Clinton Public Safety Officer Wilkes responded to a Dollar General Friday afternoon on report of a shoplifting. He arrived on the scene and spoke with one of the store’s workers, who indicated she had been keeping a close eye on a female shopper who was known to be a shoplifter. She said she saw the woman hiding items in her child’s baby-stroller. When the suspect walked outside, the cashier confronted her and called the police. Officer Wilkes spoke with the suspect, who reportedly said that when she realized she did not have enough money to purchase her items, she decided to steal them. The woman was placed on Trespass Notice to say out of the Dollar General, and was issued a Shoplifting Citation. She was released, pending a court appearance.

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Charges are reportedly pending on a man following a domestic violence report. A Laurens City Officer was dispatched to an East Main location at 1:32 last Friday morning and arrived to hear witnesses report seeing a man block the car of a female so she could not leave the club. The man then reportedly argued with the woman over the paternity of a child. Witnesses reportedly said that the woman got out of the car and tried to walk away, but the man grabbed her and pushed her face into the wall of the building. She managed to get into the building to get help, and bar patrons told the man to get out, so he went to his vehicle and sped away. In leaving, his tires reportedly showered gravel onto patrons outside the establishment.

When police spoke with the woman she reportedly said that she has had an order of protection against her baby’s father, but that she has tried on a few occasions to make peace with him so he could see his baby.

She was advised that she should stand by the order of protection.

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The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday charged 52-year-old Arthur Ray Brewington Jr. of 5,328 Highway 14, Gray Court with Petit Larceny. He is accused of taking away items valued at less than $2,000 Sunday with intent to permanently deprive the owner. Brewington was released on a $250 personal recognizance bond.

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A Waterloo man was jailed yesterday on charges of a Burglary and Indecent Exposures eight days earlier. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office arrested 59-year-old Carl Edward Childers Jr. of 31 Lois Lane, Waterloo and served him with warrants citing three counts of Indecent Exposure and one charge of Burglary 3rd Degree.

Sgt. Farrah Cook states in three warrants that on January 15th at another address on Lois Lane, Waterloo, Mr. Childers willfully and maliciously exposed his private parts to three victims, within view of a street or highway. In a 4th warrant, Officer Cook alleges that on January 15th Mr. Childers broke into and entered a building on Serene Drive, Waterloo without consent and with intent to commit a crime therein.

Carl Edward Childers Jr. was being held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending a bond hearing.

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Three women have been arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy to steal from a Corner Mart convenience store in Laurens County this past fall.

56-year-old Nancy Rebecca Lovell of 112 Country Lane, Clinton was charged yesterday with Criminal Conspiracy and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent. Deputy David Staton states that between November 18th and December 10th Ms. Lovell unlawfully planned or schemed to commit Larceny in allowing co-conspirators to steal merchandise from the Corner Mart store where she was employed. She is further accused, during that time period, of receiving in trust personal property valued between $2,000 and $10,000, then appropriating the property to her own use. Nancy Rebecca Lovell was released on personal recognizance bonds of $15,000.

39-year-old Donna Estes of 105 Florence Street, Clinton was charged with Grand Larceny, along with Criminal Conspiracy. Deputy David Staton states that between November 18th and December 10th Donna Mae Estes unlawfully planed or schemed to commit larceny by stealing merchandise from the Corner Mart store. She is further accused of taking away merchandise valued at $3,106.45 during that time period. Donna Estes was being held overnight, pending a bond hearing on her charges today.

24-year-old Kayla Marie Canfield of 105 Florence Street, Clinton was also charged with Grand Larceny and Criminal Conspiracy. Deputy Staton states that between November 18th and December 10th Ms. Canfield unlawfully planned and schemed with co-defendants to commit larceny from the Corner Mart. She is further accused of taking away merchandise valued at more than $2,000 that was property of the victim.  Kayla Marie Canfield was also being held overnight, pending a bond hearing today.

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Methamphetamine Trafficking charges were served yesterday on a woman the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office had arrested Saturday. 22-year-old Bobby Sue Black of 59 Hix Herman Road, Waterloo is charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine or Cocaine Base on Saturday. A warrant citing the investigation of Narcotics Officer Matt Veal states that on January 21st one Bobby Sue Black knowingly possessed approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine. A $50,000 cash or surety bond was set during arraignment. Ms. Black was also being held for authorities in Florida.

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The month of January was proclaimed School Board Appreciation Month by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Last night at their January meeting, members of the Laurens County School District 56 Board of Trustees were recognized for their service to the district. A meal was provided for the board members, each of them received a gift basket and two of their numbers were further recognized for special accomplishments.

District 56 Board Chairman Jim Barton was recognized for completing 10 years on the school board.  District 56 Superintendent David O’Shields read a statement provided by the South Carolina School Board Association and presented a 10-year service pin to Barton.

A newer board member, Coach Keith Richardson, was recognized for his induction into the Laurens County Athletic Hall of Fame. Coach Richardson took the Clinton Red Devils football team to the state championship 10 times during his tenure as head coach and came home with the champion’s title 6 times. Dr. O’Shields said that Coach Richardson had a profound influence on his life even though he never played football.  He said that he learned to always strive for excellence, work toward a goal and once it has been accomplished, to celebrate that and then immediately set a new goal and get to work.  He said that Coach Richardson set the standard of always striving to improve and that principle has become a part of the District 56 attitude.

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The District 55 School Board voted unanimously last night to have a May 9th referendum on a proposed a $109 Million Bond to fund construction of a new high school building.

Superintendent Dr. Stephen Peters told the school board members that the average price of homes in District 55 is between $40,000 and $60,000.  Peters said the 30-year bond would raise property taxes for homeowners in this price range approximately $170.00 a year, and proportionately more for higher valued homes.

This vote on the bond for a new Laurens High building was on last night’s January board meeting’s agenda as a nameless resolution. The resolution was originally to request a $100 Million bond, but board member Robbie Bell asked that the figure be increased to $109 Million. He said he wanted the extra $9,000,000 so that District 55 does not “run into the problems that Clinton had in construction their new high school.”  District 56 had to eliminate a new football stadium from their plans for the new Clinton High when costs of the school ran over budget.

During other discussion before the vote, Board Member Mike Fortune said that he was uncomfortable that the public had not been made aware of this resolution. District Superintendent Dr. Peters replied that there were focus groups held in various communities and that these groups had felt the new school is necessary. Peters did not give specifics of where or when these focus group meetings had been held.

Superintendent Peters said that a new high school would bring new industry to Laurens and more qualified teachers, and repeated his statement that he wants District 55 to be the best school district in South Carolina.

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The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday served a Petit Larceny warrant on 23-year-old Angel Yanette Toland of 740 Woodruff Road, Unit 5107, Greenville. In a case from 11 months ago, she is accused of taking a mobile phone valued at $200 and a gold-colored bank card on February 27, 2016. Angel Toland was released on… Read More »

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An assault involving a BB gun was alleged with the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office arrest yesterday of 18-year-old Jalen Deman Martin of 62 Tractor Drive, Gray Court. Martin was charged with Assault and Battery 3rd Degree. He is accused of intentionally committing battery upon a victim by shooting a BB gun at him. Jalen Deman… Read More »

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Threats to a pregnant woman Monday were alleged yesterday with the arrest of 27-year-old Roger Lee Case Jr. of 208 Hilldale Avenue, Laurens. Laurens City Police charged him with Assault and Battery 3rd Degree, referred to in this case as Assault by Intimidation.

A warrant states that Mr. Case committed assault by means of verbal intimidation on January 23rd by threatening physical harm to a victim, causing her to fear death of physical harm to herself and to the life of her unborn child. Roger Lee Case Jr. was held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending a bond hearing.

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Laurens City Police yesterday arrested a man in connection with a business burglary during night-time hours Monday. 53-year-old James Arthur “Cookie” Byrd of 116 Cedar Street, Laurens was charged with Burglary 2nd Degree. Detective Kanipe states that an investigation of evidence indicates that Mr. Byrd unlawfully entered Pete’s Building Supply during the night-time hours of January 23rd with intent to steal items. James Arthur “Cookie” Byrd was being held overnight, pending arraignment.

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Clinton Public Safety Officers have arrested two people for their alleged involvement in a “Staged” Armed Robbery at the Pilot Travel Center off I-26 last fall.

23-year-old Leontay Trarinzo Jeter of 108 Lear Street, Laurens was delivered to the Johnson Detention Center early this morning, charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Grand Larceny and Breach of Peace, Aggravated in Nature. He, along with Keenan Davis and two other persons are accused of planning and scheming to accomplish a Grand Larceny at the Pilot store in Clinton November 21st. Leontay Jeter and Keenan Davis are accused of assisting or aiding with a Staged Armed Robbery at the Pilot store, where Davis allegedly entered the business armed with a knife on November 21st, 2016, causing a worker at the business to fear for her safety.

24-year-old Keenan Alexander Davis of 189 Cypress Street, Clinton was booked yesterday, also charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Grand Larceny and Breach of Peace, Aggravated in Nature. In addition to being accused of conspiring with Leontay Jeter and two others in the November 21st Grand Larceny at the Pilot Truck Stop, Davis is accused of taking away more than $2,000 from the store.  Keenan Davis is also accused of entering the Pilot store while armed with a knife, telling one woman inside that he would cut the throat of another woman. His Breach of Peace warrant states that the investigation determined that this 2nd woman helped stage the Armed Robbery.

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A man and woman remained in jail this morning, accused of Child Neglect yesterday, following their arrest the night before. Laurens Police indicate they were looking for a subject at an East Main address and were reportedly told the subject was not there. Officers reported detecting a strong smell of marijuana from an open door, and that the man at the door appeared to be nervous. He reportedly denied that drugs were present in the house. Officers conducted a search, which allegedly located 8 grams of marijuana and 20 burned cigarettes. Officers noted there were two children, ages 3 and 4, inside the home in the presences of marijuana smoke.

Because there was reportedly no family members to take care of the two children in the house, DSS responded to the scene to care for them.

Laurens Police arrested 46-year-old David Wayne Clark of 582 East Main, Laurens, with Officer Billy Sellers issuing tickets at 9:00 pm Monday charging him with Simple Possession of Marijuana and Cruelty to Children. David Clark was released on cash or surety bonds yesterday totaling $1,115.

Also arrested Monday night were 27-year-old Christopher Michael Clark and 24-year-old Brianna Nicole Clark, both also of 582 East Main, Laurens. Yesterday, the two younger Clarks were served with warrants charging each with two counts of Unlawful Neglect of Children.  Citing the investigation of Officer Billy Sellers, the warrants state that Christopher and Brianna Clark  exposed two children, ages 3 and 4, to the consumption of marijuana, allowing the two children to inject the illegal substance through second-hand contact January 23rd at 582 East Main Street.

Christopher Michael Clark and Brianna Nicole Clark remained in custody this morning with cash or surety bonds totaling $10,000 on their two charges.

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A pedestrian died last night after being struck by two vehicles on US 76 in Downtown Joanna. Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols identified the victim as 35-year-old Steven E. Rhodes of 501 Browning Avenue, Joanna. Nichols said that Mr. Rhodes died of blunt force trauma to his head and body, after being struck by two vehicles at 441 US 76 East, near the Joanna Assembly of God. It was not immediately determined whether either or both of the two vehicles delivered the fatal injuries. Coroner Nichols said that death occurred at the time of the incident, at 10:10 last night on Highway 76.

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Officials from Dominion Gas were in Laurens County Council Chambers last night to address concerns about the pipeline’s proposed route through Laurens County. Those on hand filling the council chambers included property owners along the route and cameramen from two TV stations.

At the previous Council meeting, Upstate Forever Project Manager Shelley Robbins expressed concern about the pipeline, citing negative impact predicted for Laurens County. She said the natural gas would be exported. Last night, Keith Wendell of Dominion promised council that 100% of all the gas will be used in South Carolina. Mr. Wendell denied the claim two weeks ago that property owners were being bullied to sell their land, saying he will work with anyone in a professional manner.

Wendell presented to County Council a slide show on the necessity of the pipeline and its benefit to the community, especially a proposed $500,000 in property taxes, and the company’s reputation of assisting in community projects.

When pinned down by Councilman Garrett McDaniel, Wendell did admit that if a land owner refused to sell, the company does have the right to force a sale through “eminent domain.”

During public comment time, some residents with property wanted by Dominion spoke out. One produced letters he’s exchanged with Western Land Services, a company contracted by Dominion to obtain property for the pipeline. He noted the price he was offered was 25% less than the county’s assessed value of his land. Other property owners complained about limits being placed on what they could do with their property. Chairman Joe Wood responded by saying “There are property rights and then there are property rights.” He cited “look at Mountville; those wanting chicken houses have property rights, and those property owners in land surround the chicken houses have property rights to not be exposed to the smell.”

Councilman Jones had originally wanted a resolution passed to send a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking the agency to deny permits for land transfers for the pipeline, but that was delayed due to absence of two council members. Councilman Keith Tollison suggested a compromise for now, that being to send a letter to the state that Laurens County Council opposes eminent domain in this situation.

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The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office booked 28-year-old Joshua Lewis Sayward of 229 Three Sons Road, Fountain Inn Wednesday on a Bench Warrant from Magistrate’s Court. It states that Mr. Sayward was convicted of 3rd Degree Domestic Violence on July 18th of last year. He is to pay a fine of $5,012.93 or, with credit for time served, to serve 87 days in jail. Mr. Sayward remained in custody this morning.

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A drug possession warrant was served yesterday on a man the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office had arrested Tuesday. 51-year-old Bryan Preston Cooper of 498 Pemberton Street, Waterloo was charged with
Possession of Less than One Gram of Methamphetamine. The warrant states that Cooper knowingly had possession of less than one gram of methamphetamine on January 24th without authority to do so. Bryan Preston Cooper was released yesterday on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

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There is now a proposal for Clinton High School students to have a field trip in Europe made available. During Monday night’s Laurens County District 56 School Board meeting, the Trustees heard from Ms. Brenna Abrams.  She is a product of District 56 schools and is now employed at Clinton High School. Abrams said that she appreciated the education she received, but said there was one thing she thought was missing: The opportunity to travel. She said she believes travel can round off an education.

Brenna Abrams provided information to the District 56 Trustees about group travel and presented them with a proposal for a trip to England and France in the summer of 2018. The 10 day trip would cost each student $3,800.00. She said she understood that was a lot of money but that it was actually steeply discounted, and noted that families would have about 18 months from now to pay the fee.

Forty slots would be available for the trip. She said that the travel company booking the trip requires the school board pass a resolution of support, but she noted that the resolution does not require monetary support from the District.  Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields asked Ms. Abrams to proceed with her efforts in organizing and promoting the trip. He said that if there is sufficient interest showing the trip is a viable project, she could then again come before the trustees so they could then consider passing the resolution.

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$20,000 was reportedly raised this week with the first “State of the Schools” luncheon held in the Ridge at Laurens. The Tuesday event was a fund-raiser for the Ladies’ Clubs and Gentlemen’s Clubs recently inaugurated in District 55.

The “State of the Schools” event highlighted Superintendent Stephen G. Peters’ twin themes of “All Hands-on Deck” and “No Child Left Out.”

The LDHS String Quartet entertained and a video entitled “All Hand’s on Deck,” showed highlights of moments from District 55. Masters of Ceremony were LDHS Ladies’ Club President Jamoya Hunter and LDHS Gentleman’s Club President Hykheem Williams.

The Middle and High School winners of the “All Hands on Deck” and “No Child Left Out” essay contest were presented checks for $100.00. They were Emily Owens, a 7th grade student at Gray Court-Owings Middle School and Shaun Kuehn, a senior at Laurens District 55 High School.

Elementary School Ladies and Gentleman’s club members told the audience what their clubs mean to them. Their comments included a lot of praise for the new clubs.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Irvin Scott, professor with the Harvard Graduate School of Education and former director with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Scott shared some of his memories of inspirational teachers in his life. He encouraged the audience to contribute to the dreams of success for our children, no matter what your role is in the community.

In his State of the Schools address, Dr. Peters proudly shared all the success he has had with his 30 for 30 reading program, where students commit to read every day, his Ladies and Gentleman’s clubs and his “All Hands on Deck” initiative.

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