Bench Warrants citing convictions on two assault charges landed 49-year-old James Jerry Stovall Jr. of 212 Freeway Road, Greenwood in the Laurens County Detention Center yesterday. They state he was convicted on two Assault and Battery 3rd Degree charges in Magistrate’s Court on April 21st, 2016. He was sentenced to 30 days, to run consecutive, on each of the convictions or fines totaling $1,650. James Jerry Stovall Jr. remained in custody this morning.

Clinton Public Safety was dispatched to Laudau Apartments on South Broad at1:20 yesterday afternoon on a disturbance report. Lt. Jones reported hearing a verbal altercation on arrival, and that he spotted a man and woman along with several other bystanders in front of one apartment. As the officer approached, the male subject began stepping away from the incident location, eventually fleeing on foot toward the back of the complex then through trees toward Tallwood Homes. Lt. Jones followed, but lost sight of the suspect in the woods. After talking with the woman and witnesses at the scene, warrants were obtained.

Later, Clinton Public Safety arrested 25-year-old Dashua Terrell “Dash” Reeder of 5-C, 101 Houser Circle, Clinton and served him with warrants charging Assault and Battery 3^rd Degree and Resisting Arrest. Lt. Jones states that on May 17^th the defendant unlawfully injured the victim by aggressively grabbing her face, resulting in an abrasion to her right cheek. This allegedly occurred yesterday at an apartment at 1321 South Broad Street. Lt. Jones states that Reeder knowingly and willfully resisted a uniformed law enforcement officer by fleeing on foot from pursuing law enforcement after committing an assault. Dashua Terrell “Dash” Reeder remained in the Laurens County Detention Center overnight, pending a bond hearing.

The Sheriff’s Office yesterday arrested a man and woman from South Bell Street on assaults charges from last Saturday.

31-year-old Taryn Danielle Phillips of 1302 South Bell Street, Clinton was charged with Assault and Battery 2nd Degree for an alleged assault on another woman. A warrant citing the investigation of Deputy Timothy Byrd states that Ms. Phillips intentionally committed a battery on the victim on May 14th by hitting her about the face, causing a broken nose and requiring medical treatment. Taryn Danielle Phillips was released yesterday afternoon on a $6,000 personal recognizance bond.

23-year-old Brandon Derrick Kinard, also of 1302 South Bell Street, was charged with Assault and Battery 3rd Degree. A warrant citing the investigation of Deputy Tyler Hunter states that on May 14th Mr. Kinard intentionally committed battery upon a victim by striking the victim about the upper body and face, causing a swollen black eye. Brandon Derrick Kinard was released yesterday afternoon on a $650 personal recognizance bond.

The search continues for a Laurens High student now missing for14 days. Sheriff’s Lt. Judy Stiles said 17-year-old Edwin Diaz-Chirinos stands 5’11, weights about 150 lbs and has black hair and brown eyes. Lt. Stiles said the missing teen’s last known sighting was May 8th at approximately 6:30 pm in the Gray Court area. Edwin may be driving a silver Ford Mustang Convertible with a temporary tag. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office’ number is (864) 984-4967, or you may call 68-CRIME. Lt. Stiles said a $250 reward is offered for information leading to the location of Edwin Diaz-Chirinos.

Graduation Ceremonies were held last evening for the 2016 Class of Laurens County Adult Education. Adult Ed Director Dr. Joe Makla told graduates “it’s not easy,” noting a much tougher GED exam was put into effect several years ago. He said that in spite of the difficulties, some 40 graduations this year marks one of the larger graduating classes of recent years. The assembly room was full of friends and family on hand to celebrate the occasion.

Dr. Makla last night noted that Laurens County Adult Education now also is offering Distance Learning for the GED, where adults with crazy work schedules that prevent them attending class can come get signed up on a day off, then do their work at home, on-line, as it fits their busy schedules.

Another first for Laurens County is the state’s only mobile testing lab for the GED, where Adult Ed is now going into the Johnson Detention Center to administer tests so that inmates can work on their GED while there. He said any work completed during their stay will transfer to be continued either when they’re released or sent into the State Department of Corrections.

In the keynote address last night, Dr. David O’Shields, Superintendent of School District 56, congratulated the graduates, noting graduating with a GED is a big accomplishment. He encouraged the graduations to “aim” for future goals. He noted the “A” in AIM is to acknowledge your accomplishment, saying “You’re not here tonight by accident. You had to make it happen.” O’Shields said the “I” stands for Invest, calling on the graduates to investment in their future. He said the ZF plant needs qualified employees. He said that across South Carolina 63,000 jobs are open, waiting for a qualified employee. He noted these jobs remain unfilled waiting on people who’ll prepare themselves with the skills needed.

David O’Shields said the “M” in AIM is to Make a Difference. Noting graduation didn’t happen for these graduates when they were 17 or 18, they had to make it happen. He said “This is the real deal.”

In addition to graduates receiving their GED, 11 were honored last night with Induction into the Adult Education National Honor Society. Dr. Makla challenged them to encourage others to get their GED.

Laurens City Council last evening received an update on final work being done for “The Ridge.” City Administrator Gary Coleman gave a visual presentation on progress for the new civic center, now nearing completion on Exchange Drive. The video showed that most of the interior is finished. One gym still needs the floor stained and another is complete except for the stripes on the floor. Coleman said that the landscaping and outside lighting will be ongoing even after the building is open to the public.

City Council members were invited to do a walk-through on May 26th, giving them a chance to observe and critique the building, then share their comments and suggestions.

Recreation Director Jason Pridgen submitted a tentative list of regulations for people who want to use the facility as well as a list of fees for usage. He said these were compiled by comparing rules and fees from other recreational buildings around the state. Pridgen requested feedback from council, but said he was not ready to release his suggestions for fees or regulations for “The Ridge” until City Council considers them.

City Administrator Gary Coleman said “We are real close to getting this project finished up.” It said “It should be open to the public near the end of June or the beginning of July.”

The GHS Laurens County Memorial Hospital held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce the addition of new services offered here in Laurens County. A panel consisting of Teresa Cox Asman, Director and Dr. Brian Weirick, Medical Director of Upstate Wound Healing and Hyperbolic Medicine Center; Pam Young, Manager of GHS Vascular Lab Services and Dr. Tod Hanover of the Vascular Health Institute at GHS. Rich D’Alberto, President of GHS Laurens County Memorial Hospital opened the meeting and spoke of how the new services will address diabetes, circulatory problems and extremity wounds.

Hyperbaric Chamber at the Wound Healing Center

He said the Wound Healing Center is now teaming up with the Vascular Institute and will be adding an Endocrinologist in August to offer diabetes, vascular and wound care all available in one place.
Pam Young spoke of the new vascular lab’s ability to diagnose blood flow in the body and if healing issues were related to venous or arterial problems and the speed at which gathered information can be sent to a vascular surgeon. This is critical lifesaving information in the case of blood flow and blood clots.

Vascular Screening

Dr. Hanover stressed how immediate lab results were of great importance instead of having to refer patients out and schedule tests weeks away. With the new services everything can be done right away in one place and that information shared with doctors immediately. Dr. Weirick further discussed quick diagnosis and treatment meant saving limbs from amputation and preventative care measures using these services leads to intervention long before a patients limbs would be in danger.
Dr. Hanover mentioned that there are other vascular issues that don’t require surgery but if found and treated properly can greatly affect a patient’s quality of life. When asked about community outreach and education with these new services available, Teresa Asman, Jamie Adair and Rich D’alberto all discussed the coming events for the community. Diabetes seminars and classes will begin in July. June 6th through 10th is Wound Awareness Week and the Vascular Lab will be conducting screenings for the public on Friday, June 10th. To schedule a vascular screening you can call 928-2848 to make an appointment. That’s 928-2848 but call early as spots fill up fast.

Clinton Public Safety responded to Oak Street Park at 4:27 yesterday afternoon on a report of a fight. Fortunately, this turned out to not involve any injuries. Sgt. Wicker spoke with a 12-year-old male who said an older youth had challenged him to a fight while they were at school, and had grabbed him by his shirt and punched him in the stomach. The 15-year-old male, said the younger youth had met me at the park and punched him first. Sgt. Wicker spoke with the older youth’s mother and released him to her. He followed the younger subject to his home and contacted his mother by phone. No charges were noted.

Unwelcome phone calls to two people last week were alleged in the Sheriff’s Office arrest yesterday of 24-year-old Desmond Marquis Bates of 208 Jersey Street, Laurens. He’s charged with two counts, Unlawful Telephone Communication. Sgt. Farrah Cook states that on May 9^th Mr. Bates used profane, obscene, vulgar and/or indecent language in a telephone communication repeatedly to annoy and/or harass the two victims and/or their families. Desmond Marquis Bates was released on $650 personal recognizance bond on each of the two charges.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested a man in connection with an incident last weekend. A Clinton resident reported Saturday morning that she had loaned her son her car with instructions to return it in 15 minutes so she could go to the grocery store. Officers were advised to be on the lookout for the car with no results. Corporal Jamie Lee Edwards reported making contact with the suspect by phone, noting that once he identified himself as a deputy the subject disconnected the phone call. Deputy Nations responded to Billy Leopard Road, Cross Hill at 9:40 yesterday morning on a report of a stolen vehicle at a residence there. The suspect answered the door and reportedly indicated he was driver of the vehicle. He was then arrested. 41-year-old Stephen Brian Kernells of 300 Marion Place, Clinton was charged with Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent. In a warrant, Corporal Edwards states that on May 14^th Mr. Kernells committed Breach of Trust valued between $2,000 and $10,000 by taking and using a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis belonging to someone else for his own use. With a cash or surety bond set at $5,000, Stephen Brian Kernells remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning.

A 21-year-old from Simpsonville was charged yesterday with two counts of Receiving stolen Goods. Austin Brooks James of 505 Waterstone Way, Simpsonville is accused of receiving items while knowing, or having reason to know that they were stolen. In warrants, Sheriff’s Lt. Keith McIntosh states that Mr. James received assorted silver items and a gold 14 carat necklace valued at about $200 on February 9^th and tattoo equipment valued at approximately $200 on February 24^th, 2016. Austin Brooks James was being held in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending a bond hearing on the two charges.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office was holding a Cross Hill resident overnight, pending charges.  Sgt. Nations and Deputy Hall were advised by Investigator Brewington yesterday afternoon about a male suspect with outstanding warrants, and that he was known to frequent Joanna’s Moultrie Street. As they turned from Tillman Circle onto Calhoun Street they reportedly observed a male subject at the corner of West Calhoun and Moultrie put a towel over his head and walk briskly down Moultrie. On arrival on Moultrie Street the subject was not visible. The officers found a path through tall grass at an abandoned house on Moultrie and followed for clues. They went past an adjoining vacant lot and knocked at a nearby occupied residence. They did not find the subject there, but reportedly received a tip of someone hiding in a crawl space. As they investigated an opening they reported observing a subject walking from the area with his hands in the air. Sgt. Nations identified this person as the wanted subject and ordered him to the ground, putting handcuffs him. Sgt. Nations reported finding a ‘clip’ containing 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition in the subject’s left pocket. The officers reported recovering an amount of methamphetamine in a clear plastic bag from the subject’s right pocket. Also found in the pocket was a gold ring with clear stones that was reportedly stolen.  A search of the area did not locate a pistol which had allegedly been tossed when the subject observed deputies in the area.

19-year-old XaincantisTychee “Ty” Watts of 176 John Grant Street, Cross Hill was being held in the Laurens County Detention Center overnight, pending warrants to be served from the Sheriff’s Office.

Clinton Public Safety was called to the Citgo on South Broad at 6:42 yesterday morning on a stolen car report. A man said he had left his 2008 GMC Arcadia in the parking lot, unlocked and with the keys inside. It was taken while he was in the store. The vehicle, which he had recently purchased, was valued at $9,000. Officers were able to obtain the vehicle identification number from where the victim had purchased it in order to place it on the national registry.  Sgt. Wicker spoke with witnesses and got a nick-name of a man seen in the area who was no longer there. The vehicle owner knew the nick-name and gave the suspects a real name. He reportedly said this is the same person who had stolen a vehicle from him last week.

Laurens City Police have seized a vehicle over the past month. Police Chief Sonny Ledda thanked City Council at their May meeting Tuesday night for their recent passages of an ordinance outlawing possession of drug paraphernalia. He said enforcement of this ordinance has enabled his officers make seizures valued at about $40,000. These include seizing a vehicle which had a tie-in to an Ohio case.

Chief Ledda also advised Laurens City Council this week that a requested crackdown on parking violations on the Public Square is underway. Ledda said that tickets are being handed out in the process.

Sonny Ledda also announced his intention to form another Citizens Academy in July which would be held on a Tuesday evenings and asked council the names of any people they know who would be interested in participating.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of thefts from cars in the Hickory Tavern community. Officers note these usually involve vehicles that have been left unlocked, making them easy targets. Recent reports from Hickory Tavern include two investigated during the day yesterday and two more thefts from autos in Hickory Tavern investigated overnight last night.

The Sheriff’s Office yesterday also investigated two reports of homes in the Laurens area broken into.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) kicked off its Buckle Up, South Carolina! Safety belt campaign Wednesday as law enforcement prepares for the busy summer travel season. From now until June 3rd, SCDPS and local law enforcement agencies are conducting a unified enforcement effort focusing on South Carolina’s primary safety belt law as part of “Buckle Up, South Carolina!” SC DPS Director Leroy Smith said “While observed safety belt compliance in South Carolina has been at – or above – 90 percent for the last four years, the percentage of persons killed in traffic crashes at night who had access to a restraint device was at nearly 60 percent.” Smith said “This is a behavior that only takes a few seconds to change and would save hundreds of lives each year.”

As of May 18 this year, there have been 320 highwa y fatalities compared to 349 on the same date in 2015; 120 of the 244 people with access to safety belts died unrestrained.

May has been designated as Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month in the City of Laurens. Mayor John Stankus signed a declaration to that effect this week during the May meeting of Laurens City Council. Amanda Leeson of the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy was on hand to accept the declaration. She advised Council members that although teen pregnancy has been reduced greatly since the 1990s, South Carolina is still has above the national average of teen pregnancies.

A Greenwood County man was booked in the Laurens County Detention Center yesterday for a Violation of Probation charge.  21-year-old Charles Chandler Raines of 4822 Highway 25, Hodges is accused of failing to follow his agent’s instructions and of moving to an undisclosed location, thereby absconding supervision. He’s further charged with failure to make required bi-weekly reports since October 28th of 2015 and of failing to refrain from possession of a firearm, as evidenced in a home visit on October 28th. He’s also accused of criminal association on that date. Raines was further accused of failing to notify his agent when he was arrested by Greenwood County in December for Burglary 2nd Degree and Petit Larceny charges and for failing to maintain gainful employment, along with other alleged failures. Charles Chandler Raines was being held overnight, pending a bond hearing.

A man was booked in the Laurens County Detention Center yesterday with Bench Warrants showing fines or time to be served from convictions 4 ½ years ago. 43-year-old Willie James Williams of 104 Helen Street, Clinton was served with Four Bench Warrants showing convictions in Magistrate’s Court in 2011 and a 5th conviction in 2014. Mr. Williams was convicted on a Driving under Suspension case September 24th, 2014 with a sentence of 60 days in jail for a fine of $1,275. Four of the Bench Warrants cite court convictions September 8th, 2011 on charges of Pedestrian under the Influence on a Highway, Unlawful Passing, Giving False Information and 2nd Offense Driving under the Influence. He was sentenced back in 2011 to jail time of 10, 15, 30 and 60 days or fines ranging from $162 to $652. Willie James Williams remained in the detention center this morning.