Clinton Public Safety yesterday arrested another suspect from undercover drug investigations early this year. 22-year-old Darius ‘Montez’ Suber, also known as “Dunk,” reportedly lives at lot 16, 200 Hardin Road, Laurens. He is charged with two counts, Distribution of Crack Cocaine and two counts, Distribution within Proximity. In warrants, Sgt Prather states that Darius Montez Suber sold a quantity of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working in an undercover capacity. This allegedly took place January 14th at 105 North Bell Street in Clinton, within a half mile of a public park; and on March 12th at 1321 South Broad Street, within a half mile of Clinton Elementary School. The alleged crack cocaine sales activity was investigated by Detectives Goggins and Prather. During arraignment, bonds on the four charges were set totaling $70,000. “Montez” Suber was placed in the Johnson Detention Center, where he remained this morning.

The infamous building that has frightened people as they passed by its crumbling façade in recent years is to soon meet its final fate.

Laurens City Administrator Gary Coleman yesterday afternoon announced that Carolina Wrecking has now informed the city that demolition of the building at 133 East Main will take place Monday thru Wednesday, June 16th, 17th and 18th. Coleman noted that West Main Street traffic coming toward Downtown will be detoured onto Church Street for these three days. Main Street from the corner of the Square at Thomason Jewelers to Harper Street will be totally shut down for the demolition. He said that Harper Street will remain open to traffic during the demolition, but that southbound traffic passing by the building will use the turn lane to keep a distance from the structure as it is demolished. Gary Coleman said there could be some intermittent stoppage of traffic on US 221, Harper Street, but nothing major is expected during the three days allocated for the demolition of the building.

The Sheriff’s Office yesterday served drug charges on a Greenwood County man that cite alleged activity in Laurens County early this year. 32-year-old Adrian Lamar McCarty “Porky” of 305 Rutledge Avenue, Ninety Six was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine and Illegal Disposal of Methamphetamine Waste. Sgt. Matt Veal states that on January 9th Adrian Lamar McCarty unlawfully disposed of methamphetamine waste at 34 Reynolds Drive, Waterloo. Bonds on the charges were set totaling $20,000. Meanwhile, Adrian McCarty was released to the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.

A man wanted in Laurens County for failure to show up for his Trafficking in Marijuana case in General Sessions last December was captured this morning. Based on information Sgt. Nick Moye had received, he, Lt. Higgenbotham and Deputy Nations went to Powerhouse Road, Ware Shoals at 3:20 this morning. With officers covering both sides of the house, they knocked on the front door and heard someone running inside. A man reportedly opened the back door, then closed it after observing Deputy Nations there.

A woman who came to the door first allegedly said the man was not there, then attempted to block deputies from coming inside. The wanted man was located in a bedroom of the residence and arrested.

35-year-old Daniel Herrera Martinez of 422 Powerhouse Road, Ware Shoals was taken to the Johnson Detention Center with a Bench Warrant from Laurens County General Sessions Court. He is charged with failure to show for court last December 18th to face Trafficking in Marijuana charges.

A report notes that Martinez is also wanted in Williamson County, Tennessee. He’s reportedly wanted there under an alias of “Antonio L. Castro,” for a drug charge citing alleged delivery of cocaine.

The woman from Powerline Road was also taken into custody. Charges were to be sought to charge her with hindering law enforcements officers.

Yesterday, the Sheriff’s Office booked a woman from an alleged assault on her significant other last month. 43-year-old Albertina Vance of 108 North Livingston Street, Clinton was charged with Criminal Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature. Deputy Steven Sweat states that on May 10th one Albertina Vance did knowingly and willfully cause injury to a member of her household. She allegedly used a weapon in the commission of the assault and/or created a reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury. The act was deemed being aggravated in that the defendant struck the victim in the face, knocking out two front teeth.

Ms. Vance was being held in the Johnson Detention Center overnight, pending a bond hearing today.

The Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Tillman Circle, Joanna at 10:11 last night on a report of a domestic assault. A woman had reported that her brother had been assaulted by his girlfriend. The man was alone when Deputy Charles Nations arrived. The man said he and his girlfriend got into an altercation during which she struck him in the head with a baseball bat, but he didn’t want her to be arrested. The deputy took photos of the injuries to the man’s face, and explained that with the physical injuries the girlfriend’s arrest was not his call. The matter was to be taken to a magistrate to determine the matter of any charges from the incident.

We reported yesterday about the arrest of 35-year-old Daniel Herrera Martinez of 422 Powerhouse Road, Ware Shoals. He was served with a Bench Warrant citing failure to appear in General Sessions Court last December on Drug Trafficking charges. He is also wanted for drug charges in Tennessee under an alias. When deputies arrived at his residence at 3:20 yesterday morning, a woman allegedly attempted to keep deputies out of the house. Later yesterday, 34-year-old Barbara Pedraza of 422 Power House Road, Ware Shoals was charged with Interference, Hindering Officers with Arrest. She was awaiting a bond hearing today.

A Whitmire woman was placed in the Laurens County Detention Center last night after deputies discovered pills, apparently stolen food and drinks and suspicious credit cards materials during a welfare check on a Joanna man. Lt. Marlon Higgenbotham and others went to Morehead Street at 7:11 last evening to check on a man whose daughter indicated concern for his well- being. Illegal drug activity had been suspected. The man being checked on met officers at the door, accompanied by one younger woman known to offers from past arrest. Sgt. Moye asked if there was anyone else in the home, the younger woman noted another woman and a man were present. They were reportedly located in the bedroom where the first woman sleeps. Both women and the younger man were given their Miranda warnings and questioned. A search of the bedroom reportedly located a water bong, glass pipes, lithium batteries and an unlabeled pill bottle containing several tablets identified as Alprozolam were discovered. The 34-year-old Whitmire women reportedly indicated the pills were hers. Officers then received permission to search a truck owned by the younger man in the house, where deputies reported finding two garbage bags containing various foods and drinks. Meat was still partially frozen as if it had come out of a freezer. Credit cards were also in the vehicle in the homeowner’s name. The homeowner has reportedly been contacted about credit cards he said he does not obtain. The Whitmire woman was then arrested and placed in the Johnson Detention Center, with warrants to be obtained today.

United Way of Laurens County (UWLC) yesterday announced the 2014-2015 Community Impact Funding Awards.  Funds are awarded to programs in the areas of emergency services, education, financial stability, and health.  Thirty-two programs were selected for funding this year.

“The Community Investment Process is incredibly streamlined,” stated Jim Firmin, 2013-2014 UWLC Board Chairman.  “The volunteer board members have hearings with the agencies, access the needs presented for funding, and make decisions that will allow the Community Impact funding to address those needs.”

Emergency Services $82,500 – 8 programs, serving all of Laurens County, are being funded for emergency services:  The Criminal Domestic Violence Shelter and Awareness Program (SAFE Home of Laurens County) $30,000; Homeless Shelter and Rehabilitation Program (Open Door Christian Center) $10,000; Financial Assistance for Utilities (United Ministries of Clinton and Salvation Army of Greenwood) $9,500; Free Food Assistance (United Ministries of Clinton and God’s Pantry) $9,500; The Child’s Place (Beyond Abuse) $8,000;  Home for Abandoned/Neglected Children (Bowers-Rodgers Home for Children) $8,000; Sexual Trauma Counseling and Services (Beyond Abuse) $5,000;  Fire Disaster Relief (American Red Cross) $2,500.

Education Focused Programs $57,800 – awards have been granted for 10 education focused programs:  Imagination Library (Dollywood Foundation) $21,000; Jobs for America’s Graduates (Laurens County School District 56) $7,000; Plato Education Program (AMI Kids Piedmont) $5,000; Scouting Leadership Youth Development (Boy Scouts) $5,000;  Countdown to Kindergarten (First Steps of Laurens County) $4,800; C.H.A.M.P.S. (Presbyterian College) $4,000; Scouting Leadership and Literacy Program (Girl Scouts) $3,000; Literacy Advancement  for the Disabled (Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board) $3,000; Adult Basic Education (Laurens County Literacy Council) $3,000; Born Learning (United Way) $2,000.

Financial Stability Focused Programs $40,000 – 5 programs will be funded under the income initiative: Day Care and Afterschool Care Scholarships (Laurens YMCA) $20,000; After School Care Scholarships (Clinton YMCA) $7,000; Transportation Assistance (Senior Options) $8,000; AmeriCorps Financial Stability Programs (Benefit Bank, Money Smart, etc. with United Way) $3,500; Child Care Provider Training and Development (First Steps of Laurens County) $1,000; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA with United Way) $500.

Health Focused Programs $106,700 – grants were awarded to 9 programs focusing on healthy lifestyles:  Pharmaceutical and Diabetic Supplies (Good Shepherd Medical Clinic) $30,700; Medication Assurance Program (Laurens Memorial Home for the Aged) $20,000; Meals on Wheels (Senior Options) $12,000; Patient Charity Care with Hospice Services (Hospice of Laurens County) $12,000; Adult Day Healthcare (Senior Options) $8,000; Wellness Awareness for the Disabled (Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board) $7,500; Services for the Sight Impaired (Bell Federation of the Blind) $7,000;  Family Health Enhancement Program (Clinton YMCA) $6,000; Snack Pack Program (United Ministries of Clinton) $3,500.

The grant process for United Way of Laurens County is held from January – March each year.  Applying organizations must submit new applications each year, and present programmatic outcomes.  Funding is zero-based each year, and is not guaranteed.

A ‘Wild West’ tale unfolded south of Laurens at Trail’s End this past weekend. Deputies were dispatched to a road called Trail’s End just before Noon Saturday. That’s about halfway between South Harper Extension and Lisbon Road in the upper end of the Mountville area. Officers were told that a bull got loose from property on Burnt Mill Creek Road and scratched three vehicles with its horns. A Ware Shoals man indicated the bull was still loose on the property, but Sgt. Carter did not see the animal. The man did show him call pictures taken on his cell phone of a black and white bull, with horns, reportedly taken while the bull was on the property. $3,000 in damage was reported to three vehicles, a 1997 GMC Jimmy, a 2000 Toyota Echo and a 2003 Buick Century.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man Saturday in connection with two alleged auto break-ins in late March this year. 53-year-old Carl Stuart of 120 Turner Hill Road, Greer was charged with two counts of Larceny/Breaking into Motor Vehicle. He is accused of breaking into or attempting to break into a vehicle or container in Laurens County with the intent to steal. Deputy Timothy Byrd alleges one violation on March 29th and Lt. Robbie Haupfear alleges another on March 30th. Surety bonds on the two charges were set totaling $10,000. Billy Stuart remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday booked a Simpsonville woman in the Johnson Detention Center from Bench Warrants for her arrest from General Sessions Court. 21-year-old Aundra Sgaquille Javar Mangle of 132 Kingfisher Drive was served with two Bench Warrants citing failure to appear in Laurens County General Sessions Court September 9th, 2013 on two charges of forgery, less than $10,000 each. She remained in the county lockup this morning.

General Sessions Court delivered a woman to the Johnson Detention Center with a sentence of 15 years from a Kidnapping and attempted Murder case from late 2011. Court records indicate that 33-year-old Erica Leigh Anderson of 239 Mixon Drive, Clinton pled to multiple charges and was sentenced Thursday to serve time concurrently in the State Department of Corrections. For the plea to Murder/Attempted Murder, she received 15 years. Another 15 year sentence, to be served concurrently, was from a plea to Kidnapping. A third 15-year sentence was given to a Strong Armed Robbery plea. Ms. Anderson received a 5-year sentence for Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime. Erica Anderson remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning, pending transfer to the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

One of the new Anti-Littering signs in Laurens have attracted a new level of response. Officer Jody Thibodeau was advised Friday morning of vandalism to a sign on Spring Street, between Hilltop Apartments and Church Street. He noted the graffiti was spray painted in black sometime since June 1st. The anti-litter messages had words including the “F” word along with “Da Police.” The officer noted another sign potentially painted by the same person or persons in the same time frame about a quarter-mile from the sign investigated Friday.

The Wound Care Center of the GHS Laurens County Memorial Hospital has been presented a Center of Excellence award. The Center has achieved a healing rate of 98% in less than 30 median days, among other quality standards.  The Upstate Wound Healing also received an overall 98% patient satisfaction rating as reported by Press Ganey Associates, touting a medical team focused on healing the patient in the most caring manner possible. Medical Director Dr. Brian Weirick said “It is exciting to be honored by the highest award given by an organization that represents over 550 wound care centers nationwide.”  Dr. Weirick added “The fact we have received five years of national ranking speaks to the legacy of the wound healing center and to the knowledge, experience and expertise of our team, to promote a quick and full recovery for our patient.”

Clinton Public Safety was dispatched to Summeral Street at 10:41 Friday night on an anonymous report of a fight in progress involving a taser. Officer Jamie Reid reported arriving to observe a large crowd of some 50 people in the street having verbal altercations. She also observed a broken glass bottle in the street and a pair of pink flip-flops roadside. Sgt. Prather requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office in gaining control of the large crowd. Another report of a disturbance nearby on Neighborhood Drive was also investigated that street was found calm.

Back on Summeral Street, one woman indicated that another woman had tazed her in the stomach. At one point in attempting to bring the crowd under control one subject allegedly turned on one officer and threatened to assault. 24-year-old Arsenio LaShawn Mims of 712 Jefferson Street, Clinton was arrested on a Public Disorderly Conduct charge. He was released the next morning on a $262 Personal Recognizance bond.

Someone on the other side of a privacy fence threw a brick that struck a Clinton Public Safety Patrol car. $500 in damage was noted to the vehicle’s driver’s side rear door. Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office arrived and assisted with the crowd, which eventually disbursed in a semi-orderly fashion.

   Laurens Police were dispatched to a residence in the old Laurens Mill area at 4:15 yesterday afternoon regarding an incident between two sisters in their mid to late 20s. One of the sisters flagged down an officer who was approaching the scene who said that she came to visit her mother when her sister stepped outside and began to argue with her. She said the sister pushed her and they began to fight. The other sister claimed her sister had a knife in her pocket and she felt threatened during the argument and that’s why such pushed her sister away from her. An officer advised both sisters to act responsibly and be examples for their children, who witnessed the altercation. They were advised that if either wanted to press charges, both would be arrested for Disorderly Conduct. The sister who had flagged down the officer indicated she would leave.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office booked two men yesterday on charges that they failed to register as a sex offender.

57-year-old Will Davis Jr. of 20 Hardin Road, Lot 15, Laurens is accused of failing to contact the Sheriff’s Office March 20th The warrant further states the defendant has prior convictions for this offense. Will Davis Jr. was being held overnight in the Johnson Detention Center, pending a bond hearing on the Sex Offender Registration charge.

49-year-old Herbert James Freels of 355 Indian Mound Road, Laurens is charged with Failure to Register on May 21st as required by law. Herbert Freels was released yesterday on a $650 Personal Recognizance Bond.

After opening night of the seventh season of Laurens Idol on Thursday and three days of online voting, the 1st eliminations leave top 14 finalists to move on to the next round of competition starting at 6:30 this Thursday evening at the Laurens Little River Amphitheater.

Once the judges have submitted their scores, online voting will begin on GoLaurens.com at midnight on Thursday night, June 12 with the voting open until midnight on Sunday night, June 15.

This season, judges voting accounts for 60 percent of the total and online voting accounts for 40 percent of the total.

The 2014 Laurens Idol finalists set to perform this Thursday are Maricris Blair of Laurens, Cheyenne Burrell of Gray Court, Mariah Rice, Katelyn Tapio, Michael Tippins and Chelsea Tippins, all of Clinton and Michelle Weeks of Greenwood.

The 2014 Laurens Jr. Idol finalists set to perform this Thursday are 12-year-old Alana Abercrombie, 10-year-old Alayna Bragg, 12-year-0ld Anna Caughman, 9-yar-old Mary-Kate Kennedy, 10-year-old Kenley Lowman, 14-year-old Savannah Martin and 13-year-old Sarrah Trent.

Performers will be eliminated after each round on June 12 & 19. The five finalists in each division will perform on Thursday, June 26. The finale will take place on July 3 at the annual Riverfront Freedom Festival with the crowning of the 2014 Laurens Idols. The winner of Laurens Idol will receive $1000 and the Jr. Idol winner will receive $200.

Laurens City Police yesterday arrested a man wanted regarding a Breach of Trust conviction two years ago. 33-year-old Travis Clary Horton of 30 Parker Road, Enoree was served with a Laurens Municipal Court Bench Warrant which states that on June 13, 2012 he was convicted on a Breach of Trust charge with a sentence imposed of 30 days or $2,000, in addition to restitution to Wal-Mart in the amount of $1,500. The ruling from Judge Paul Dean Lyles states that the restitution must be paid before the defendant can be released from jail. The Bench Warrant for Travis Clay Horton was issued August 26, 2012. Horton remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.