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  • Four Cambio juveniles arrested

    FAIRFIELD COUNTY – Four juveniles from Cambio Academy on Greenbrier-Mossydale Road were arrested last week for burglary/breaking and entering and for destruction/damage/vandalism.

    Fairfield County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Greenbrier United Methodist Church the morning of Nov. 4 in reference to a break-in.

    The incident report states that while the person who called the deputies said nothing appeared to be missing, a downstairs window was broken and an outside door with a small blood smear was open. Several cushions on the floor were laid out to form what appeared to be a bed.

    Due to experience with juveniles in the area and a call the previous day from nearby Cambio Academy concerning four juveniles who had run away on Nov. 3 and returned Nov. 4, deputies went to Cambio to speak with the four juveniles, the report stated.

    All four juveniles told deputies that, during the night they ran away from Cambio, subject No. 3 broke the window to the church and all four of them slept inside the church, according to the incident report.

    All subjects admitted to taking water and lighters they found, the report stated.

    It was also reported that subject No. 3 appeared to have several scratches on her hands and legs and allegedly told deputies that she sustained these injuries while climbing into the window. The report states that after she climbed through the window, she opened the back door to let the other subjects in. All four juveniles said they left the church and returned to Cambio in the morning, the report stated.

    Sheriff Will Montgomery told The Voice that this is not the first call his deputies have made to the Academy which houses troubled female teens. In an editorial in the Oct. 26 issue of The Voice, Councilman Douglas Pauley expressed concern about how time consuming Cambio has become for the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department.

    “My deputies have made well over 100 calls to Cambio during the five months since it opened,” Montgomery said.

    “We’ve had meetings with Cambio’s management, the County, Senator Fanning and others about this,” Montgomery said. “We’ve got to find a solution.”

    A hearing for the juveniles was held in Family Court on Tuesday.

  • Cash-strapped hospital to ask County Council for more funds

    WINNSBORO – Going over its year-end financial reports on Halloween night, the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Finance and Audit Committee found the information rather scary.  By the end of the meeting, CFO Timothy Mitchell conceded that, with little reserves going into next year, the Board will need another infusion of cash from County Council by January.

    Mitchell moved quickly, however, to put a pretty face on the financial reports for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2017.

    “First and foremost, the loss for the month of September ($106,987) is substantially reduced from the previous month’s loss ($282,619). This is driven by improvement in our gross revenue and an increase in the average daily revenue from $35,670 in August to $45,227 in September,” Mitchell said.

    However, committee chairman Randy Bright said the hospital has dropped in total gross revenue year after year by $840,000.

    Mitchell also noted that it has been an “abysmal” month in terms of collections, and that he was seeing an alarming trend.

    “We’re seeing more and more denials for the ED (emergency department) claims because the insurance companies are deeming them not emergencies and denying them as non-covered services,” Mitchell said. “We do have the ability to bill it as a non-covered charge, but the collection experience with self-pay is typically low.”

    “We are between a rock and a hard place,” Mitchell said, “because EMTALA (the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) requires that we not turn people away who present for services.”

    Bright noted that net patient receivables have also dropped.

    “As you get declining revenues, you get declining receivables,” he said, noting that this has a domino effect on reserves and cash balances.

    Another issue, Mitchell said, is that even with losses in patient revenues, the hospital continues to see increases in accounts payable (what it needs to pay businesses and vendors) which climbed almost $100,000 in one month.  “That is alarming,” Mitchell said.

    Cash balances were also looking slim, Mitchell said.  By the end of September, he said the hospital had only four days of unrestricted cash and only 21-22 days of total cash on hand, including cash that the Board had previously decided to restrict.

    “What this means is that we have very little reserves, as we go into the next year,” Mitchell said.  “Of course, in January, we will make another DSH payment and will need another appropriation from the county.  That will bring the cash balances back up, along with normal patient collections.”

    “That’s if we don’t make any changes to our fiscal plan or the services we are offering,” Smith said.  “That would be extra cash coming in if we won’t be paying out for expenses.”

    “If we were to eliminate any services, obviously,” Mitchell said, “since the hospital would not have to pay the salaries or benefits associated with those services.

    “That makes it essential for us to streamline before the end of the year,” Smith said.

    “And that means making tough decisions about certain departments,” Board member William Turner added.

    “Now is the time for us to start to wrestle with those questions.” Mitchell said.

    “We’ve never stopped wrestling with those questions,” hospital CEO Suzanne Doscher replied.

    Mitchell also reported that the 2015 hospital financial statement audit is essentially complete, and that he expects to schedule a meeting to review it soon.  He also said he is setting dates for the 2016 audit and his goal is to have the 2017 audit done by the end of the first quarter.

  • Tax Notices Make Debut

    WINNSBORO – Fairfield County’s 2017 delinquent tax notices make their first appearance inside this issue. If you forgot to pay your property taxes, or if you’re hoping to get a good deal because someone else did, you can find the listing of properties on pages 8, 9 and 10 this week.

    Property owners with outstanding bills will have this chance to make good with the Tax Man. But on Dec. 4, the Auctioneer takes over.

    That’s when prospective buyers will have the opportunity to bid at the County Courthouse on properties whose owners did not pay their outstanding taxes. Winning bidders will see their money go into an escrow account where it will earn interest for one year. Delinquent property owners will have that year to come up with those back taxes. If they do, the winning bidder keeps the interest. If not, the winning bidder becomes the new property owner.

    Notices will also appear in the Nov. 16 and Nov. 23 editions.

  • Town planner urges PC to allow itinerant vendors in town

    BLYTHEWOOD – As the town government enters a second year of wringing its hands over what to do about itinerant vendors in the Town Center District, the vendors got an unexpected boost at Monday night’s Planning Commission meeting from the Town’s Planning Consultant Michael Criss who championed them as beneficial to the business community, even telling Commissioners, “This kind of business is encouraged in the Town Center District.”

    While Criss clarified to The Voice after the meeting that none of the town’s ordinances or the Master Plan actually encourages vendors, he said the Master Plan favors a mix of kinds of commerce.

    Earlier this year, Town Council charged the Planning Commission with coming up with guidelines for itinerant venders in the Town and how to regulate them.

    Commissioner Michelle Kiedrowski offered a draft ordinance that she said was a jumping off point for discussion.

    “Are the Beaufort and Walterboro vendor ordinances pertinent to Blythewood?” she asked. “Do we even want to have an ordinance? How deep do we want to go with it? I know there are some complaints about Grace’s Coffee and the vegetable stand. Some [brick and mortar] businesses say their business may be taken away by vendors, so, obviously the ordinance must protect the town, the businesses and citizens.”

    “Well, the licensing and insurance are all here,” Commission Chairman Bryan Franklin said about Kiedrowski’s draft.

    Criss’s said his concern was that the vendors do not obstruct traffic, pose no hazards and that plumbing and electricity are properly installed and inspected.

    “And if you have the vendors to move each night, that may cure any perceived problems, though you may find that some vendors want to stay overnight,” Criss said.

    “The concern I’m hearing from citizens is that this is not just about where and when vendors park, but there is concern that these mobile vendors will take business away from [brick and mortar] businesses,” Kiedrowski said.

    “Well, that’s the balance, encouraging these low cost start-up businesses who might graduate into brick and mortar permanent businesses,” Criss said.

    Criss also said that it might be difficult for the town to relegate vendors to certain spots in the town.

    “The zoning must be consistent. What you come up with must be consistent for the whole zoning district,” Criss said.

    Parker suggested that the ordinance might restrict vending stands entirely except for special town events.

    Commissioner Marcus Taylor liked that suggestion.

    “How about no vendors except for special events?” Taylor asked.

    “But you must consider the investment a food caterer makes in a food truck. That could be $100,000. Why doesn’t he just build a building? Because he needs to be able to move to different locations,” Criss said. “With changes in the economy, customers are not as faithful to brick and mortar fixed locations.”

    Christ also suggested that businesses might partner with vendors.

    “A restaurant might have a taco truck on its parking lot. There’s economic vitality in allowing a great mix of business activity, but you want to protect the aesthetics of the community. Fortunately, you have the Board of Architectural Review,” Criss said.

    However, the Board of Architectural Review has not placed any restrictions on the current vendors concerning paint color, building materials, etc. that brick and mortar businesses in the town must adhere to.

    “We don’t have any brick and mortar business people in here. Basically, we are making these decisions for people who are not in here,” Taylor said.

    “Just recommend something,” Commissioner Robert Cappadonna said.

    “Michelle has a good draft here to let Town Council debate,” Franklin said.

    “I don’t think it’s ready for Council,” Michelle cautioned. “Do you have any edits?”

    “It has what I wanted,” Franklin said. “”license and insurance requirements.”

    “I was actually hearing the Council say they expect the Planning Commission to present a completed draft,” Parker said.

    “Ok, we’ll refine what Michelle has here for next time. We do need to get it going.” Franklin said.

    The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of every month.

  • Rimer Pond rezoning hearing set for Dec. 19

    BLYTHEWOOD – The zoning public hearing for developer Hugh Palmer’s request for commercial zoning on Rimer Pond Road has been deferred once again by Palmer until Tuesday, Dec. 19, after Richland School District 2 has closed for the Christmas holidays.  The meeting is set for 7 p.m., in County Council Chambers.

  • Campanelli headed for jury trial

    WINNSBORO – A local television station reported that Winnsboro resident Andrew Campanelli, 31, charged with assaulting a police officer at the Fairfield County Detention Center on Oct. 8, claimed a reflex caused him to jump in the air and head-butt Winnsboro Public Safety Department (WDPS) officer Peter Jackson.

    In his version of the incident, Jackson alleged in the second of two incident reports, that when he placed his hands on Campanelli’s right shoulder, Campanelli jumped into the air, swinging his head back and intentionally hitting Jackson under the left eye. Jackson charged Campanelli with resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer while resisting arrest.

    A report submitted by SLED agent Bobby Bancroft, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, stated that Campanelli claimed Jackson twisted his (Campanelli’s) handcuffs which caused a reflex that made him jump into the air and head-butt Jackson and that Jackson then body slammed him on the ground. Bancroft noted that Campanelli ‘confirmed’ this information.

    But each of these recollections, even those attributed to Campanelli, differ from the video which can be viewed on The Voice’s Facebook page (thevoicepaper).

    Campanelli had already been arrested before he arrived at the Detention Center and, as seen in a video of the Detention Center incident, Campanelli’s hands were cuffed behind his back when he allegedly jumped into the air, unassisted, hitting his head against the officer’s before traveling through the air about three feet, hitting a wall face-first, then crashing into a chair as he fell to the floor.

    Campanelli told The Voice in an interview on Oct. 21 that he had not seen the video of the incident nor had anyone described it to him at the time he was interviewed by the SLED agent. Campanelli said he did not know, at the time of the SLED interview, that he had been propelled several feet through the air into the wall.

    The V

    oice has submitted a Freedom of Information request to SLED for details of the SLED agent’s interview with Campanelli.

    Jackson initially arrested Campanelli and charged him with assault, 3rd degree, for allegedly throwing two bottles of Mountain Dew at a convenience store clerk when she would not take Campanelli’s expired driver’s license for ID to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Campanelli was released on a $275 bond. Both Campanelli and the store clerk have told The Voice that he did not throw the bottles, but swiped them off the counter with his arm. The clerk told The Voice that she was hit by one of the bottles. The Voice has submitted a Freedom of Information request to the Winnsboro Public Safety Department for the convenience store video as well as Jackson’s body cam video of Campanelli’s arrest.

    Campanelli’s public defender, Geoffry Dunn of Rock Hill, has asked for a jury trial for the assault/3rd degree charge that will be heard in the Winnsboro magistrate’s court, but is not yet scheduled. Dunn said Campanelli’s case was referred to him by Fairfield County’s public defender’s office because of a conflict of interest, but that he does not know what that conflict consists of.

    Dunn is also representing Campanelli against the charge of resisting arrest/assaulting a police officer which will be heard in General Sessions Court in Winnsboro, but is not yet scheduled. Campanellli was released on a $3,000 bond on that charge.

  • Gary Parker leaving town hall post

    BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood Town Administrator Gary Parker announced that he will be retiring from his town hall post sometime in March and going home to his family in Archdale, N.C.

    Parker said, simply, “It’s time. I’ve enjoyed my work here for the last four years, but it’s time I move on, have more time with my family, go hiking.”

    An avid mountain climber, Parker said he’s looking forward to taking on the North Carolina mountains.

    Parker came to work for the Town in June, 2014.

    “I’ve enjoyed my stay in Blythewood,” Parker said. “The staff, Council and the boards have been great to work with. There are some very, very good people here in the town.”

  • Voters elect Franklin, Griffin

    BLYTHEWOOD – Incumbent Larry Griffin and Planning Commission Chairman Bryan Franklin took top votes Tuesday night over two other Planning Commissioners, Donald Brock and Michelle Keidrowski, in the Blythewood municipal election to fill two seats on Town Council.

    Griffin

    Griffin and Franklin, Blythewood natives, said they had support from friends as far back as grade school.

    Both seats are for four-year terms. Franklin replaces Tom Utroska who retired after one term in office as he had said he would when he ran for office.

    Griffin and Franklin both had their home precincts to thank for victory. Griffin, who lives on Langford Rd., but whose family roots run deep in the Boney Rd. area, took 99 of the 140 votes cast in Precinct 2 (Boney Rd and Lake Ashley).

    Franklin

    Franklin, who lives in Ashley Oaks, drew 46 of the 78 votes in Precinct 1 (Ashley Oaks).

    Cobblestone Park resident Courtney Leavitt, who dropped out of the race, received 16 votes.

    Voter turnout this year was 299, five less than the 304 who turned out two years ago.

    Griffin and Franklin will be sworn into office Nov. 27.

    Final Vote Tally

    Larry Griffin –  177
    Bryan Franklin – 139
    Donald Brock – 122
    Michelle Kiedrowski – 57
    Courtney Leavitt – 16
    Write-ins – 2

  • Historical Society to honor vets

    Blythewood- The Blythewood Historical Society and Museum will host a Veterans Day Celebration at   the Langford-Nord House, 100 McNulty Street on Friday, Nov. 10, starting at 7 p.m.

    The celebration will include a guest speaker, Rev. Clyde Scott, retired Army Chaplain and current Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church; former Mayor, LTC Keith Bailey; Mayor J. Michael Ross; Westwood High School JROTC, a flag retirement with town council member Eddie Baughman and Jim McLean’s unveiling of a proposed Military Memorial to be built on site. The flag retirement includes an opportunity for guests to pay tribute to a family member who served or is presently serving in the military.

    Light refreshments will be served and an open house to view Bob Redfern’s vintage military vehicles, Hud McLean’s Vintage military jeep, and Michael Child’s Miniature Military Scenes. The community is invited to the free event. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

  • Candidates banter over property tax, vendors, growth, less restrictive zoning

    BLYTHEWOOD – This year’s Town Council debate was more entertaining than those in the past – a little fun, a little banter. The five questions presented by the Chamber were long and convoluted. Question 3 was 73 words long.

    Candidates for Town Council, from left, Bryan Franklin, Michelle Kiedrowski, Larry Griffin and Donald Brock, listen to the first question from moderator Mike Switzer, Executive Director of the Blythewood Chamber of Commerce. | Photo: Barbara Ball

    A priority for the Chamber, which has received $63,000 from the Town in the last year and a half, was what priority the candidates would give to a close relationship between the town government and the Chamber.

    The short question: What is your current opinion of the relationship between the town government and the business community which is the town’s primary source of revenue?

    Michelle Kiedrowski said more priority must be given to bringing in more hospitality and accommodation taxes as a financial resource, and the Town should market itself to the kind of business the town needs.

    Larry Griffin suggested the town needs to bring in the right businesses that will generate income for the town.

    Donald Brock said the nu

    mber one goal of the Chamber should be to help the businesses that are here survive. He suggested creating sources of revenue other than business-generated revenue – like a recreation department and sports complex.

    Bryan Franklin agreed that a sports complex would be a good revenue source, but Franklin said the town must first look at what it needs to spend money on and then ask how to generate that income.

    The short question: Are you open to a tax millage and/or a bond referendum for the purpose of accelerating the pace of street improvements?

    All the candidates pretty much skipped the street improvements part of the question and got right down to the tax millage/bond referendum issue.

    Larry Griffin said he is not opposed to a millage, but it has to be done with caution. If a tax would be beneficial and help us eliminate our traffic problems, I’m for it.

    Donald Brock: Millage is a bad thing when it is wasted. He might like to see bonds or a property tax used to create a recreation center or to diversify events and attractions in Blythewood. The town has to give serious thought to establishing a stable revenue stream. I’m not opposed to a property tax, but I would use caution.

    Bryan Franklin: I would be open to a referendum of the people. If the majority of the people want to impose a millage, I would not be opposed to it.

    Michelle Kiedrowski: I agree. A millage needs to be considered only when the town is ready. There are benefits, but the citizens have to be involved.

    The short question: How do you feel about Council’s decision to reduce design restrictions for businesses locating on Blythewood Road between 1-77 and Main Street, making it easier for more fast-food restaurants to locate there?

    As Planning Commissioners, Brock, Franklin and Kiedrowski did not recommend easing the design restrictions. They remained united in their opposition during the debate, noting that they felt it was important to follow the master plan to improve the town. Brock said businesses coming in must not be allowed to hold the purse over our head and say, we’ll move into the town, but we are going to operate by our rules, not yours.

    Griffin, on the other hand, voted for the easing of the restrictions. Griffin said the master plan should be changed when needed to meet the needs of growth.

    The short question: How do you feel about mobile/itinerant vendors doing business in Blythewood?

    Michelle Kiedrowski: When itinerate merchants come in and stay, they take business away from our local businesses. I’m not against vendors; vendors effect how Blythewood looks. I’m not a fan of them sitting overnight.

    Larry Griffin: Some merchants like it and some don’t, so we need to have an ordinance to abide by. If we change the ordinance we have to be fair. What we do for one, we have to do for all.

    Donald Brock: Itinerant merchants don’t have the same overhead and responsibility as a brick and mortar business. Perfect example is Grace Coffee and Bloomin’ Bean Coffee Shop.  I’m sure the monthly expenses for Bloomin’ Bean exceed those of Grace Coffee. Food Trucks should come for events and then leave. That’s the nature of an itinerant merchant. They must not interfere with the businesses that are here. We need to hear from and fight for the local businesses, the ones in the trenches who provide the town’s revenue.

    Bryan Franklin: Fairness is the word, but it has to be fair for the businesses that are already here.