City Hall, 401 N. Washington St., Calhoun Falls, SC 29628
(864) 418-8512, Fax: (864) 418-9299, E-Mail
Demographics, County: Abbeville
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"Locks of Love"
by Darlene Cox
Third-grader Kaytlin Robertson, 8, daughter of Sheila Newton, is shown having her long, brown hair cut for "Locks of Love". When Kaytlin found out last year about Brittney Kimsey, a young girl at John C. Calhoun Elementary with cancer who would lose her hair, she was very upset. She said to her mom she wished people could give some of their hair to the other girl. Ms. Newton told her daughter about "Locks of Love". Kaytlin has grown her hair for months and it was finally long enough to cut for donating on March 22. Brittney may not ever benefit from such a grand deed made on her behalf by this young lady, but a child somewhere will.
Council Meeting - March 20, 2008
by Jeff Sorrow
Mayor Johnnie Waller announced at the monthly Calhoun Falls Town Council meeting, March 20, 2008, that an industry intends to locate inside the Calhoun Falls Industrial Park, bringing with it 40 jobs. Town officials were to meet with the personnel director for the company on Friday, March 21.
The downtown streetscape on the lower portion of Cox Avenue is underway and the first phase, according to Waller, will be completed by May or June. When this phase has been completed, an additional $500,000 grant will be sought to work on the upper portion. The town has secured a $26,000 grant to have the water lines moved from Cox Avenue to the back alley. A piece of land has been deeded to the town by SCDOT at the end of Cox, which will be suitable for extra parking, a downtown park, or something else to promote downtown, Waller said.
The Edgefield Street water project is almost complete. Waller said that the first pay request has just come in. The town received a grant to help with the costs associated with this project. Total cost of the project was $32,000 dollars ($27,000 for construction; $5,000 for engineering).
Bill West and David Brown gave spoke to council about insurance. Life and health benefits will apply to town employees, including part-time employees, like Mayor and council, except for council persons over 65 years old.
Waller announced that he had a “fabulous trip” to Japan. In addition to Waller, dignitaries included the Mayor of Columbia, various CEO’s of companies, scientists and S.C. Commerce Department personnel. Waller joked that he laid his life on the line for the Town of Calhoun Falls by eating “poisonous blow fish.” The Mayor said that the eating of this potentially fatal fish built a special bond between himself and the Japanese. A special message was sent to the people of Calhoun Falls, promising to not forget the “sacrifice” the town made to send the mayor on this trip. The mayor has been asked to go to China next, but, did not indicate that he would go.
Town Council discussed the charter school. Waller said that the town is still headed towards the mark to have a charter school by August. He said that there has been setbacks, but there is a “silver lining” at the end.
Waller was questioned by Mayor ProTem Michael F. Johnson about his ability to lead the campaign to get a school. Johnson said that he believed that the authority town council gave the mayor had reached it’s end. Waller responded by saying that “the mission has not been completed.” He said that he is working on behalf of the citizens that asked him to help.
Johnson said that he had reviewed the water contract and, because of that, he “had no faith in you” to lead. Johnson said that he had heard that Waller had meetings about the charter school behind closed doors and had made decisions without discussing it with the committee. Johnson went on to say that people on the committee are feeling threatened by Waller’s actions. Johnson ended by saying, “I’ll be frank with you. You are being like a dictator.” He then made a motion to remove the authority that council gave the mayor to act on behalf of the town. The motion was not seconded and died.
Waller told Johnson that 90 percent of what he was saying was wrong. He said that he had written a personal check for the charter application and that the town had the school building in part because of Waller’s recommendation to the school board. Waller said, “Nobody else could get on the agenda, but, look who did. It was $1.8 million when I went in, and zero when I came out.”
Waller said that Johnson was out of order and that he had made no “back door deals.” Waller said it was “this kind of noise that keeps people from working together.” Johnson responded that he had been approached by others about the Mayor.
Council voted unanimously to approve the leasing of two new police cars. Councilman Lillie Bell Tinch made the motion. Councilman David Back stated that the town has spent over $8,000 on repairs to the cars. He said that the town could have brand new cars and save $130 per car by leasing.
Johnson said that he had been to the Rural Development Summit in Anderson. Johnson said that he was “upset” to find out that Calhoun Falls is located between two towns – McCormick and Greenwood – that are ranked in the top ten for the state of South Carolina for having the highest per capita employment ratio. Johnson ended by saying that Calhoun Falls is a “zero” in this department.
Town Meetings
Calhoun Falls Town Council agreed during the February 21, 2008, meeting to begin holding weekly and monthly public meetings to address citizens' concerns. Council's regular monthly meetings are at 5 p.m. on the third Thursday every month. In addition, Council will also hold weekly, two-hour meetings, and an additional monthly meeting. When the details are finalized, somebody from Council or Town Hall is encouraged to send the details to info@calhounfallstoday.com.
Elections
Several seats will be up for election this year, including federal, state and local offices. Filing begins March 17. Every candidate is encouraged to submit a statement to announce their candidacy and advertise during the election campaign. Advertisements are $25 a month. Send a statement or place a advertisement via email, info@calhounfallstoday.com, or call 314-3716. County Elections Director Lynne West has provided the following information:
Charter Officials "Blown Away"
by Lee Boggs
When the open enrollment for Imagine Calhoun Falls Charter School was held a couple of weeks ago, the turnout was like none the Imagine officials had seen before, committee spokesperson Keith Ashley said during a public meeting Sunday, March 2.
"The Imagine people were blown away. They never had a turn out like that during an open enrollment, especially for such a short notice," he said.
In contrast, audience members said one to five students attended an open house held in Abbeville for Calhoun Falls students wishing to attend school there.
Currently there are close to 230 students enrolled for Imagine Calhoun Falls Charter School, said committee member Mike Alewine. Students from outside District 60 have also asked to enroll, but committee members want all the paper work to be done first.
When the charter school is approved, another enrollment drive will be held, Ashley said.
The charter application will be submitted Tuesday, March 4. Within 3-60 days, the state advisory committee will invite Calhoun Falls to Columbia, where a yes or no vote will be cast.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to plan to attend the meeting.
"We want a 100 people there," Ashley said. "We'll take buses if we have to."
If approval is given, a principal and staff will be hired within weeks, and a school board will be elected shortly afterwards, Ashley said.
"Staffing our school with teachers will not be an issue. We've had teachers from other districts wanting to teach here," he said.
The charter school must be approved before applications can be accepted to avoid a conflict with District 60, committee member Joseph Cade said.
District 60 officials have said the school building will be turned over to the town by August 1. Trustee Tim Rhodes said the survey has been completed.
"We're waiting now to sign legal documents," he said.
District 60 officials have completed an inventory and Imagine's director will have a walk through soon to see what must be done, Ashley said.
A bill before the State House of Representatives will provide buses and lunches for charter schools if approved. Legislators are scheduled to vote on it in May, Ashley said.
"As of December 14, the way the kids receive their education in this community has changed, and I agree with what Mrs. Bounds said, it's changed for the better," Ashley said.
Town Audit: Records Good, But Incomplete
by Jeff Sorrow
Auditor Toni McKinley presented the annual audit report for the town and reported that the audit was clear with the exception that the town had still not inventoried the General Fund Assets as previously advised. The audit is unquailified with that exception, which is good news for the Town of Calhoun Falls.
Mayor Pro Tem Michael F. Johnson presided over the February 21, 2008, Calhoun Falls Town Council meeting in Johnnie Waller's absence. All other council members were present. Council heard a series of questions and complaints from four citizens who were on the agenda.
Floyd Tillman, who regularly films public meetings, approached council with questions about the town’s water contract with Abbeville. Council expressed their desire to safeguard the towns water-related interests for the future.
Johnson said that, "the contract needs to be looked at. We want to look towards securing a new water plant for the town’s future."
Lisa Hill questioned council regarding getting a load of gravel for her driveway. She said that she was not given gravel even after she was told that she could get it. She said that she knows someone that got gravel from the town and that it wasn't fair that she could not get any.
Councilman David Back responded by saying, "If gravel is needed on a road maintained by the city, we will handle it's upkeep. If gravel is needed on private property, it is the responsibility of the owner. The town does not have the money to provide gravel on private property." He said if the town did it for one, then it would have to do it for all. He and Johnson agreed that the town is not financially able to provide gravel at this time.
Charlie Paul Tillman approached council on behalf of the local minority contractors desiring to be included in local contracts from the town and the Sanctuary at Lake Russell. He said that the state mandates that at least ten percent of contractual work be given to minorities, while the federal government requires 17 percent.
Tillman then discussed a previous city court appearance. Council will take the matter under advisement.
Jessie Gray had numerous questions for council. These questions covered topics including: Who had town credit cards and why; a 1998 agreement with a townsperson involving an exchange of money that Gray reported was $10,000; Waller's trip to Japan and the funding it would require; vehicle leases by the town; the alleged past use of town employees for personal work; and water issues, in which Gray said that some customers’ water gets turned off, while others are left on.
It's Chick Time
by Jenny Mountford
This spring 4-Hers have an awesome opportunity to participate in the Abbeville County 4-H Pullet Chain Project and learn all about raising and showing poultry.
First though, you might wonder, “what is a pullet”? A pullet is a young female chicken under one year of age which is used for egg production.
Then, your second question might be, “what is a pullet chain”? A pullet chain allows 4-H members an opportunity to raise 10 – 25 day old, female chicks to 24 weeks old for egg production. At the end of this 24+ week time period, the 4-H member selects 5-6 of their best pullets to be shown and sold. A percentage of the money received from the sale of their chickens will be used the next year, “to keep the chain going,” so other 4-H members can participate in the “Pullet Chain.”
Want to know more?
The pullet chain project offers 4-Hers activities that engage them in learning life skills while having fun raising chickens. Before 4-Hers begin their projects they need to commit enough time to care for their pullets and plenty of space to raise them in.
To begin the project, youth need to register with the Abbeville Clemson Extension office and pay registration fees by Monday, March 24th.
Once registered, 4-Hers will attend chick orientation and receive an information packet that will guide them through the project. They will find out about proper chick care, supplies and equipment needed, poultry health needs, chicken show and sale details, record books, and more.
Parents, or an adult, are strongly encouraged to guide 4-Hers through their pullet chain project, but the actual project work must be done by the 4-Her.
4-Hers will be receiving day-old chicks on Friday, April 18, so a brooder will be necessary for the first few weeks. As the chicks get older, they can be moved into a chicken coop. It is very important that the pullets are safe from inclement weather as well as dangers from pets and wild animals throughout the project.
4-Hers are required to keep a record book on their chickens, as well as participate with 5 pullets in the Abbeville County Poultry Show and Sale in the fall.
At the pullet show and sale, 4-Hers must show at least one pullet and sell a pen of five of their pullets. 4-Hers will have the opportunity to sell additional birds if they desire. 4-Hers will be able to keep 75% of the profits from of the pullets sold in the auction. The additional 25% profit will be used to continue the pullet chain project next year for other 4-Hers.
After the Pullet Chain Show and Sale is complete, 4-H families can reap the benefits of the extra pullets by enjoying fresh eggs and/or consumption of the meat. Remaining pullets belong to the 4-Her and are not the responsibility of the 4-H program or agent.
For more information or to register for the Abbeville County Pullet Chain Project contact your 4-H Agent today! Jenny Mountford, 446-2276 x111 or grier@clemson.edu.
National Guard Unit Staying
by SSG Brian S. Dixon
As previously planned in the Army's transformation into a lighter, more agile fighting force, A Company 111th Signal Batallion, of the South Carolina Army National Guard located in Abbeville County, had been planned for closure. The unit was to be relocated to Aiken because of declining enlistment and several other factors. The batallion has changed unit identification and is now B Company 198th Signal. We have received notice that, after the restructuring and realignment, the South Carolina Army National Guard has decided to maintain a unit in Abbeville County. As last published by SCARNG, the unit in Abbeville County contributes approximately $1.4 million dollars annually to the economy of Abbeville County. It would have been a devistating blow to the crumbling economy of Abbeville County to have lost the unit as previously planned.
New Leads in Dubose Case
WYFF has reported that the Calhoun Falls Police Department has received new leads in the case of John Henry Dubose, missing since 2000. Details were not provided, but Chief Mike Alewine was quoted as saying that tips have come in from people who may know about the case. Dubose was last seen in Calhoun Falls driving a white four-door Chevrolet with the South Carolina tag 319-GZC. The car is also missing.
Councilmembers, Attorney Attend First Meeting
by Jeff Sorrow
The January 17 Calhoun Falls Town Council meeting marked the first official meeting for incoming councilmen Lillie Belle Tinch and David Back as well as newly appointed Town Attorney Randall Williams of Greenwood.
A new Mayor Pro-Tempore was elected by Council. Michael F. Johnson was nominated by Lillie Belle Tinch, and following a 3-to-1 vote among council, was elected to serve a two year term. Councilman Dove nominated Lillie Belle for that office opting not cast his vote for Johnson.
Following the vote for Mayor Pro-Tem, Mayor Johnnie Waller made appointments to committee seats left vacant by the November election. The appointments were followed by a lengthy and somewhat heated discussion between Mayor Waller and Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson in regards to what authority the Mayor has to make the appointments.
Town Clerk/Treasurer Peggy Waters was asked by the Mayor to retrieve Ordinance 06-01, and then read Section 208-60 of this ordinance to show that he did have the authority to make the appointments.
Waller will chair the Administration Committee and Johnson will Co-chair. Chair and Co-chair of the Public Safety Committee will be Dove and Tinch, and of Public Utilities, Johnson and Back.
Senior members were appointed to chair while newly elected council members were appointed as co-chairs. The Mayor asked that the Committees develop a plan and budget for 08-09 fiscal year.
Authorization was given by council to add Mayor Pro-Tem Johnson's name to the list of those having the authority to write checks for the town and to remove former pro-tem Ricky Holland’s name.
During the Public Safety report, Chief Mike Alewine said that Policeman Josh Shaw graduated from the South Carolina Police Academy this past Friday. Chief Alewine praised his department stating that the CFPD had issued 104 citations since November 2007 and had made 28 arrests.
He said that the CFPD will be part of a joint task force made up of several agencies county wide. This task force was in part developed because of the heavy traffic flow on Highway 72 since the completion of the four-lane highway.
Mayor Pro-tem Johnson said during the Public Safety committee's report that he had stopped by the County 911 office and received information regarding an emergency response network. Councilman Johnson said that this system had notified him of today's school cancellation. He noted that the system could be of benefit to Calhoun Falls and stated that he has considered posting the information on Calhoun Falls Today.
Mayor Waller gave the Mayor's Report. He stated that the town has been working with Sam Leeman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments to assist in the spending of $300,000 in grant money. The expenditures will be spent on furnishing the new City Barn as well as the town looking into purchasing at least two new trucks and a chipper shredder.
The town is also working toward a $900,000 grant that will be for water line and sewer improvements. Joe Cade stated during the report that a new sewer machine will be demonstrated for the town next week.
The Mayor reported that the town had only one sewer machine that was at least ten years old. He said that when the machine has problems, the town has to borrow one from Abbeville. If it was being used, then it could take several days to get the lines flushed. Bids will be taken at 10 a.m. on January 22 for running the New Hope water line.
Mayor Waller stated in his report that he will address the Abbeville County School Board next Tuesday in regards to the current situation involving Calhoun Falls High School. Council again gave the Mayor their backing. Councilman Tinch stated that she is behind our school 100 percent. All other members expressed their agreement.
Mayor Waller said that Toni McKinley from Greenville was supposed to be in attendance to present the audit, but, that she had to postpone due to snow and sleet.
Before adjourning the meeting, Mayor Pro-tem Johnson said he wanted to have presented in new business an ordinance adopting the International Property Maintenance Building Codes for the Town. Johnson stated that the existing codes were from 1987 and 1988 and that new codes are needed to assist in beautifying the town.
He presented a red "Danger to Humans" sign that correlated to the International Codes. Mayor Waller had the Town Clerk put it on the agenda for next month. Waller said that he wanted the council and attorney to have time to study the ordinance. Attorney Randall Williams stated that the codes could possible be amended to more directly benefit the town.
Town Attorney
Randall Williams, an attorney with a practice at 218 Seaboard Ave, Greenwood, has been hired as Calhoun Falls' attorney, replacing Paul Agnew who resigned last year. He is a gradutate of the University of South Carolina Law School. His law office focuses on worker's compensation, family and criminal law, and accidents.
Charter School: “Workable and Feasible”
by Jeff Sorrow
Discussions are taking place with Imagine Schools regarding the possibility of a charter school coming to Calhoun Falls.
According to Mayor Johnnie Waller, Imagine Charter Schools are willing to invest millions of dollars in Calhoun Falls for a charter school, and it could be ready by the 2008-2009 school year. A charter school is "workable and feasible,” Waller said during a regular council meeting, Thursday, December 20.
"The Citizens have made it very clear that they would not send students to Abbeville,” he said.
Council unanimously gave Waller authority to seek resources for a charter school.
Waller said that he has talked with Jim Rex, the state superintendent of education, regarding the situation in Calhoun Falls, and gave him the "other side" of the story. He said that Rex agreed that the timing of the school issue was "not good.”
In other matters, Wilbur Smith Associates have awarded Town and Country Construction of Greenwood the Cox Avenue, downtown streetscape project. Town and Country came in with a base bid of $394,896.83.
Mayor Johnnie Waller stated that the plan includes the corners of Savannah Street and Cox Avenue. He went on to say that he hopes that a large clock will be included in the plan as well as a new welcome sign.
Certified letters have been sent to owners (Watts and Chadwick) of two buildings in need of repair on Cox Avenue. Building owners have until January 27 to comply or fines will be enforced, Waller said.
The SC Highway Department will place sod in the median between Northside Baptist and Church of God, Waller said, but the town will be responsible for maintenance.
The town has received a $29,000 grant to work on waterlines in front of New Hope Residential, and Waller said the easement has been approved through the highway department. Costs are projected at $50,000- $70,000. Bids will be accepted at Town Hall until January 22.
Council voted unanimously to issue a $1.3 million subdivision bond required by U.S. Lands to begin the second phase of the Sanctuary at Lake Russell.
Waller is one of 20 people invited to join the SC Department of Commerce on a trip to Japan. This trip will later be followed by a trip to Germany. Both trips will involve trying to bring potential business/industry to South Carolina and areas such as Calhoun Falls. Waller was approved 3-to-1 to be included on the trip, costing $4,250. Jimmy Dove voted no.
Prior to council going into executive session to interview attorneys, Jimmy Bounds and Johnny Waller had a heated exchange. Bounds wanted to ask a question of the mayor. Waller did not allow Bounds to ask the question and adjourned the meeting. After closing the meeting, Waller told Bounds that he could now ask his question, but, Bounds did not.
The two attorneys, Randall Williams of the Greenwood Bar and Steve Lapham of the Anderson Bar, were interviewed during executive session. Hiring of a new attorney could come Friday, December 21.
All councilmembers were present. Outgoing councilmembers, Mayor Pro Tem Ricky Holland, Sr., and Jeweline Putnam were recognized for their service to the town. This meeting was their last on council, unless a specially called meeting takes place before January.