that person excel,” Britton said. “His love of all things Chester and Clemson are unmatched by anyone I’ve ever seen. It’s not his love about those tangible cities or institutions within them, it’s about the people… Chester and Clemson are so lucky to have Dr. Sam. can’t imagine either place without him.”

The crowd was so loud, Stone said he could barely hear the band, though he was on the field with them.

“It was beautiful,” Pete said of the giant orangeclad crowd standing and applauding in unison.

Sheriff Dorsey shows Fruit Inspirations owner Beth Edwards that law enforcement officers don’t subsist only on doughnuts- sometimes they like muffins too.

Administrator Malik Whitaker presented a master fee schedule, covering everything from memberships at the Aquatics and Fitness Center to stadium rentals.

SEE COUNCIL/PAGE A4

When Stone (Clemson Class of 1976) was doing his residency in Anderson County, a call went out for someone to work the first aid station for home Clemson games. No one else wanted to because there was no pay involved, but Stone saw it as a chance to help people, so he volunteered that year and continued to do so even once he’d moved back to Chester to begin his practice. Even once he became the official team doctor at Chester High School and was busy late into every football Friday night, he was at Clemson the next day. He was then right back to his job and various other volunteer projects at home on Monday.

“It’s really just about him living out what he’s always told us, that being

CLAYTOR

FROM PAGE A1

that life is about giving back and helping people whenever you can,” said his son Pete. Most people probably assume the first aid station is primarily for people for whom the festivities begin a little too early on days that it’s a little too hot to be doing so. Dehydration is certainly something Stone has seen plenty of times. He recollected treating about 175 people a few years ago for a home game against Texas A&M. “I don’t think I saw more than two minutes of the game,” he said. Much more serious issues do come up. Stone has treated people suffering from heart attacks, strokes and aneurisms (Stone said he’s dealt with almost every medical issue imaginable at games

aside from delivering a baby).

There have been instances of people arriving to Tiger Town, realizing they’d forgotten their heart or seizure medication and deciding to head on into Memorial Stadium rather than go home and risk missing the game.

“One thing about Clemson fans, they are extremely dedicated,” he said. He treated one of the sons of Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney (for strep throat) and actually provided aid to a TV broadcaster who was suffering from dehydration.

West was suffering from a stomach bug on one occasion and required an IV as well.

“It was a big recruiting weekend. He had a lot of recruits he needed to go talk to so we hooked him up to an IV,” he said. One of his most interesting encounters ever involved a young lady who showed up seeking medical attention after being dumped by her boyfriend.

So what was the medical reason for that visit?

The recent honor came about very quickly, with Stone saying he only found out about it three days beforehand. Pete’s wife and kids were out of town for a reunion, but otherwise Stone, his wife Beverly, sons Pete and Marc, Marc’s wife Pam and daughter Olivia all walked onto the field together.

“They deserved to be there too. They went to every game and sat through heat, cold, rain and everything else,” Stone said.

“It was uplifting to see someone who has given so much honored that way and to hear the announcer say ‘Clemson and Dr. Sam Stone welcome you to Death Valley.’ ” Stone himself said he still gets chills thinking about it.

“We had to hook up an IV to get fluids into his system but had to hide it so it wouldn’t be seen on TV,” Stone said. Former Coach Tommy

“A broken heart, I guess,” Stone said. She stayed at the first aid station for about half of the game. Stone talked to her and eventually helped locate her parents, who came in and comforted her.

Pete said that sort of demeanor is part of the

The family waited on the sidelines, a spot Stone has rarely visited on game days. Standing alongside them was Chester native (and Clemson Alumni Association senior director of engagement) John “Bubba” Britton. He called Stone “a one of one individual” with a true servant’s heart.

“To see all those people and hear your name and see yourself on the Tigervision gives you goose bumps. That’s a memory you’ll remember forever,” Stone said. He never volunteered in hopes of being honored.

Teresa Ellisor put a face on the opioid crisis as the told the audience Summit about her son Caleb, (inset,) who died in 2019 from an soning, at the young age of 21.

“I have never met someone who does so much for so many others with

Stone just said he was contributing to the school and team the best way he could and was happy to do so without ever being recognized for it He sticks by the old adage that there is no “I” in team. There is one in “Tigers” though, and Stone got to dot it.

Mother whose son fentanyl puts a face

faith and not be distracted so we can rise here at this park, and rise above the situation.” Claytor said another issue he has been working on is an updated pedestrian crosswalk system for downtown Chester. He also proposes reducing the speed limit to 15 mph on Gadsden Street, to make it safer and give pedestrians more room to operate.

“It has been very busy,” he told the crowd, and sometimes what you have to do in this position is operate the way you know to operate, not necessarily how things are being operated. Meaning, sometimes you sometimes you want to trust other men, and you think that you have to have an answer by your own means, instead of taking the time to call on God. And I that Him because he’s provide wisdom to get through some storms,” Claytor said. Turning to the purpose

ing, what does a child see when they come to this park? What does any one of us see? It’s not uplifting,” he said.

that the grass is fully cut, garbage and trash picked up, placed in the park a garbage receptacle that is attended weekly, fill

The Chester County Opioid Summit was held recently at the Gatewaty

“These pedestrians are not only walking downtown for joy, they’re also consumers (of local businesses) and a lot of downtown folks have done some very nice things to the fronts of their buildings, that people should slow down and enjoy,”

father was in this condition — thought that a lot of kids were utilizing this park, but I see that it’s being utilized the wrong way,” Guy said. “I don’t mince my words, when I say something needs to be done. And as a black political leader in Chester, think we owe it to my father George Guy who was a pillar in black politics here in Chester. I think we need to honor our black pillars of the community, just as we have Jeff Brown with the Jeff Brown Park in Chester” he said. Guy explained there were different types of funds and he thinks things can get accomplished

Great story! Various schools let alums do similar things but not for the same reason -- kudos to you for finding what made this one so unique and telling the story in a way that let readers better get to know this man, who in his own way, was integral to Clemson football.

failed to point out the statis tics represented lives lost families affected. That fact was powerfully brought home to the audi ence when Teresa Ellisor up to speak about her

cilmember Mary Guy was also present at the meeting. “At one time when this park was constructed, it was really nice, there were picnic areas and we had some grills around where you could cook hotdogs, but the park has really run down. “I think some people think because it’s called Guy Park that it belongs to the Guy family. Not so, every park in this city and county are named for someone, but their families are not the ones who have to take care of them; it’s the city and county who have to take care of them,” she said. “This park belongs to every citizen in the city

PROVIDED BY CLEMSON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Dr. Sam Stone and family were honored by Clemson University prior to the game against Florida State two weeks ago.

Chester County Councilman Corey Guy, left, explains to the crowd about the ways that county and city can cooperate to bring about the revival of the park named in memory of his father.

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

CONTEST WINNER

Guy Clary was the winner of last week’s football contest. 12 people picked all game winners correctly, but Guy was closest on the tie-breaker score of 76 total points in the Chesnee-Gray Collegiate game. Guy picked 63. Enter the Ledger Pick ‘Em contest in each Monday’s paper for your chance to win $100!

‘She’s not your typical fan’

Becky from Gaffney

By ABBIE SOSSAMON Ledger News Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com

Originally a Gamecock, ‘Becky from Gaffney’ is now “ALL IN” for Clemson.

The 1961 Gaffney High graduate has become a celebrity among Clemson fans for her commentary on head coach Dabo Swinney’s weekly call-in radio show, Tiger Calls on the Roar. The show airs Mondays from 8-9 p.m. on 105.5 FM.

Becky didn’t grow up an avid sports fan, though, and her family didn’t root for either of the South Carolina teams. She began cheering for the Gamecocks after her high school friend Leroy Bailey received a scholarship to USC and did so until the mid-1990s.

In 1964, she married longtime Clemson fan Sanny Wolfe with whom she had three children. She worked at Milliken in the lab with a majority of men and had to learn sports talk if she wanted to be involved in the conversation come Monday morning.

It was during her son Chris’ senior year at Clemson that Becky traded her garnet for orange.

“It was the Carolina-Clemson game when Steve Taneyhill was a senior,” she recalled. “It was cold and rainy and I rode down to Clemson with Carolina fan Freddie Harmon. Carolina beat Clemson and Taneyhill went to the tiger paw in the middle of the field and stomped it. From that day on, I became a full Clemson Tiger fan.”

Spoken like a true, die-hard Tiger, Becky now pulls against the Gamecocks in any sport.

“I hope they lose everything they play,” she said.

“Last week Gaffney won, Clemson won, Dallas won, and if only Carolina had lost it would have been the perfect weekend.”

Becky Wolfe has been a Dabo fan from the beginning.

During Tommy Bowden’s coaching years, Becky began infrequent calls to the radio show. Not afraid to voice her opinion, she often questioned why he — or any coach — would call for a pitch on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1.

“If regular people like me can see it doesn’t work time and time again, I just can’t understand why the coaches can’t see that. And they’re the ones making l See BECKY, PAGE 2

Coroner says human remains found in Blacksburg had been there at least one month

Not at all what I expected from a sports feature, but I loved it! Didn’t capture my attention too much at first, but the more I read the more captivated I became... and the ending? Priceless!

The Cherokee County Coroner and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating human remains that were found on a Blacksburg property Tuesday.

male. Fowler said it appears the body had been in the location for more than a month.

“I am currently working to identify the remains through a scheduled autopsy and determine a cause and manner of death,” Fowler said.

Shortly before noon, a homeowner in the 1200 block

Investigators and crime scene officers with the Che-

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Zoe Nicholson

The Post and Courier Columbia/ Free Times

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Anna Sharpe

Moultrie News

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Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

I liked the story. I liked how you took me on a journey.

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Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

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Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

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BY CAM ADAMS

FROM GREEN BAY TO GREENWOOD

FIRST PLACE Cam Adams Index-Journal

The story behind the G

By CAM ADAMS cadams@indexjournal.com

As a prominent high school football coach, Julius Wistar “Pinky” Babb made a lot of connections in his 39 years as head coach at Greenwood High. His Emeralds were sought after, often landing on the collegiate rosters of South Carolina, Clemson and many other state schools. The ties made through visits to those schools and national organizations led to his son, Brush Babb, picking up a significant package in the summer of 1962. The package’s return address caught the high school quarterback’s eye.

“Green Bay Football Packers, Office of Vince Lombardi.”

Inside the large envelope were football-shaped G helmet decals, which the Packers used for the first time in 1961, and ones Pinky Babb wanted to use on Greenwood helmets.

Why?

“He just liked the way it looked on (helmets),” said Brush Babb, now a retired Orangeburg vascular surgeon. “Incidentally, kind of out of nowhere, he decided because Greenwood, Green Bay, etc., all of that seemed to fit what my father liked about the gold helmets that we had.

“He thought that placing a G on it would put a hometown effect for Greenwood wherever they went and he really liked that.”

Popularity of the G

Over the last 60 years, the Greenwood G has represented a school and community rich in tradition and winning.

The emblem has become synonymous with Greenwood football, and it all started with a letter or phone call to Phil Bengtson, a Green Bay assistant between 1959 and 1967.

Pinky Babb, who had become friends with Bengtson through his football travels, requested permission to use the G’s. Sometime later, those G’s were placed on the sides of the

freshly painted Greenwood gold helmets. The helmet stickers were one of the first of their kind, as high school teams didn’t have decals on their helmets until much later.

As for the G’s, they were the second of their kind. Greenwood football was likely the second-ever team to sport them, after Green Bay and before Georgia and Grambling State in 1964 and 1965, respectively.

And with a logo one and the same with an NFL powerhouse that had just won a league championship in 1961, the Emeralds were thrilled to wear them.

“When we all found out about it, we were

See STORY, page 3B

“We’re just going weather, the footing, and execute and play ally doesn’t matter. It is possible the playoff berth this sults fall their way, without Jackson, leaving a Dec. 4 victory a knee injury. Atlanta put Mariota because of knee problems, for rookie Desmond but at quarterback

So it looks as Baltimore’s Tyler assuming Huntley’s under control. The Ravens and 31st in the league just because of their Baltimore hasn’t had touchdown pass since only one wide receiver with a reception in Orleans. The rest were by running backs

The good news can certainly run the field is solid now that Edwards are as healthy a while. The Ravens ground attack in 13-3 loss to Cleveland both Harbaugh and Greg Roman suggested they could have things differently.

Dobbins and Edwards Atlanta rookie Tyler yards and a touchdown While the Ravens

See FALCONS, page

Slow progress but once it gets you, you have never cared about the letter G like this before. Great development and drawing out history with quotes and timeline. Excellent perspective on the people behind the story.

from our family to yours!

Atlanta Falcons running er runs in for a front of New Orleans

Demario Davis in Dec. 18 game in

GRAPHIC

CAM ADAMS INDEX-JOURNAL

Pinky Babb’s name, alongside nine of his state titles and the G on the scoreboard, is the namesake of Greenwood’s football stadium.

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Mary Dimitrov

The Island Packet

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Samantha Swann Herald-Journal

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Mary Dimitrov

The Island Packet

Well written article. Very attention grabbing. Doesn’t allow reader to get bored in article.

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Benjamin Simon

The Post and Courier

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Benjamin Simon

The Post and Courier

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Jon Blau

The Post and Courier

Exceptionally done profile on this individual and the challenging – but rewarding – journey he took!

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Lewisville brings back HOF banquet

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

Celebrating Hall of Fame Fans

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

Without fail, anytime attend a Lewisville High School sporting event, I see Leon and Trina McFadden sitting in the stands. Also without fail, Leon approaches me, hand extended, and says, “thanks for what you do.”

practice is not always a riveting event to attend. It has its moments but you’re often watching guys run gassers, individual drills and lots of stopping and starting while coaches give instruction.

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

The Lewisville Athletic Hall of Fame has not held a banquet or inducted a class in few years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’ll soon make up for lost time. The school announced on Monday that the annual banquet is returning this summer and will do so with a big class of honorees. Those being inducted at the June 10 ceremony will be Kip McAlister, Rodney McCullough, Cantrelle Crane, Deshawn Williams Elder, Coach Randy Neely and the 1988 state track team. The “Once a Lion, Always Lion” award will be presented to Leon and Trina McFadden. The event will be held in the Lewisville High School gym. Meet and greet will be at 6:00, the dinner at 7:00 and the ceremony to follow. Corporate tables can be purchased along with tickets for the event by contacting either Rusty Pemberton — rpemberton@chester. k12.sc.us or Kirk Cannon — kcannon@chester.k12. sc.us or call Lewisville High School at (803) 789-5131 ext. 1334. The school is trying to locate members of the 1988 track team. Any members of that team are encouraged to contact Pemberton.

beat Chester 45-37 earlier in the year, so in the two games combined, the Lady Cyclones lead 81-75. In most regions, if the two ended the year tied, Chester would have the final playoff spot and Union County would be the odd team out. What learned Friday, though, is Region IV doesn’t do things that way. Instead, if two teams end the year tied, they actually play one standalone game against each other to break the tie (I believe for every sport aside from football). Apparently, part of the rationale in that an extra game is revenue generator, but also that the tie is broken fair and square and is decided by the teams on the court or field. get that, but think it is short-sighted on a couple of levels. Now, if two teams are tied for first place and a region title and number one playoff seed are on the line, yes, there will be a lot of interest and likely a big crowd. How much interest and turnout will there be for game to decide fourth place though, especially for sports that don’t draw big crowds to start with? That could actually be a money loser. An extra game could also put team at competitive disadvantage. Do you want your team having to play an extra game, expending all that effort and risking injury? Think about a sport like baseball where starting pitching is so important, but pitch counts are now in place. If you are playing for first place, would you throw your ace knowing you wouldn’t have him for game one of the playoffs? What he has bad night or you catch an umpire with a strike zone the size of a pin prick and end up burning more than one arm? You’d almost be better off running your two or three out there, hoping for the best and keeping your best arm ready to go when it really matters. Going with the combined score or total defensive points allowed in all region games isn’t perfect solution. One team might be the type to run the score up when they can while the other dips deep into the bench when they have a big lead. In that case you almost end up being penalized for good sportsmanship, but it is probably still better than making teams play one another again. If you’ve already played each other twice and one team outscored the other, the final outcome was still decided on the court or field.

I certainly appreciate the sentiment. Covering sports is my favorite part of my job and put everything I’ve got into it, but when you get right down to it I am being paid to be there. Nobody pays Leon and Trina to be at every Lewisville game.

The money actually flows in the opposite direction and I’m not really exaggerating when I say they are in attendance for almost EVERY game. If I go to football, home or away, they’re there. Volleyball, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball…look around and you’ll find those familiar faces.

In fact, it goes deeper than that. This past summer, was at an early Lewisville football practice. It was miserably hot and, truthfully,

“Hey, thanks for coming out here,” a familiar voice said to me. It was Leon. He was at practice, wanting to get a look at the new coaching staff, new players and new offensive schemes. had the best seat in the house, because Leon has an encyclopedic knowledge of pretty much everybody on the field.

“You know, his brother is (whoever). Do you remember his daddy? He played on the state championship team in (whenever).”

He’s like Lewisville Google, basically. It isn’t just that he knows the names and lineage, Leon is a very astute judge of talent and technique. “Watch number (whatever) in coverage over here,” he said. That sort of figures, since he coached youth sports for

who knows how long. He also holds the distinction of convincing a young fellow who was good in basketball and baseball to give football a try. That young fellow was Sheldon Brown who went on have a very successful college and NFL careers.

Even better than knowing what players bring to the table, he knows them all on a personal level. They aren’t just numbers and positions to him. When they came off the practice field that day, each had a handshake, hug or backslap waiting on them. That’s pretty much what he and Trina do after every game they attend, whether the Lions come out on top or not. They understand these are high school students trying their best to represent their school and community and they act accordingly. I bet players appreciate that encouragement as much as newspaper reporters do.

Trust me when tell you that Trina is very astute when it comes to all the sports she watches too, as well as the sports landscape.

Stop playing games

so they did nothing. For years, there have been lots of

but very little

around the

of level playing field between traditional public schools and their non-traditional counterparts in terms of athletics. Increasingly, private and charter schools are dominating public schools in terms of state titles won across all sports. If they played by exactly the same rules as everybody else, there wouldn’t be an argument to be mounted against them other than by whiners and sore losers. Excellence that is equitably attained shouldn’t be punished, but that isn’t what we have here. Privates and charters enjoy a bevy of benefits that give them a huge leg up. Private and charter schools don’t have to observe fixed attendance lines as public schools do, drawing from literally anywhere. If you’re tiny Class A public school like Great Falls or Whitmire, all you’ve got is the 200 or so kids walking your hallways and that’s it. A child one mile outside of the Great Falls attendance zone can’t go to Great Falls High without first getting district-level permission and then forfeiting year of athletic eligibility unless their family legitimately moves. That same kid could go to a private or charter school and play right away. In fact, student zoned to go to Great Falls could play at charter or private school. A few years ago, saw a fairly highly-touted big man playing basketball for one of the state’s smallest schools. The next year, miraculously, he was playing for one of the state’s top charter schools three counties away, which underscores another problem. Small schools not only have to play private and charter schools, they often lose their top talent to them. So they can end up having their former best players competing

against them. Private and charter schools can also cap their enrollment. They can essentially decide which classification they wish to participate in and it probably isn’t coincidence that they’re all in Class A and AA and near the top of both in terms of enrollment. A few years ago, Lewisville High School, which had been in Class A (the state’s smallest classification) for its entire existence, had a small bump in enrollment and ended up going to AA, where they were one of the four smallest schools in the classification and by far the smallest in their region. They didn’t want to go to AA, they badly wanted to stay in Class A, petitioned to do so and had longtime rivals that didn’t want them to go either… and none of that mattered. The

South Carolina High School League (the governing body of prep sports in the state) didn’t care what they wanted and sent them up to AA anyway. By law, public schools must accept any student that lives in their attendance zone, where private and charter schools can decide, “yeah, we’re full” and cut off enrollment.

The opportunity to recruit also presents itself to charter and private schools. Now, I’m not saying they do (though I was recently shown evidence of such by one school), I’m not saying some public schools don’t, but the point is that privates and charters CAN. Add that to capping enrollment, no fixed attendance lines and having some ability to select which students will be attending (public schools can’t just “bring in” a quarterback or point guard when they need one) and it is easy to see why public school coaches and administrators have a problem with the current system. All that, by the way, doesn’t even consider the inherent advantages those schools have that can’t be legislated out of existence. All of the private and charter schools reside in Class A and AA, classifications populated by the smallest, poorest schools

in the state, with most being in very rural locales. They don’t have a lot of resources and often have to rely on either volunteer coaches or ones that don’t actually teach on campus. In football playoff game few years ago, counted five former successful head coaches on the staff of private school team. The public school team they were playing had one coach that sold insurance for living, one that was a police officer and total of just two on-campus coaches. Before it was closed due to consolidation last year, tiny Timmonsville High had as its HEAD football coach the town’s police chief. That’s considerably different than at private and charter schools, where in many cases, coaches only coach. Many privates and charters are going to no class-Fridays, half-day schedules and online classes. That leaves an awful lot of time for general athletic training and practice, something public schools don’t offer. Last school year, public schools in Class A only won state in two of 13 sports (in few instances, not enough Class A schools participate in a sport to have their own playoff, so they compete up in AA). The numbers aren’t much better in AA and it’s been that way for while (see related story). It should also be noted the scores in matchups between public schools and privates and charters are rarely close or competitive. None of that is knock on private and charter schools and doesn’t represent me calling them “cheaters.” It’s an indictment of the system, which operates with two sets of rules and gives one group preferential treatment. The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) at least went through the motions of trying to implement a student enrollment multiplier plan on privates and charters and attempted to make them play in the classification of the public school whose attendance zone they physically sit in. In both instances, privates and

If you doubt that, saddle up next to her at a game sometime and bring up competitive balance, realignment or private schools competing in the public school league and get ready to learn something. Unlike Leon, she did not attend Lewisville but she is an honorary Lion of the highest order. She lovingly adopted them and they happily adopted her right back. Fans are great, and they certainly are Lewisville fans. It is something altogether different to be a supporter, though. In attendance, in encouragement, in leadership, in donating, they are two of the top supporters of any program in this state, in my opinion. That’s why was so tickled to see a list of honorees at the upcoming Lewisville Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s recipients of the “Once a Lion, Always Lion” award are Leon and Trina McFadden. They are more than deserving of having their school’s Hall of Fame bring them up, shake their hands and tell them, “thanks for all you do.”

charters either leaned on legislators or lawyered up and got the proposals scuttled.

The state legislature passed a budget proviso that basically said the SCHSL couldn’t treat privates and charters any differently than their public school counterparts, with the threat that the SCHSL could be disbanded and prep athletics placed under the control of the Department of Education.

Of course, they ARE treated differently to their benefit in some ways, but that’s somehow different and unworthy of sternly-worded proviso.. In fact, the rhetoric got so hot over the idea of anyone doing anything to help out small schools, that one state senator made Constitutional argument.

Since many private schools are religiously affiliated, he argued that “treating them differently” would somehow represent violation of the First Amendment. That’s the lengths folks go to in an attempt to keep things just as they are. What you hear in defense of small schools that just want to be treated fairly isn’t full-throated shouting from the floor of the state legislature, it’s more of chirp, like the one crickets make. In fact, judge’s opinion solidified those advantages, essentially saying that to be treated like everyone else, privates and charters have to be treated differently than everyone else, particularly as it applies to lack of fixed attendance lines. This brings us back to those public schools in Region IV-AA, ones that have to compete with charter athletic powerhouse Gray Collegiate. With the state legislature, the SCHSL, the courts and larger schools unwilling to help erase the disadvantages they face, they decided to use the last weapon at their disposal…participation. They just aren’t going to play Gray in any sport. Gray sought, essentially, to have the SCHSL punish those schools for that decision, going to the executive committee, then

the legislative committee and didn’t get the decision they wanted. So, they announced they’d take additional steps to get satisfaction on the matter, which read as “we’re going to lawyer up again.” Lots of people are talking about Gray’s student athletes being “robbed of opportunities,” which is funny, because don’t remember hand-wringing and heart-bleeding from those folks about the loss of opportunity of small public schools to win state titles. Gray is filling the schedule openings, by the way, by going to Washington D.C., Florida and other locales to play prominent, national powers, which sounds like quite an opportunity to me… and not one public Class A or AA schools could execute or afford. And now, finally, the state legislature is at least giving lip service to potential fixes. I’m sure some of them will take the stance that Fairfield Central, Mid-Carolina, Eau Claire and others in Region IV-AA should accept a crappy system that handicaps their ability to win and take their ill-gotten beatings with smile. There is also a bit of momentum, though, to have private and charter schools compete in their own playoff bracket or to have the budget proviso altered, such that the SCHSL, which has asked the state legislature for assistance, could use multiplier or some other means to make things more fair for everybody. The problem has existed for decades and has only gotten worse as time has gone on and more non-traditional schools join the league,

The variety of topics shoved this entry to first in a tight race. Hall of Fame fans was well done, but points made in “Stop playing games” were valid and likely generated feedback. Enjoyed the writing style.

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Scott Chancey Morning News

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David Lauderdale

The Island Packet

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Gene Sapakoff

The Post and Courier

Excellent topics. Hard-hitting writing by a true pro.

Submitted

Lylar,

National Grandparents Day presents picture of family grand

National Grandparents Day was Sunday, Sept. 10. The special day was designated as the first Sunday after Labor Day and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Grandparents take on many different roles today. Many live close to their grown children and grandchildren and take an active role in their everyday lives. Some even have grandchildren living in their home and take on the role of parents as opposed to grandparents. Other grandparents must travel hours or days to visit their grandchildren in a different state or country. Whatever the case, many grandparents will tell you their grandchildren are the light of their lives.

Maria Satcher-Black just became a grandmother of twins, born last week. “I am beyond excited to spoil the twins Carleigh and Cameron!” she said. Her daughter lives in the Batesburg-Leesville area about 15 minutes away from her so Black is ready to take on a very active role in helping as she is needed.

Sylvia Rinehart, who lives in the Traffic Circle community, said it’s “difficult to put into words how it feels to be a grandparent.” She and her husband have three grandchildren. “Grandchildren give me joy, purpose and hope. We share memories, traditions, faith and values that, hopefully will strengthen their character. They know we love them unconditionally. I have great pride in each one, individually,” Rinehart said. Evie and Coy Johnson of Amick’s Shoe Shop have one grandson, Logan, who they say is the light of their world. “Being grandmama is one of the greatest joys in my life. It’s constant reminder of life’s greatest treasures,” Mrs. Johnson said. “Hearing him say he loves me is one of the best feelings in the world.”

At left, Charles and Judy Nichols recently had this family portrait made with their grandchildren (front row, from left) Emma Crouch, Cal Crouch, Harper Nichols, (back row) Layne Crouch, Layla Nichols, Abby Nichols, Mattie Nichols and Taylor Nichols.

Submitted photos

a celebration

Below right, Sharon Meetze’s father, Larry Shealy, just celebrated his 84th birthday. He’s pictured here with grandsons Christian and Cameron Meetze.

Photo by Tonya Rodgers Sisters Nancy Jo Clark and Teresa Chesser opened Garage Gals at 101 Main St. in Leesville.

See GARAGE, Page

Kylee McGlohorn is the granddaughter of Sylvia and Joe Rinehart

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Wrong type of plastic

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Scott Suchy

Charleston City Paper

Horror stories and tips on better recycling

Hazardous material

Too thick, breaks the machines

Chic, cool hotel bars for locals to enjoy

More Lanxess chemical leaks revealed

Dangero u s parts

Tangles up machinery

Not paper, p lastic or metal

PICK ME UP AND READ ME! That’s how I immediately interpreted this layout and design of the front page. Through the creative layout of the photographs, to the catchy title, this layout screamed “you better read me”! Grabbing the attention of readers on a topic they may be overlooked by some, this is a clever way to grab their attention.

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Melanie Smith

The Sumter Item

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Melanie Smith

The Sumter Item

SC Senate OKs new ban on abortion

SHANE MASSEY

tions this summer, allowing the conservative state’s previous ban to take effect.

First, special session spanning dozen meetings throughout the summer and fall resulted in no new ban when neither chamber budged from their respective proposals. Then, just days before lawmakers convened this January, the state’s highest court narrowly struck down 2021 law banning abortion after cardiac activity is detected around six weeks of pregnancy.

With Thursday’s 28-12 vote, Senate Republicans insist they have found their solution in ban on abortions after cardiac activity is detected around six weeks of pregnancy. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey emphasized that several clarifications of the bill’s language and repeals of conflicting laws will satisfy majority on the South Carolina Supreme Court. The Senate measure includes exceptions for rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly and the patient’s life and health up to 12 weeks.

Meanwhile, full ban from conception has again advanced to the House floor in development that threatens to prevent another abortion restriction from becoming law in South Carolina. The vote indicates that Senate Republicans’ position has not changed since this fall. The overall body appears uninterested in pursuing any alternative restrictions — lesser or greater. Republican Sen. Sandy Senn’s amendment to instead bar abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy failed to pass. Sen. Richard Cash, one of the Legislature’s most vocal abortion opponents, withdrew his amendment that would have matched the House proposal. Senators moved quickly to advance the long-sought Republican priority. Republican leadership bypassed the traditional committee process to hold vote this week

See ABORTION page 4A

Metropolitan Arts Council marks 50 years supporting Greenville artists, performers

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Scott Suchy Charleston City Paper

Queendom Queendom

By Chelsea Grinstead

Diamond Giovanni sees drag as an important platform for self-expression

ix-inch heels, spotlights and sequins are some of the main tools in a drag queen’s arsenal, but lightheartedness, poise and charisma are essential too.

“We take what we do seriously. We want to put on good show. We want to entertain. But, we also laugh at ourselves,” said Brooke Collins, Charleston’s premier drag entertainer who honed her skills over the past 38 years in the industry.

“We know what we’re doing and know sometimes it can be ridiculous, but that’s what makes it fun,” Collins told the Charleston City Paper “Ultimately, if somebody’s coming to see a drag show, they want to release what their day was like or what their life is like. [A drag show is] a short time to forget and just have good time and laugh at the ridiculousness, the glamor — all the good things.”

Collins, who grew up on James Island, said she first fell in love with drag entertainment in her college years when she was a ballet dancer. “It was so glamorous, and it was just intriguing,” she said. “I found out that [the performers] chose their own songs and their own costumes. Their choreography — everything — was done by them.”

Collins has poured her energy into developing the local drag scene over the past four decades as a performer, show director and talent developer at various venues, including Dudley’s on Ann, her current domain.

She said audience etiquette can be reduced to one thing: “Tip the entertainers.”

Drag show goers need only common sense and some dollar bills to enjoy a show. Queens don’t take their clothes off, but they interact with audience members and may choose songs with vulgarity if the shows are intended for viewers who are

City Brewing, to name few.

“Now you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting drag show in Charleston,” said iconic drag queen of the Carolinas Patti O’Furniture. “There’s lot of drag in Charleston. That wasn’t the case in the early 2010s.”

While drag performance has become national powerhouse these days, Collins said, it’s also a subject under media scrutiny. “[There are] lot of misconceptions out there about drag, and usually it’s coming from people who have never in their life witnessed a drag show,” she said. “Just educate yourself before you start talking about something you don’t know.”

Charleston’s drag history

Charleston, though small and Southern, has always had an LGBTQ+ presence and drag has consistently been a part of that community, said historian Harlan Greene, who published a book last November on Charleston’s LGBTQ+ history titled The Real Rainbow Row “Charleston drag queens in the 1950s and after were doing exactly what their peers were doing elsewhere in this country,” Greene told the City Paper “In the eyes of some, it was transgressing, but in others, it was trans, period — either a manifestation of identity or invoking a transcendent experience through art.” Greene said he’s seen news reports of men cross-dressing in Charleston in the 1850s, as well as an account of a local Revolutionary War soldier who was found in women’s clothes.

Greene

“[Historians] also know of Charleston city police in the 1970s giving drag queens rides in their cruisers, making sure they arrived in bars safely,” he said. “It’s part of the human story.” Drag performance catapulted as a social response in support of LGBTQ+ individuals who did not have access to professional entertainment, Collins said.

“We know what we’re doing and know sometimes it can be ridiculous, but that’s what makes it fun.” —Brooke Collins

Ashley Rose Stanol Provided

This layout commands attention with the pop of bright colors, photographic cut-outs, and complimentary typography. All combined, they create a page layout that sizzles! From the color, to the photos, to the title... this is an award winning feature page for sure! Great job!

Several

Great dominant picture that sealed top spot, pleasing integration of graphics and page header with photo; story fits nicely beneath. Very clean and grabbing page.

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Bob Simmonds

Index-Journal

when Oceanside dropped back, dragging Edward Reidenbach to the turf twice for loss of 12 yards on his two sacks. He also forced fumble on tackle for loss. Off the edge was Addison Nickles, who faced off against Freeling all night, finishing with six total tackles. He too put pressure on Reidenbach and was key in holding the Landsharks to less than 100 yards on the ground. “I was on the Georgia commit all night long,” Addison Nickles said. “It was really just try to suppress him. He kicked my butt few plays but got

Great use of graphics, smooth easy flow of stories. This page would make me stop and look.

What are two pressing problems facing residents of the Daniel Island and Cainhoy peninsulas and what will you do to solve them?

FIRST PLACE

Matt Zabierek

The Daniel Island News

ton” calendar of city-produced holiday events and celebrations. Key dates include:

Dec. 3 and 4, 10 and 11, and 17: Holiday Market extension of the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Donations for Toys for Tots will be collected.

● Dec. 4: The Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting, stepping off promptly at p.m. on Broad Street near Colonial Lake, continuing up Broad Street to Meeting Street, where it will travel north on Meeting Street to Calhoun Street near Marion Square. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will follow the Holiday Parade in Marion Square with musical programming starting around 5 p.m.

● Dec. 10: The Annual Holiday Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor will depart Shem Creek at 6 p.m. The parade features lighted and festive boats that proceed from the Cooper River, through the Charleston Harbor and into the Ashley River. Those wishing to register to participate in the Holiday Parade of Boats should visit charlestonarts. org. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

● Dec. 11: Holiday Magic on Ann Street, from 3 – 6 p.m. This new event is presented in partnership with the Music Farm, extending the fun of Second Sunday on King Street with family-friendly block party featuring live music and holiday vendors, with festive refreshments available for purchase.

● Dec. 18: Holiday Magic in Historic Charleston is also a partner in promoting and producing Chanukah in the Square, an initiative of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program at the College of Charleston and Chabad of Charleston and the Lowcountry. This festive celebration, which features live music, arts and crafts and traditional seasonal food, starts

Congrats on this creative page layout! The use of graphic for a background was a big factor in edging out the other submissions. The photo of the stadium would catch readers eyes, and the story placed in the boxes was clean.

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WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

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Laura Allshouse

Greenville Journal

Nicholtown native Chandra Dillard’s 20+ years of public service

n

story by STEPHANIE TROTTER | photo by TARA ASHTON

Time is tight. Chandra Dillard’s racing between obligations in the Upstate and a General Assembly session that’s starting in Columbia. Thoughts of providing a quality home for everyone are top of mind, whether the District 23 South Carolina representative is at the Statehouse, or her family house. “I’ve been in public service for over 20 years,” the Nicholtown native shares. “Even when I was on [Greenville] City Council, I was still in the affordable housing lane. That’s my passion. Long before it became sexy and a dire need, I’ve been working on this journey.” Recently, that journey includes personal and professional projects. One year ago, the Greenville Journal featured Dillard’s treasured opportunity to fix up the house her grandfather built, on land her great-grandfather earned in Nicholtown. The Halls were some of the earliest Black families to settle on the former plantation property, who created a community that thrived for more than a century. She admits, “I am fortunate and I do feel incredibly blessed to be able to maintain and preserve this homestead in my family’s legacy. Not all are able to do that.”

Yet right when the project should have hit a final punch list, a December deep freeze froze crews in the kitchen. “Oh my goodness, I hate to even talk about it!” she says. “I came here December 27th and heard a waterfall. Pipes had busted everywhere and the whole house has to be redone.” She thought about challenges her grandfather Sumler Hall might have experienced. “I like to think he had a better time just putting up the house with his friends,” she shares with a chuckle. “There’s going to be a process, a revelation at the end of this.”

There’s an influx of different demographics and people and diversity. It’s changed a lot, but the spirit of Nicholtown has not. Everybody is a neighbor. Everybody is welcome and we are about each other.

- Chandra Dillard

In government work, she’s learned revelations take patience, especially when it comes to putting quality roofs over peoples’ heads. With the 125th General Assembly now underway, she clutches a hammer in one hand, pen in the other.

“Every session, I’ve been able to get bills passed that give housing authorities and their partners tax credits or tax exemptions, if they team together on affordable housing,” she explains. “When we see what other communities do, we work at the state level to make it happen. It takes for-profit, non-profit, state government, all of us deliberately collaborating on this issue.” She’s pleased with old and new collaborations, including the HOPE VI Project, that have renovated senior housing and birthed new life to Arcadia Hills and Jessie Jackson Townhomes, and created Heritage Hills, among other sites. “We’ve put 350 people back into the community,” she says. “Habitat just put up its 400th home. I’ve supported bills that have been part of inclusionary zoning. That’s an important tool in the tool box.”

as

While builders reach for tools to repair her family place, she reaches for tools to preserve the life she lived growing in Nicholtown, sandwiched between the Greenville Zoo and McAllister Square. “The market and the changes that are happening with people moving here, we need to move at a faster pace,” she pleads. “This needs to be a priority issue and it’s going to take all of us working together.” Her hope is as solid as a two-by-four pine frame. “Nicholtown is like every other community that used to be African American,” she reveals. “There’s an influx of different demographics and people and diversity. It’s changed a lot, but the spirit of Nicholtown has not. Everybody is a neighbor. Everybody is welcome and we are about each other.”

Clean layout, attractive to the eye, color coordinated graphics and quote marks to match the red coat are a bonus. Pull-out quote in open space and video graphic add to the overall appearance. Good use of space. Great job of laying out inside page.

THIRD PLACE

Rhonda Barrick

The Sumter Item

SECOND PLACE

Melanie Smith

The Sumter Item

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Richard Whiting Index-Journal

Unique way to bring awareness to the topic of not offending someone. I loved this design idea.

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Melanie Smith

The Sumter Item

Pictures tell stories which is why photo pages can leave an impact. What stood out to me on this photo page over the others was the variety of angles in the photos and utilized in the page design. From the bottom photo of the ‘selfie’ to the hand raising crowd photo, these pictures capture the event nicely. Cutlines help depict what is happening in each photo assisting the readers in telling the story. Implementing the QR code is a great idea to add to photo pages where coverage can go beyond the page of a publication.

NEWS PHOTO

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Gwinn Davis

Gwinn Davis

NEWS PHOTO

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Gwinn Davis

I can feel the emotion in this photo.

THIRD PLACE

Greg Elgin News-Chronicle

SECOND PLACE

Jonathan Vickery

The People-Sentinel

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Richard Kelly

News-Chronicle

The angle of the water spraying into the flames, as well as the flood lights from the truck balancing the flames are what makes this shot interesting.

THIRD PLACE

William Buchheit

The Greer Citizen

SECOND PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

SPOT NEWS PHOTO WEEKLY

3,000-6,500 & OVER 6,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

Without a doubt, this takes first place. There are so many emotions happening, and lots of different energy levels. The bubbles are light and fun, but the subject seems to be taking them very seriously. Purple/pink in various shades in fore and background add visual interest. Everyone in the picture is doing something different, and it makes you step into the story. Highly engaging photograph!

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

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Matthew Christian

Aiken Standard

SECOND PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Matthew Robertson

Morning News

Great job capturing the action, filling the frame, and getting faces. The pictures tells the story.

THIRD PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr. Herald-Journal

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

DAILY 7,500-15,500 & OVER 15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

The utter devastation of the building behind Joey Godwin is mirrored in his face and body language in a way that could not be described in words. Great depth and interesting angles, yet his despair is center stage.

GENERAL

THIRD PLACE

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

SECOND PLACE

Jordan Lawrence

Lexington County Chronicle

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Michael Lollis

The Journal, Williamston

Wow! Excellent timing on the photographers part! Nice and crisp, clear, and the colors are true! Trevor should be very pleased with this image!

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO WEEKLY 3,000-6,500

DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Nicole Ziege

The Post and Courier Myrtle

Beach/Georgetown Times

SECOND PLACE

Nicole Ziege

The Post and Courier Myrtle

Beach/Georgetown Times

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Nicole Ziege

The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times

It’s not always that a candid moment conveys the tone and emotion of all of its participants, but this one does. It’s an outstanding shot that will immediately draw readers into the story and tells them a great deal before they have even read the lead.

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

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Delayna Earley

The Island News

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Robert Timmons

Fort Jackson Leader

GENERAL

FIRST PLACE

Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

Powerful photo captures a candid glimpse of the subject of a mural. This photo advances the story with skill.

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

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Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

SECOND PLACE

Matthew Robertson

Morning News

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

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Matthew Robertson

Morning News

Nice composition. The expressions of the three gentlemen tell the story of pride and appreciation.

GENERAL

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr.

Herald-Journal

Normally I don’t put much value into pictures of posters at protests. However, this photo is not that. It’s a portrait. The depth of emotion in the man’s eyes caught my heart immediately. In terms of quality and impact of image, this photo stood out.

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Andrew J. Whitaker

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Grace Beahm Alford

The Post and Courier

A stunning, yet heart-wrenching shot of commitment to one’s comrade. Seeing the scene through the bars adds a dramatic element.

FEATURE PHOTO

THIRD PLACE

Tom Poland

SECOND PLACE

Gwinn Davis

FEATURE PHOTO

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Gwinn Davis

You can see the emotions on the subject’s face clearly, and he is in sharp detail, with a blur of motion which give the photo some energy. The content is visually interesting and nicely framed, with leading lines to draw your eye further in.

FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel

SECOND PLACE

Simeon Little

Pageland Progressive-Journal

FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Michael Lollis

The Journal, Williamston

What a great photo! I love the color, composition, and childhood innocence that comes through so clearly in this picture. Perfect timing!

FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY 3,000-6,500

DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Martin L. Cahn

Chronicle-Independent

SECOND PLACE

Martin L. Cahn

Chronicle-Independent

FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Martin L. Cahn

Chronicle-Independent

Nice photo with the smoke going in all directions.

FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Jacqueline Hough

The Link

FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

Striking image with the clouds in the background and the shar focus of the planes. Well done!

FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Bill Bengtson

Aiken Standard

SECOND PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Bill Bengtson

Aiken Standard

Great job of capturing the moment. The lady’s expression draws you in and everyone is looking at her, great timing. The pic draws me in and makes me want to know more. I really like your composition with your main subject in the bottom third.

FEATURE PHOTO DAILY

7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY 7,500-15,500

FIRST PLACE

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal, Seneca

News photography can be difficult because capturing emotions while helping tell a story can be so difficult. Being in the right place at the right time is so important. This photographer did a great job of capturing the sheer joy of the little girl in this photo. You can feel her emotions through this photo and the lighting could have made it even more difficult, but the photographer did a wonderful job making this shot. Excellent work.

FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Andrew J. Whitaker

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

The contrast, the detail, the composition, the access, this is a GREAT shot. Surgical photos have the natural blessing of dramatic light but what makes this stand out is the arrangement of hands around the patient’s face and the detail in and around his mouth. I imagine that a clean shot in such a confined, crowded space was not easy. Great job.

SPORTS PHOTO

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Gwinn Davis

Gwinn Davis

SPORTS PHOTO

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Tom Priddy

Perfect Light, focus, angle, grip on the ball and facial expression – all capture the intensity of a baseball pitcher facing down a batter. A classic sports photo.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Michael Lollis

News-Chronicle

SECOND PLACE

Michael Lollis

The Journal, Williamston

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Michael Lollis

The Journal, Williamston

Great timing and great shot of basketball player battling beneath the rim. Captures “the thrill of victory. The agony of defeat.” The emotion on her face tells readers how hard she is working to win this game. Faces tell the story and this face says everything. Well done. These sort of photos remind your readers why newspapers continue to play an important role in their daily lives.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO WEEKLY

3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Pete Cochran

Union County News

SECOND PLACE

Bruce Cook

Union County News

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Doug Pinkerton

The Daniel Island News

Sharp photo, well cropped, caught at a good moment to create an interesting visual.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Bob Sofaly

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Roger Lee

The Summerville Journal Scene

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Bob Sofaly

The Island News

Soccer head shots are always good, but it’s rare to catch the faces of three players like this battling for the ball.

Cropped perfectly, well focused, and timed to catch the action at just the right time.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

SECOND PLACE

Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

This photo stood out in a category filled with great entries. Perfect timing. Loved the framing with the coach in the background.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO DAILY

7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal, Seneca

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal, Seneca

Make you say ‘wow.’ Great perspective.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jeff Blake The State

SECOND PLACE

McKenzie Lange Greenville News

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Grace Beahm Alford

The Post and Courier

Excellent action shot by Grace Beahm in an uber competitive category. Great detail. Stood out from the many football/basketball entries.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Thomas Hammond

Lexington County Chronicle

SECOND PLACE

Thomas Hammond

Lexington County Chronicle

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Donna Miley

The People-Sentinel

Good kids and good sportsmanship caught on camera is so precious.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Chris Sokoloski

Coastal Observer

SECOND PLACE

Bruce Cook

Union County News

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer

This picture automatically put a smile on my face. Awesome shot. Great framing. Perfect lighting. Any publisher would be happy to print this photo in their newspaper.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Bob Sofaly

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Roger Lee

The Summerville Journal Scene

Great action as the picture tells us the story as it should. Great eye and composition.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

SECOND PLACE

Adam Flash

The Sumter Item

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

This really doesn’t need a caption, the entire story told in just the visual. Excellent emotion captured.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr. Herald-Journal

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr.

Herald-Journal

Fantastic image. The good and the bad in one shot. Amazing. There is no need for a story as the photo really says it all.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Tracy Glantz

The State

SECOND PLACE

Andrew J. Whitaker

The Post and Courier

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Sam Wolfe

The State

Amazing emotion, a photo that can tell a lot of stories all in one photo.

3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

SECOND PLACE

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

You did a nice job of capturing the subject’s concentration! You have a good balance of subject and the piece he is working on.

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Brandon Hunter

The Lancaster News

SECOND PLACE

Doug Pinkerton

The Daniel Island News

FIRST PLACE

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer

Interesting lighting and composure. Nice and sharp shot.

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Rūta Smith

Charleston City Paper

This photo jumps out as the best of this category. The colors, exposure, and cropping are perfect.

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

SECOND PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

Nicely framed portrait, helps tell the story.

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr.

Herald-Journal

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr.

Herald-Journal

Nice capture of proud men in a proud moment.

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Laura Bilson

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Laura Bilson

The Post and Courier

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

What I am drawn to in this portrait are the contrasting emotions. Riley looks tense, possibly even angry, but his wife radiates joy. In terms of a portrait/personality entry, I feel like I have a sense of their dynamic as well as their story. Also, the initial light draws me to Riley’s face first, then his wife. The visual priority cues carry my eye through the frame. Very, very well done.

See

See

basketball

wrestling reports on website

basketball and wrestling reports on website

Santa arrives via VW Christmas Parade

fire departments looking to merge

fire departments looking to merge

departments in are looking to departments —

departments in are looking to departments —

Indian Land and Pleasant Valley — each have a rich history, but as the Panhandle grows, they must keep up with the exploding growth in the area.

Indian Land and Pleasant Valley — each have a rich history, but as the Panhandle grows, they must keep up with the exploding growth in the area.

The two departments cover a combined 40,000 residents in Indian Land and both fire district boards support the merger.

“We think it is a more effec-

The two departments cover a combined 40,000 residents in Indian Land and both fire district boards support the merger.

“We think it is a more effec-

tive use of tax money,” said Darren Player, Lancaster County Fire Rescue director. As the area grows, so have the fire departments, but the days are gone when the fire

tive use of tax money,” said Darren Player, Lancaster County Fire Rescue director. As the area grows, so have the fire departments, but the days are gone when the fire

UDO issues showcase

report is from County Sheriff’s someone miscellaneous perfumes from store in Indian different types stolen. anything about please call the Sheriff’s 803-283-3338.

Mac Banks

County Administration Building, 101 N. Main St., Lancaster.

Lancaster County Fire Commission: 7 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Emergency Operations Center, 111 Covenant Place, Lancaster.

crIme rePOrT

VAN WYCK LIGHTS THE WAY

The following report is from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office:

VAN WYCK LIGHTS THE WAY

On Nov. 22, someone stole $1,710 of miscellaneous colognes and perfumes from the Ulta Beauty store in Indian Land. Sixteen different types of items were stolen.

If

know anything about this incident, please call the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3338.

— Compiled by Mac Banks

departments could rely solely on volunteers. “The volunteer participation has gotten less and less

distrust in leadership

departments could rely solely on volunteers.

SEE MERGE/PAGE A6

“The volunteer participation has gotten less and less

SEE MERGE PAGE A6

A8 Santa arrives via VW Christmas Parade OFFIcIaL

Van Wyck residents confused by zoning changes

BY HALEY JONES HJONES@THELANCASTERNEWS.COM

VAN WYCK LIGHTS THE WAY

UDO issues showcase distrust in leadership

Van Wyck residents confused by zoning changes

Van Wyck Town Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of the town’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on Dec. 5.

The new UDO does not include a heavy industrial classification, so it changes the zoning of certain parcels from heavy industrial to light industrial.

IL fire departments looking to merge

BY HALEY JONES HJONES@THELANCASTERNEWS.COM

Van Wyck residents confused by zoning changes

Van Wyck Town Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of the town’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on Dec. 5.

BY HALEY JONES HJONES@THELANCASTERNEWS.COM

Van Wyck Town Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of the town’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on Dec. 5.

The new UDO does not include a heavy industrial classification, so it changes the zoning of certain parcels from heavy industrial to light industrial.

The new UDO does not include a heavy industrial classification, so it changes the zoning of certain parcels from heavy industrial to light industrial.

Current business uses have been grandfathered in, meaning that specific business operations will not be affected, even if the land is sold to another business in the same category, unless the business is inactive for 180 consecutive days.

Current business uses have been grandfathered in, meaning that specific business operations will not be affected, even if the land is sold to another business in the same category, unless the business is inactive for 180 consecutive days.

However, some residents and business owners say there is growing dissatisfaction with the town government’s actions, stemming partly from a lack of clarity regarding who or what is affected by recent changes.

Current business uses have been grandfathered in, meaning that specific business operations will not be affected, even if the land is sold to another business in the same category, unless the business is inactive for 180 consecutive days.

gotten less and less

However, some residents and business owners say there is growing dissatisfaction with the town government’s actions, stemming partly from a lack of clarity regarding who or what is affected by recent changes.

“It’s government picking winners and losers, and they don’t need to do that,” said Mark Johnson, president of J&S Inc. Redi-Mix Concrete, 5554 Charlotte Highway, Van Wyck.

Johnson said his land and business will not be affected by the new UDO, because he has two sons in their 30s who will continue to run the family business.

Photos by Rick Johnson The Rev. Timothy Espar, pastor of Van Wyck United Methodist Church, lights one of the first

However, some residents and business owners say there is growing dissatisfaction with the town government’s actions, stemming partly from a lack of For

Van Wyck residents confused by zoning changes

BY HALEY JONES HJONES@THELANCASTERNEWS.COM

For Kyle Starnes, owner of Hickory Hills Smoked Products, 1714 Steel Hill Road, Van Wyck, the new ordinance holds a greater importance, as he owns 50 acres and leases land to three businesses, soon to be four. His father, Keith Starnes, owns 300 acres along U.S. 521, for a family total of 350 acres, including an industrial site in Van Wyck.

Van Wyck Town Council unanimously approved the second and final reading of the town’s new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) on Dec. 5. The new UDO does not include a heavy industrial classification, so it changes the zoning of certain parcels from heavy industrial to light industrial.

“We definitely tried to take care of this town and build it into something that really looks 100 times better than it did,” Kyle Starnes said. “And it was a lot of money that could have been used in other areas of my life.”

Starnes said Van Wyck

Current business uses have been grandfathered in, meaning that specific business operations will not be affected, even if the land is sold to another business in the same category, unless the business is

Photos by Rick Johnson

The Rev. Timothy Espar, pastor of Van Wyck United Methodist Church, lights one of the first candles in front of the Van Wyck post office during the Lighting of the Way on Dec. 11.

Van Wyck Town Council members Xavier Kee and Cassandra Watkins light a candle outside Van Wyck United Methodist Church. Jenna Lincomfelt, left, plays the flute while her dad, Jim Lincomfelt, plays

Photos by Rick Johnson

The Rev. Timothy Espar, pastor of Van Wyck United Methodist Church, lights one of the first candles in front of the Van Wyck post office during the Lighting of the Way on Dec.

Photos by Rick Johnson

The Rev. Timothy Espar, pastor of Van Wyck United Methodist Church, lights one of the first candles in front of the Van Wyck post office during the Lighting of the Way on Dec. 11.

Van Wyck Town Council members Xavier Kee and Cassandra Watkins light a candle outside Van Wyck United Methodist Church.

Jenna Lincomfelt, left, plays the flute while her dad, Jim Lincomfelt, plays the guitar during the short service at Van Wyck UMC.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Thomas Hammond

Lexington County Chronicle

An interesting concept well illustrated by photos that showcase the laughter, learning and school pride of this group of women, players and coaches.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY

3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer

Theater magic (carpet included)

The Disney version of Aladdin is about being true to yourself, following your dream and – we’re looking at you Jafar – making wise choices. Those messages are clear on this side of the curtain. Behind the curtain there’s a different message. Any child can learn to sing, said Beth Miller, the music teacher at Waccamaw Intermediate, who directed this year’s sixth-grader production of “Aladdin Jr.” “When it’s watered and given love, this is what it becomes,” she said in a curtain call speech. This is the 15th year that Miller has staged a musical with the students. They gave performances last week for other students and for parents and the community at the Waccamaw High Auditorium. “These kids have stolen my heart,” Miller said. But there was another measure of success. “There was one point tonight where forgot I was directing the show and I was just in the show with you,” she said. “That’s something very special to be able to accomplish at the sixth-grade level.”

The cast on stage at the finale of “Aladdin Jr.” Sixth-graders from Waccamaw Intermediate performed the musical at Waccamaw High.

Photos by Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer

The Disney version of Aladdin is about being true to yourself, following your dream and – we’re looking at you Jafar – making wise choices. Those messages are clear on this side of the curtain. Behind the curtain there’s a different message.

Theater magic (carpet included)

Any child can learn to sing, said Beth Miller, the music teacher at Waccamaw Intermediate, who directed this year’s sixth-grader production of “Aladdin Jr.” “When it’s watered and given love, this is what it becomes,” she said in a curtain call speech. This is the 15th year that Miller has staged a musical with the students. They gave performances last week for other students and for parents and the community at the Waccamaw High Auditorium. “These kids have stolen my heart,” Miller said. But there was another measure of success. “There was one point tonight where forgot I was directing the show and I was just in the show with you,” she said. “That’s something very special to be able to accomplish at the sixth-grade level.”

Becoming Jafar

The process to transform Ryleigh Thompson into the treacherous grand vizier, clockwise from right, begins two hours before curtain time when Sue Tiller applies the first layer of makeup. Christie Weaver applies a painted beard. Ryleigh gathers her thoughts befor the audi-

This was a standout in a category with a lot of strong entries. The choice to feature a variety of shots, including those behind the scenes, really painted a picture of the show’s production and all that went into it. Various depths and angles added to the variety. This took effort!

Beth Miller takes the cast through a warmup. At right, Irelyn Register, a lady-in-waiting, finds a quiet place back stage before curtain time.

Aladdin (Cruz Caviedas), the Genie (Lucy Thomas) and the Carpet (Grace Radliffe). At right, Aladdin as Prince Ali with Princess Jasmine (Olivia DeOliveira).

ence arrives.

Sue Tiller, above, helps wrangle the actors into the camel costume. Below, Lucy Thomas inspects the jewels applied by Jessica Mueller as part of her genie makeup.

Beth Miller takes the cast through a warmup. At right, Irelyn Register, a lady-in-waiting, finds a quiet place back stage before curtain time.

Aladdin (Cruz Caviedas), the Genie (Lucy Thomas) and the Carpet (Grace Radliffe). At right, Aladdin as Prince Ali with Princess Jasmine (Olivia DeOliveira).

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Robert Timmons

Fort Jackson Leader

SECOND PLACE

Emily Hileman

Fort Jackson Leader

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Ashley Rose Stanol

Charleston City Paper

The shock and horror in the expressions of the people in three of the photos make this entry jump out from the rest.

The other photos showing preparations and behind the scenes action round it out for a great entry.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Micah Green

The Sumter Item

SECOND PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Cal Cary

The Sumter Item

What a moving series of photographs. Individually, these pictures are each powerful. Together, they tell a story all by themselves. Great job on what I am sure was a tough assignment.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

These are some of the most beautiful photos I’ve seen while judging through the years. You can tell the photographer took their time to make the most elegant and colorful photos to tell this story. Care and precision went into each photo and I hope the readers appreciated the beauty of each shot.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Joshua Boucher

The State

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

A lot of care was put into each shot. All appear to be timed “just right” as if by accident, even though they were surely coordinated. The rich saturation matches the rich family farm life shown.

The subject matter depicts all aspects of farm life, from the pleasant to the ugly, with equanimity. The pathos is evident with lots of shots of family, farm animals, food, rustic fences, and nature.

The amount of work these pictures do as a whole is what sets them apart. Out of many angles comes one invitation into not just the story, but the farm’s world. Not a single shot is wasted.

THIRD PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

SECOND PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

PICTORIAL

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Thomas Hammond

Lexington County Chronicle

What a shot! This is such a creative twist to get some coverage of the school marching band. It’s a beautiful and creative shot. Perfect!

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

SECOND PLACE

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

PICTORIAL

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

David Yeazell

Morning News

Love the focus on the athlete through an unconventional ‘lens.’ The “Falcons” radiating to the top of the frame boosts the spirit of this photo while illustrating the journey ahead for the runner.

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

PICTORIAL DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr.

Herald-Journal

A dramatic photo in sharp focus. It is well composed and perfectly exposed. The powerful image shows a hand touching the wall and meeting it’s reflection in the highly polished stone as if reaching through the wall.

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

FIRST PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

Great Macro. I like the placement of the bug in the third and the flower working as a great leading line. The sharpness of the image is excellent.

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Kailee Kokes

Lexington County Chronicle

SECOND PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel

The expression, the action/pose, the context – it’s highly satisfying. The cutline says he’s dancing across stage, but he looks like he’s just seen a mouse, which makes it more amusing. I would absolutely read whatever came with that photograph.

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Bruce Cook

Union County News

SECOND PLACE

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

This is a classic photo, and one that can’t be staged, and a case of perfect timing. That’s one happy pup that appears to be thrilled with the new animal shelter.

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Johnnie Daniels

The Dillon Herald

SECOND PLACE

Robert Timmons

Fort Jackson Leader

HUMOROUS PHOTO

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Rūta Smith

Charleston City Paper

This is such a fun and creative shot. It shows the humor of the subjects and the creativeness of the photographer. It definitely draws the eye to the story and creates interest in the subject. Great shot!

HUMOROUS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Kyle Dawson

Aiken Standard

SECOND PLACE

Bianca Moorman

Aiken Standard

HUMOROUS PHOTO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Dede Biles Aiken Standard

The horse as pink panther with the rider is creative and gave us a chuckle.

HUMOROUS PHOTO

DAILY 7,500-15,500 & OVER 15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

Alex C. Hicks Jr. Herald-Journal

SECOND PLACE

McKenzie Lange Greenville News

FIRST PLACE

Grace Beahm Alford

The Post and Courier

Great shot, I keep looking at it and thinking what and laughing!

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Municipal Association of South Carolina

Vast resources that are organized by topic with multimedia offerings, publications and more. Very well done.

THIRD PLACE

The Gaffney Ledger

SECOND PLACE

Greenville Journal

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Hub for the community. Stellar use of platform to share news, features and opinion articles.

Great social integration. Had fun perusing this site’s sections and content.

Samantha Connors

Charleston City Paper

THIRD PLACE

The Island Packet

SECOND PLACE

The State

FIRST PLACE

The Post and Courier

As one of the entrants noted, the sites look a lot alike. All are state of the art. All are well curated. But as I took each site on a test drive, I enjoyed the time on this site the most. It’s clear that your state is well served in this regard. I hope they appreciate it.

NEWSPAPER’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Staff

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Betsy Finklea

The Dillon Herald

NEWSPAPER’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Samantha Connors and Hillary Reaves

Charleston City Paper

By using multiple social media platforms the Charleston City Paper has effectively expanded its reach and by developing varied content for each platform they have engaged many more followers. In addition they have nurtured their e-newsletter email audience. An excellent job and service to the community!

INDIVIDUAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

THIRD PLACE

Trey Stewart

The Greer Citizen

SECOND PLACE

Chris Trainor

The State

INDIVIDUAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Hannah Wade

The Post and Courier

Columbia/Free Times

Hannah does an excellent job of keeping her social media about local spots while being informative to anyone who might come across her accounts.

NEWS VIDEO

THIRD PLACE

Charleston City Paper

SECOND PLACE

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel

Staff

NEWS VIDEO

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins, Brian Garner and James McBee

The News & Reporter

Video was stellar. Great positioning. Sound was good. It made me feel like I was there.

NEWS VIDEO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 & 7,500-15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

Drew Martin

The Island Packet

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

NEWS

VIDEO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 & 7,500-15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

Moving story. And well shot.

NEWS VIDEO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Laura Bilson

The Post and Courier

NEWS VIDEO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Tracy

Glantz & Josh Boucher

The State

An excellent report on the contamination of farms and waters with PFAS chemicals. The interviews with farmers and residents are candid and moving. The videography and editing makes for solid local news.

THIRD PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

SECOND PLACE

Travis Jenkins and James McBee

The News & Reporter

FEATURE VIDEO

FIRST PLACE

Delayna Earley

The Island News

A great dedication to a beloved community member’s legacy.

FEATURE VIDEO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 & 7,500-15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

FEATURE VIDEO

DAILY UNDER 7,000 & 7,500-15,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Drew Martin

The Island Packet

This was a solid “feel good” informational piece.

FEATURE VIDEO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Andrew J. Whitaker

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

FEATURE VIDEO

DAILY OVER 15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Laura Bilson

The Post and Courier

Haunting, pulled at my heart strings with pity for children in such situations. Loved the peeks of the environment.

SPORTS VIDEO

THIRD PLACE

Travis Jenkins and James McBee

The News & Reporter

SECOND PLACE

Justin Jarrett

The Island News

SPORTS VIDEO

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins & James McBee

The News & Reporter

Good interviews and insight on a high school rivalry.

SPORTS VIDEO

THIRD PLACE

Jason Lee

The Sun News

SECOND PLACE

Ben Morse

The Sun News

SPORTS VIDEO

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Gavin McIntyre

The Post and Courier

I really like the different levels of the video and having the voice over and seeing different B-roll while I was watching. It is not something you see in newspaper very often. It was a clean cut that could easily be on TV or another media. Great job.

NEWSLETTER

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

SECOND PLACE

Municipal

Association of South Carolina

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS

Sweatman's is ooking with gas And purists aren't too pleased about it

6

HANNA RASKIN

MAR 6, 2023 PAID

1 Share

FIRST PLACE

Hanna Raskin

In a bid to keep its doors open, one of South Carolina’s most storied barbecue destinations has shut down all but one of its pits and installed a Southern Pride cooker

Sweatman’s Bar-B-Que which started cooking whole hogs over freshly split oak and hickory in 1977, switched its last operational pit over to gas during the pandemic. While that pit is still used to convert pig skin to cracklins, the legendary Holly Hill, South

IN-DEPTH FEATURES

Bagels get around the South

Here a schmear, there a schmear

10

HANNA RASKIN

MAR 27, 2023 PAID

4 Share

At the pinnacle of the pile is a bloody Mary bagel/ Photos by Hanna Raskin

You know the old Northeastern expression about waiting �ve minutes if you don’t like the weather? Much the same could be said about bagel scenes across the American South.

Bagelries are opening throughout the region at an astounding rate. In Charleston County, South Carolina, where I live, there were three dedicated bagel shops at the start of the pandemic. Now there are seven, including Ruby’s Bagels which reports it’s selling

IN-DEPTH FEATURES

Seeding better communication

Plant breeders just want to be understood

HANNA RASKIN JUL 24, 2023 PAID

7 Share

At the National Association of Plant Breeders annual meeting, which was held last week in Greenville, South Carolina, there are two ways for researchers to present their �ndings. They can speak from the dais, as I did as the conference’s keynote speaker, or they can participate in the event’s poster session. 1

The poster session is exactly like a grade school science fair, with each display detailing an experiment and its results. Except in this case, the posters are so arcane that even

The Food Section’s motto is “Covering food and drink across the American South as though it mattered as much as crime and politics (because it does.)” This newsletter is chock full of interesting, newsworthy food coverage. Writing, photography and infographics are superb. The editor touts 70% open rates, and we can see why. Great work!

Michael Kantar set up table at the National Association of Plant Breeders’ meeting and urged attendees to share their research stories with the general public/ Photos by Hanna Raskin

A pulled pork plate served at Sweatman’s on March 3/ Photos by Hanna Raskin

THIRD PLACE

Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

SECOND PLACE

Jordan Lawrence and Cary

Howard

Lexington County Chronicle

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Hannah Wade

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

“Personality, timeliness and consistency are three key things that make a newsletter stand out among a host of options in the ever-growing and changing digital news market.” Amen! While I enjoyed reading all entries submitted in this category, this one stands out for the tone and content. Each example email includes interesting, timely writing on everything you’d want to know about food and dining in the Columbia area. And the proof is in the pudding – a 15% increase in subscribers.

THIRD PLACE

Clare Fieseler

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

Bryn Eddy, Shelbie Goulding and Staff

The Sumter Item

FIRST PLACE Lisa Wilson The Island Packet

12/2/23,

Afternoon Newsletter

Good afternoon on Friday, Nov. 6.

Here’s today’s top news:

The Island Packet <news@news.islandpacket.com>

The Island Packet <news@news.islandpacket.com>

1. It’s time to swap swimsuits for sweaters! Sunday and Monday’s temperatures are forecast to dip into the low 50s in the evening and needle to the mid-70s at peak warmth as a cold front pushes through. But don’t get too excited. These days are outliers in the meteorological world. Reporter Sarah Haselhorst shares more about the forecast.

2. Starting this school year, Beaufort County teachers who live on Daufuskie Island are no longer allowed to take the Haig Point ferry that transports students to Hilton Head Island for school. Instead, they must rely on a private boat not equipped with radar to navigate dark, foggy mornings or stay in rentals during the week. Reporter Mary Dimitrov explains why the school made the decision and tells the teachers’ story.

3. Aggressive driving and the escalation of tempers may have been the cause of a Thursday afternoon shooting at a Lady’s Island gas station. Now, a St. Helena man has been charged with attempted murder and the other driver is being treated for a gunshot wound.

Also in crime news: A 22-year-old Beaufort man is wanted for murder after a shooting outside a party at a Boundary Street hotel in June.

Afternoon Newsletter

Good afternoon on Friday, Sept. 8.

Here’s today’s top news:

1. Is everyone with me in wishing away Hurricane Lee? The storm was downgraded from a Category 5 to a Category 4 earlier today, and forecasters expect it to turn before reaching us here on the U.S. East Coast. However, dangerous surf and rip currents are expected beginning Sunday. Reporter Sarah Haselhorst filed this weather update.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=d36eb3ff6a&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f:1758115472669683866&simpl=msg-f:17581154726696838… To: lwilson@islandpacket.com ADVERTISEMENT

2. On Sept. 7, a month and one week shy of her 105th birthday, Ethel Rivers died peacefully on Hilton Head, the island she called home her entire life. She was a repository of Gullah Geechee culture and tradition, a beloved mother to 17 children and a grandmother to 46. Reporter Blake Douglas shares more about her life.

3. Port Royal Mayor Joe DeVito made it clear Thursday that a permit for a Pride festival — scheduled in a town park later this fall — will be issued because it isn’t illegal. He added that a parade and drag queen show are not part of the festival plans. Karl Puckett has this report about the event.

Afternoon Newsletter

Good afternoon on Friday, Feb. 17.

News from Day 20 of Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial:

Live updates: Last state witness, text from Paul about pills Murdaugh describes getting shot in recording played to jury Car mapped Murdaugh’s movements the night of the murders

Here’s the rest of today’s top news:

1. A Beaufort County School District book review committee has voted to permanently remove a second book from school library shelves. “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult joins “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover on the banned list. Reporter Mary Dimitrov tells us why the book raised concerns of the committee.

2. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott told reporters he is taking his time before making a decision about whether he will run for president. Scott was at the Charleston County Republican Party’s annual Black History Month celebration on Thursday and plans to travel next week to Iowa, another early primary presidential primary state.

3. A great white shark originally tagged off Hilton Head in 2019 has surprised researchers by showing up nearly 2,000 miles south, off Veracruz, Mexico, according to

NEWSPAPER OR MAGAZINE PUBLICATION

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Jessica Brodie and Allison Trussell

S.C. United Methodist Advocate

Churches wrap up discernment process, move toward next steps

Aldersgate to open two more homes for special needs

Good mix of news/feature stories and opinion. Exhaustive coverage of the state’s Methodist churches and the matters important to them. Inclusive coverage with a range of perspectives. Enjoyed features on local philanthropic efforts. Especially impressed by reporting on disaffiliation.

Photo by Dan O’Mara

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

The People-Sentinel

Clean presentation. Front cover is well-designed and attractive. Stories are well-written and headlines are certain to attract readers’ attention. Good artwork. Inside pages are equally well-designed and thought out. Op-ed page provides plenty of viewpoints and no doubt readers can’t wait to see what’s in the Letters to the Editor section each issue. Nice obituary page layout. Sports pages are equally robust. Great layout and good writing and photos are certain to bring sports fans back to the People Sentinel issue after issue. Good job with the full pages of photos. Really love the “calendar of events” page. The People Sentinel does a fantastic job of keeping its readers informed of news events, sports and upcoming activities. The ads you have are well-designed and attractive. The People Sentinel reminds readers why newspapers continue to play an important part of their daily lives. Keep it up.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Coastal Observer

LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION Weighted voting tips balance to GOP in ‘cosmic shift’ PAWLEYS ISLAND Town wants to review impact of golf carts

The legislative delegation from left, Rep. Lee Hewitt, Rep. Carl Anderson, Sen. Steven Goldfinch and Sen. Ronnie Sabb tried to work out differences over appointments before convening their meeting last week. Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER These are the headlines for Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026: “Affordable county’s comprehensive plan, a consultant told the council after day-long retreat this week. “The most important thing you can do as County Council is roll up your sleeves and jump right in,” said Irene Dumas Tyson, the planning director for the Columbia-based firm Boureaux. “The thing you’re going to have to do to have these headlines is to get the land-use element right.” The county started work on the element in 2018, but delayed the process in 2020 after complaints that it didn’t include enough public input. It See “Council,” Page LAND USE Royal Farms Opponents ramp up efforts as gas station seeks permits

Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer The town issued 667 permits last year. This cart got a new permit before council froze the process.

COUNTY COUNCIL Retreat links strategic focus to land-use plan update Charles Swenson/Coastal Observer Jackie Harris, HOA president at Hidden Oaks, outlines strategy at meeting of opponents to Royal Farms.

The fact that Royal Farms estimates the store will generate 4,100 daily car trips doesn’t mean it will produce more traffic. “I’m not selling gas to people who are leaving town, I’m selling gas to people who are in town,” Pinizzotto said. Royal Farms did not respond to a request for comment about the project. Pinizzotto suggested that the opponents find way to tap into the names on their petition to create survey to find out what people want in the area. That will make their argument stronger when talking with officials and agencies.

By

By Charles Swenson COASTAL OBSERVER Georgetown County has second chance to get funding for improvements to Highway 17 on Waccamaw Neck that were approved by County Council in 2021. Seven projects recommended in a study of the highway corridor ranked in the top 25 that will be included in the region’s long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan. A proposal that would sync traffic signals from Litchfield through Murrells Inlet was the top ranking project in the region. “Georgetown County did very well,” said Jenny Humphreys, a senior transportation planner for the consulting firm CDM Smith, which is drafting the plan for the Grand Strand Area Transportation Study. The projects are among $53.4 million in improvements recommended by the corridor study conducted for the coun-

ty by AECOM. After the council approved the plan, the county submitted funding request to GSATS for just two in its short-term Transportation Improvement Plan. The request, estimated at $3.3 million, was the lowest of any local government in the region for share of See “Highway,” Page 4 By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER

Chris Bergeron, the director of Coastal Montessori Charter School, calls accusations that he may have sexually assaulted Waccamaw Middle School student three years ago “vile, malicious,” and “blatantly false.” “Being falsely accused is bad enough, but being forced to be away from school and having to avoid communicating with people has made this nightmare for me and my family,” Bergeron wrote in statement released Sept. 20. Bergeron was placed on paid administrative leave when the school’s board of directors By Chris Sokoloski COASTAL OBSERVER The Georgetown County School District’s magnet school program is in full swing and it has teachers and students in the Carvers Bay area thinking outside the box, like using Legos in lessons. Pleasant Hill Elementary School principal Lee Glover said his students “absolutely love” building with Legos. “Because it’s project based, they’ve able to articulate and develop those soft skills And they’re collaborating,” Glover said. “That’s what we want.” Third-grader Everrette Owens learned about gravity by building a Lego car and a ramp for to traverse. Everrette learned that the steeper the

Chris Sokoloski/Coastal Observer Pleasant Hill Elementary School third-graders, from left, Alaina Grace Hosenfeld, Chase Lemacks and Mekhi Sarver, study the

effects

of an eathquake on a structure.

keep students engaged but also help them to understand that with that engagement and fun, there’s learning. There’s learning and it’s fun,” said Brantay Cohens, Pleasant Hill’s lead magnet teacher. “I believe learning should be fun.”

Other projects included building a device to communicate over a long distance using light and sound; building robot and creating the coding so it could move under its own power; and building a motorized fan powerful enough to topple paper tower. “The beauty of all of this is they’re having fun learning. They’re working with their classmates to problem solve and to debug problems,” said Constance May, the magnet See “Magnets,” Page 3

learned of the allegations on Sept. 1. As part of the conditions of his leave, Bergeron is not allowed to have any contact with school staff, parents or students. Although the charter school is sponsored by the Georgetown County School District, it is run by its board. Jason Lesley, spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said last week that the investigation is ongoing. Bergeron’s lawyer, Amiel Rossabi, said Bergeron has not been contacted by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation. Rossabi added that he has left three telephone messages for the investigator but has not heard back. An Horry County woman told a sheriff’s deputy and victim’s service officer on Aug. 29 of “possible sex assault” involving her daughter on See “Charter,” Page ramp, the faster the car reached the table. “If we didn’t have gravity we would be floating and because of our Earth’s gravity, when things go downhill [they] get faster,” he said. Everrette and his classmates showed off their projects at an an open house for family members on Friday. Another class studied earthquakes by attaching cable from battery powered motor to a platform. After they built a structure made of Legos on the platform, they turned the motor on, which turned the cable and shook the platform. That allowed the students to see how sturdy structure needs to be to not collapse during an earthquake. “It is very important

Nonprofits Kiwanis Club marks 25 years of helping children. Page 7

Paddling Kayak and paddleboard races return to Pawleys Creek. Page 14

Obituaries .................................. Crime Opinion Crossword ................................10 Classifieds 11 Sports 12 Online coastalobserver.com

COASTAL OBSERVER Vol. XLII No. 16 Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ September 28, 2023 $1.00 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Arts: Students get first look at 30th annual Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art. Second Front

Loved reading this newspaper. Full of local stories by local reporters. Tons of letters, clean, easy-to-read news design, and excellent use of photography.

GENERAL

EXCELLENCE WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Brandon Roberts

The Summerville Journal Scene

the time they called Dr. (James M.) Brenner in, the kid was almost dead. Dr. Brenner realized he didn’t have time to get this young man to the OR, so they splashed iodine on his chest and cut [it] open and found the problem,” said Oh. The source of the patient’s plight that had him on death’s doorstep was hole in his heart that Dr. Brenner patched up before

BRANDON

and that is to get educated about how important this program is and will be. It will help us save lives and help the people we are supposed to protect. Other places already have programs like this and the town behind it because it’s going to work. These are the types of things we are proud of here in Summerville. We are trying our best to do anything we can do to save lives.” Capt. Chris Hirsch of the Summerville Police Department talked about some of the benefits a drone program provides for law enforcement, such as helping find missing people, especially children and elderly. “Having an eye in the sky will save time and

– this drone program has impressed me more than anything have seen in a long time. I’m here today for the same reason most of you are,

Front loaded with local happenings/events/stuff. Headlines for written stories are attractive and engaging although leads could be better. Clear titles and banners show the rear what they are getting into. Front pages made me want to buy the paper! Adequate spacing provides reader with clarity and not cluttered. Photos provide readers with ‘eye breaks’ and adds to story. Photos are of excellent quality. Sports stories are detailed enough for away fans to be placed at the action.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

DAILY UNDER 7,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Aiken Standard

AP PHOTO/ALEX BRANDON

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., speaks with reporter on Capitol Hill in 2019. Feinstein of California has died. She was 90.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein dies at age 90

was also known as pragmatic lawmaker who reached out to Republicans and sought middle ground. She was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1969 and became its first female president in 1978, the year Mayor George Moscone was gunned down alongside Supervisor Harvey Milk at City Hall by Dan White, disgruntled former supervisor. Feinstein found Milk’s body. After Moscone’s death, Feinstein became San Francisco’s first female mayor. In the Senate, she was one of California’s first two female senators, the first woman to head the

see FEINSTEIN page 4A

This paper had the best mix of locally produced content, great use of photos, enticing design and good headlines as well as overall flow of the pages.

The ‘Cost of doing business,’ story was nicely put together & the “Winter Wonderland” also good coverage mixed with some op-ed content. Thank you!

GENERAL EXCELLENCE DAILY 7,000-15,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

The Journal, Seneca

Police: Man shot

I loved this paper. The focus on local news and sports introduced me to a community I knew nothing about, but when I was done, I had some sense of who

community is. It’s all about the content, and The Journal understands its job. The paper also has crisp reproduction and easy-to-read layout. Great paper!

JIM DAVENPORT AWARD

for Excellence in Government Reporting

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

WEEKLY

KEN

BALDWIN AWARD

for Excellence in Business Journalism

Jordan Lawrence

Lexington County Chronicle

DAILY

KEN BALDWIN AWARD

for Excellence in Business Journalism

Chris Trainor

The State

Weekly

JAY BENDER AWARD FOR ASSERTIVE JOURNALISM

Editorial Board

Charleston City Paper

JAY BENDER AWARD

FOR ASSERTIVE JOURNALISM

Ema Rose Schumer

The Post and Courier

WEEKLY MONTGOMERY/SHURR Freedom of Information Award

DAILY MONTGOMERY/SHURR

Freedom of Information Award

PHOTOJOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

Weekly

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel

Daily

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Thad Moore

The Post and Courier

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence

THE NEWS & REPORTER

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence

THE DANIEL ISLAND NEWS

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence WEEKLY OVER

CHARLESTON CITY PAPER

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence

AIKEN STANDARD

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence

THE ISLAND PACKET

DAILY OVER 15,500

PRESIDENT’S AWARD For Excellence

THE POST AND COURIER

Thanks for attending! AWARDS CELEBRATION BANQUET