These two individuals who were in Dollar General prior to the robbery may have information about the incident. | Surveillance Camera
FAIRFIELD COUNTY – The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate an armed robbery that occurred on July 5, 2024, at the Dollar General Store located on SC Highway 34 W, near Salem Crossroads in Blair area of Fairfield County.
According to a press release from the Sheriff, the two
individuals pictured above were in the store just prior to the crime and may
have valuable information about this incident. They were riding in a white
Toyota Corolla.
Contact Investigator Randell Bell at 803-635-4141, FCSO Tip
Line (803)815-4191, or fcsotipline@gmail.com with any information that could
assist in identifying these individuals. Tips can remain anonymous.
Robbery
At approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, July 5, 2024, a masked subject entered the Dollar General Store located on Newberry Road at Salem Crossroads in the Blair community armed with a handgun demanding money.
During the attempted robbery the suspect struck the cashier
with the handgun and then fled the store.
BLYTHEWOOD – Following the Town’s Rockin’ Red White and Blue
fireworks celebration on July 3, at Doko Park, the Town government reported
that a teen was arrested and charged with Aggravated Breach of Peace after
shooting a splat (toy) gun in the park and was transported to Alvin S. Glenn
detention center. But there were other disturbances reported as well including
a Roman candle and other fireworks being set off by attendees in the crowd
which was reported by Town Hall to be as large as 13,000 people.
There were also reports by witnesses but not acknowledged by
Town Hall that a young girl was injured – by some reports, by the splat guns
and by other reports, by the Roman candle – and that an ambulance on site at
the park was unable to transport the injured girl out of the park because of
the large crowd size.
It was also reported in The Voice that witnesses saw the
injured girl then wheeled on a stretcher from the park to Langford Road, then
down Langford Road to the parking lot of Home Advantage Realty office at the
intersection of Langford Road and Main Street in downtown Blythewood where she
was transferred to another ambulance that was called to assist in the
transport.
At the time, The Voice was unable to verify this information
with Town Hall, the Richland County EMS or Blythewood’s RCSD Station Six.
An RCSD public information officer responded to The Voice
that there were no incident reports other than the one filed concerning the
arrest of the 15-year-old male.
However, last week, a spokesperson for Richland County
verified that a person was transported from Doko Park by Richland County EMS.
“I think what
happened is that we did have a dedicated ambulance on site, but there was one
individual that needed medical assistance, so they called in the closest EMS to
transport that individual,” EMS Director Susan O’Cain told The Voice.
BLYTHEWOOD – A 14-year-old student was arrested earlier this
week following confirmation that the juvenile was in possession of a loaded
firearm on school grounds at Westwood High School, according to Sheriff Leon
Lott in a press release.
On Aug. 12, at approximately 9 a.m., a Student Resource
Officer at Westwood High School was notified by school administration that the
14-year-old suspect had a firearm in their book bag, according to the release.
The SRO was able to determine that Defender Security stopped the suspect before
entering the school after the metal detector alerted on the suspect’s bag.
Lott said security escorted the suspect to a school
administrator who confirmed the presence of a handgun in the bag. The SRO
secured the firearm and confirmed that it was loaded. SROs confirmed that the
firearm was not stolen and the suspect had obtained the firearm from his own
home.
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A Winnsboro man has been charged earlier this week with murder in the stabbing death of a man found inside a burning home in Lexington, County, on July 20, 2024, according to a Lexington County Sheriff’s report.
Edward Leroy Smith, 39, of Winnsboro, was arrested on
Tuesday, Aug. 13, and charged with murder in the stabbing death of Caldwell
Melton Motley, Jr. Smith was also charged with attempted murder of another man.
According to the initial incident report at the time of the
stabbing, Lexington County EMS and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
discovered Motley’s body when they arrived on scene of a burning home on Oak
Ridge Lane in Lexington County. Emergency personnel found Motley’s body inside
the burning home.
The emergency crews also discovered another man with
injuries in a separate garage-type building on the property. That man was
transported for medical care.
“During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that Smith stabbed Motley to death,” said Lexington Sheriff Jay Coon. “Detectives also determined that Smith injured the other man at the scene by striking him with an edged object.”
Victim and witness interviews, evidence and electronic data
indicate Smith was at the Oak Ridge Lane scene shortly before a 911 call was
made in reference to smoke coming from the house.
Smith is being held in the Lexington County Detention Center
after a magistrate denied him bond Wednesday morning.
Smith is the former owner of Smith’s Towing in Winnsboro. He was recently living in the Blythewood area.
More information about the arrest will be posted when it is available.
This story was updated August 14, 2024 at 4:12 p.m.
WINNSBORO – Shortly before noon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, a pickup truck smashed into the front of a building at 116 S. Congress Street, in downtown Winnsboro.
Winnsboro Department of Public Safety Chief Patrick Clemens
said the truck had been stopped at the First Citizens Bank drive thru teller
when the driver stepped out of the truck to reach the teller machine.
“He then became stuck when the door wouldn’t open all the way,” Clemens said.” The driver then reached back into the truck to pull himself back in, and accidentally hit the gear shift, putting the truck into gear.”
The truck then traveled forward, according to Clemens, first striking the driver, then crossing the four lanes of S. Congress Street and crashing into the front of the Insurance of Fairfield building.
The building, which houses Homes 4 Sale, LLC and Nelco & Assoc., was not occupied at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was transported to a medical facility by Fairfield County EMS, but no information is available as to the extent of injury. No other injuries were reported.
The crash is under investigation by the WDPS.
This story was updated at 8:28 p.m. EST on August 13, 2024.
A house fire in western Fairfield County. | Photos: Fairfield County Fire Service
WINNSBORO – Long an advocate for full staffing of Fairfield County’s fire stations, County Councilwoman Peggy Swearingen has said more than once: “If you live in western Fairfield County and your house catches on fire, it’s going to burn down.”
Webb
While he doesn’t agree with Swearingen’s assessment, Fairfield County Fire Chief Jamie Webb says the county is in desperate need of volunteer firefighters to supplement the six full-time and one part-time paid firefighters.
“We have fewer than 90 volunteer firefighters right now,”
Webb said. “We need at least twice that many to adequately man the county’s 15
fire stations.”
Webb says there are only six full-time firefighters and one part-time. Of the 15 stations only six – Community, Greenbrier, Mitford, Jenkinsville, Ridgeway, and Dutchman Creek – have an assigned paid firefighter, and that’s only from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. An additional station – Lebanon – is manned by a paid firefighter from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., but for only two or three days of the week.
Unmanned Stations
That leaves eight stations unmanned.
“The advantage of having a paid firefighter at a station,”
Webb says, “is that when a call comes in, that firefighter can immediately
drive the firetruck to the call where it is joined by the volunteer
firefighters assigned to that station. That saves a lot of time.”
The eight stations that have no one manning them on any day
of the week, depend on volunteers assigned to that station. When a call comes
in to one of the unmanned stations, a volunteer assigned to that station has to
first travel to the station and then drive the truck to the call.
It gets worse. Four of the 15 stations are actually
substations that have neither paid nor volunteer firefighters assigned to them.
Those substations depend on volunteers assigned to other stations to answer
their calls, Webb says.
“We clearly have a great need for paid and volunteer
firefighters and would appreciate any help we can get to protect our
community,” says Webb, who’s been part of the fire service for 21 years.
“Back when I started volunteering, the county had over 150
volunteer firefighters,” he recalls. “Now it has fewer than 90.”
Nationwide Problem
“It’s not just a Fairfield problem,” he says. “There’s a
lack of volunteer firefighters statewide and nationwide. One reason is that
people no longer work close enough to home or are not able to leave work to go
on calls like in the old days,” he says. “Also, now, there’s training and other
time requirements. The number of people volunteering is just steadily
decreasing.
“And the volunteers we’ve had for a long time are getting
older and can’t do what they used to do,” Webb says.
He says there’s also been a shift in who’s signing up to
volunteer, with a noticeable lack of young people in their late teens, 20s, and
30s – the age group that has historically volunteered for the fire service
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteer Sallie Williams
Webb wants to get the word out that the county provides a
great opportunity for anyone who wants to become a volunteer firefighter.
“The training – equipment, classes, required books and
learning materials – is provided free of charge,” Webb says.
Webb points out that volunteer firefighters also receive an
annual stipend (anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars), based
on how many points they’ve earned by responding to calls and attending
training. Volunteer firefighters can also qualify for a tax deduction.
“Being a firefighter – paid or volunteer – is one of the most
rewarding jobs you can have,” he says, “just knowing that you’re helping
somebody on what could be the worst day of their life.”
Webb says there’s also a junior firefighter program that
enables young people to complete their training beginning at age 16 and become
full-fledged firefighters by the age of 18.
Teens, Women Included
“We’re open to anybody willing to volunteer,” he says, and
I’m not talking about just men. We have 19 female volunteers, 1 female fulltime
firefighter and they’re some of the best.”
For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter,
Webb says the first step is to fill out a form that enables a background check
to be run.
After passing the background check, a physical is required
that’s paid for by the fire service and includes things like an exercise stress
test and blood work to ensure that the prospective volunteer is healthy and
physically able to do the job.
Volunteers train with a controlled fire.
Training
After completing the initial training, volunteer
firefighters must attend a certain number of additional trainings and call
responses each year.
Not all calls are fire calls. In 2023, based on call data,
the fire service received 1,395 total calls, but just 168 of those (12 percent)
were for fires: 23 were building fires and the remainder were cooking fires,
vehicle fires, woods and brush fires.
A larger number (43 percent) of the calls were medical
calls, and 242 (18 percent) were service calls to install smoke alarms that are
provided free for homeowners through a county program.
“Firefighters do a lot of jobs and wear many hats,” Webb
says. “And volunteers can specialize – they can choose to go just on medical
calls, drive and operate a fire truck, or direct traffic at the scene. We have
plenty of very important functions that do not involve fighting a fire.”
Webb emphasizes, however, that the county does desperately
need people who can show up to fight a fire.
Anyone with questions can reach out to the Fairfield County’s fire service’s main office, located at 880 West Moultrie Street in Winnsboro, on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or call (803) 712-1070. Applications can be filled out electronically or in person, and more information can be found online at https://www.fairfieldsc.com/departments/fire-service/.
BLYTHEWOOD – Several areas in Blythewood experienced flooding on the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 5 as heavy rainfall fell across the area for hours.
The cause of the heavy rainfall was not related to Tropical
Storm Debby. It was caused by an upper-level trough along with a weak surface
front which worked into the area late Friday night into Saturday morning. The
upper-level trough significantly increased upper-level moisture and provided a
good amount of storm energy. The associated surface front, paired with warm
temperatures acted as a trigger mechanism to initiate the afternoon storms.
It was known coming into the day that there was potential
for flash flooding because the area was already sitting above normal in terms
of rainfall. Therefore, cells that were to sit over the same areas and
back-build were likely to cause issues.
That is exactly what we saw Saturday afternoon.
Light showers started to develop southwest of Blythewood at
1:45 p.m. and quickly blew up into a severe thunderstorm by 2:30 p.m.,
producing 60 mile per hour winds and rainfall rates up to 5 inches per hour.
Initial reports came from Grover Wilson Road where, shortly
after the warning was issued, where trees were downed in the road.
Prior to any flood warnings, ditches were overflowing,
covering Langford Road in a few inches of standing water. After receiving that
report, the National Weather Service in Columbia issued a Flash Flood Warning
around 3:15 p.m.
Over the next several hours reports came in with pictures
and video of wind damage and flooding occurring in the Blythewood area. The
most extensive wind damage occurred along Wilson Blvd near Transfiguration
Catholic Church. A large tree was uprooted and blocking the road.
Some other wind damage was reported around the Blythewood
area such as limbs and small trees downed, as well as some minor roof damage.
However, no pictures were shared.
The real concern was the ongoing flooding across Blythewood.
Several pictures and videos show flooding causing trouble in various parts of
town. Standing water was reported at the intersection of Hard Scrabble, Rimer
Pond and Kelly Mill Roads, however no pictures were shared. Ditches were also
overflowing into the roadways near the intersection of Farrow Road and Wilson
Blvd.
By this point, flooding was quickly becoming more and more
of a concern as reports continued to come in. The National Weather Service
decided to take the Flash Flood Warning up a step, tagging it as a
“Considerable” threat. This is often done when life-threatening flooding is
occurring. With people not heeding the warnings, they were getting stuck in the
flood waters.
Smyrna Church Road near Heins Road was covered in standing
water, forcing local officials to shut down the road. EJW Road was covered in
flood waters with debris floating on top of the water.
While photos and reports showed significant flooding across
the area, some of the most significant flooding occurred near Killian Loop.
Videos showed water rushing across the road, later causing part of Killian Road
near Killian Loop to be washed out completely. As of now, the road is still
closed as crews work to repair the roadway.
In the end, some areas in Blythewood received over 6 inches
of rain as reported by local weather stations and unofficial observations.
Although they are unofficial, we still look at those to get a rough idea. Some
official totals came in near 5 inches at Westwood High School, 3.86 inches at
Elders Pond, and just over 4 inches at Bear Creek.
Damage is still being dealt with from the flooding which
occurred on August 3, however efforts have been put on hold due to Tropical
Storm Debby.
With Tropical Storm Debby stalled near Charleston, it
continues to dump heavy rain across the state, including Blythewood and
Fairfield County. Debby is expected to make a second landfall near Georgetown,
SC as a high-end tropical storm hits sometime Thursday.
Impacts will continue to be felt as far inland as the Upstate. On Tuesday alone, some areas across Blythewood and Fairfield County received over 3 inches of rain from Debby. An additional 5 to 8 inches of rain is still forecasted to fall through Friday afternoon
A person was trapped inside of a car on Hunters Run Drive. | Angela Todd
Water rushed across Killian Loop. | Michael Strother
RIDGEWAY – The Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 annual meeting brought about 125 members and friends to The Farm at Ridgeway Wednesday night, July 24.
It was a night of dining, visiting, and dancing to the music of the Sherrie Cafaro Trio, with the presentation of the annual business awards being the highlight of the evening.
The event also marked almost a year for Dillon Pullen to serve as the new president of the chamber.
Chamber President Dillon Pullen presents the Fairfield Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award to Peace on Earth restaurant owners Mary and Domenic Nappa. | Photos: Barbara Ball
Small Business of the Year
The award for Small Business of the Year went to Peace on Earth Café and Consignment, located in downtown Winnsboro.
Owned by Mary and Domenic Nappa, Peace on Earth is a café, consignment shop and general store offering dine-in and take-out breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup, baked goods and ice cream.
“As a ‘mom and pop shop’, Mary and Domenic put their love into their business, but as a two-person store, it takes everything they have,” said Shanta Lewis. “The Nappas praised their customers saying they are “always kind and patient as we serve everyone as if unto the Lord.”
The Small Business of the Year award is presented annually in honor of Terry Vickers, who was president of the Chamber for 22 years before retiring in 2018.
The Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry Partner of the Year award went to Luck Companies, parent company of Luck Stone, located in Fairfield.
Industry Partner of the Year
The Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry Partner of the Year award went to Luck Companies.
Luck Companies is the parent company of Luck Stone, which has operations in Fairfield County. In business for over 100 years, Luck Stone is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated producer of crushed stone, sand, and gravel. In 2023, Luck Stone began production in Fairfield County along US Hwy 34, just 1 mile west of I-77 in Ridgeway.
“Since before plant operations began in 2023, Luck has proven to be a valued member of our industrial community with a heart to get involved,” presenter Kimberly Roberts said. ”Over the last several years, they have donated tens of thousands of dollars to local non-profit organizations to assist with bettering our community.”
The Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry Partner of the Year award is presented to a large business or industry that has shown its commitment and dedication to Fairfield County and the citizens who call it home.
Patti Palmer accepted the Citizen of the Year award for Patsy Palmer.
Phillips-Edenfield Citizen of the Year
Patsy Palmer was named the Phillips- Edenfield Citizen of the Year. Palmer is a sixth generation Ridgeway native and the daughter of Patti Palmer and the late Bubba Palmer.
“Patsy has always had a love for Fairfield County, especially the senior citizens,” presenter Charlene Herring said. “After a few health crises, Patsy has devoted herself to being a kind and caring person and a responsible citizen who thinks of God’s wishes for her life throughout the day.”
Created in 2021, the award is named after Mrs. Hannah Phillips and Sam Edenfield, two Fairfield County citizens who have raised the bar for service in the county. The award is presented yearly to an individual who has dedicated themselves to enhancing the lives of the citizens of our county.
Board member Deborah McCutchen, right, presents the Chamber’s Tourism Partner of the Year award to Carolina Adventure World, represented by Jillian Sweat.
Tourism Partner of the Year
The Chamber’s newly established annual award – the Tourism Partner of the Year award – went to Carolina Adventure World.
A 3,000-acre off-road park located in Winnsboro, Carolina Adventure World boasts over 120 miles of trails, offering diverse terrains for enthusiasts, including mud bogs, speed tracks, and more. The park caters to various off-road vehicles, providing thrilling experiences for riders of all skill levels, including rentals and guided tours for those new to the sport. Beyond the excitement on the trails, Carolina Adventure World’s campus provides a range of camping amenities, including RV sites with water and electric hookups, cozy cabins, and dry-camping options. Guests can also enjoy the Park’s tavern and bar, along with numerous fun events and live music throughout the year, providing a vibrant and entertaining experience both on and off the trails.
Carolina Adventure World will host the inaugural Field & Stream Music Fest in October 2024. This outdoor lifestyle and country music festival will feature top artists and bands, such as Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, ZZ Top, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. In addition to world-class musical performances, attendees can look forward to a variety of outdoor excursions and activities, making it a must-attend event for adventure and music enthusiasts alike.
Board Members
Winnsboro Mayor John McMeekin and his wife Lana.
The evening also signaled the departure of some members from the board – Vanessa Reynolds, Robbie Martin, and Vickie Maass – and the introduction of new board members:
Elbony Belton-Ashford – Board Chair, MUSC Director of Nursing
Tina Johnson – Vice Chair, Pecan Hill Estate
Kimberly Roberts – Treasurer, Clerk to Fairfield County Council
Charlene Herring – Ex-Officio, The Ivy Veranda
Shanta Lewis, TruVista Communications
Chris Hill, Fairfield County Coroner
Deborah McCutchan, Edward Jones Financial Group
Sgt. Ron Mull, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office
Mary Nappa, Peace on Earth Café and Consignment
Chamber President Dillon Pullen made closing remarks that included a review of a year that has brought growth to the chamber, a new office building, and new leadership.
The Retreat at Lake Wateree catered dinner.
The Chamber’s annual awards program and dinner was held at The Farm in Ridgeway, with more than 100 in attendance.
Jim & Sue Rex (Sue is Chair of the FSCD Foundation) and Carla & Chris Clausen and their son Josiah. Clauson is the Winnsboro Town Manager.
Chamber Vice Chair Tina Johnson, Charlene Herring, and Pam and Donnie Laird.
FCSD Trustee Henry Miller, Ridgeway Councilwoman Belva Bush Belton, Sheriff Will Montgomery, and District 6 County Council candidate Oren Gadsen.
Webb Yongue, Capstone Group, and FCSD Superintendent Dr. Tony Hemingway
Caroline and Everett Stubbs, Republican candidate for State Senate District 17
Fairfield County Disabilities and Special Needs Director Laura Collins (standing, center) attended with her staff.
Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office employee and erstwhile event server Keryn Isenhoward
WINNSBORO – It was a great band, fine weather, and a big crowd – which made for a fun evening of dancin’ and visitin’ at the third free Summer Night’s concert of the season.
The Wrong Side of the Tracks band provided the entertainment with music that absolutely pleased the crowd. And just about everybody was there. Sponsored by the Town of Winnsboro, the concert was organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
This was the last of the three Summer Nights concerts for this year. Chamber officials say there will be four concerts next summer. So, plan to bring your lawn chairs and the kids, and enjoy it all over again next summer.
Past VFW National Commader-in-Chief Vincent B. J. Lawrence, left, presents the award for All-American Status to Ridgeway VFW Post Commander Jeff Henry at the VFW S.C. Department Convention last week in Columbia. Henry, who lives in Elgin, is a life member and Commander of Post 8346 in Ridgeway. He is one of 854 VFW Post Commanders worldwide to earn the title of All-American Commander.
RIDGEWAY – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced that Jeff Henry has achieved All-American status as a Post commander. The award was presented during the 2024 VFW South Carolina Department Convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Columbia.
To achieve this honor, Post Commanders must meet strict requirements in their role to include exceptional leadership, authentic accomplishment in membership growth and strong support of VFW core programs.
Henry, a life member and commander of Post 8346 in Ridgeway, is one of 854 VFW Post Commanders worldwide to earn the title of All-American commander. His hard work played an integral role helping the organization successfully remain focused on its service to veterans.
“Commanders like Jeff Henry are a fine example of VFW leadership, and it’s their hard work and dedication to the mission and values of our organization that has rightly earned them this great honor,” said VFW Membership Interim Director Corey Hunt.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. There are more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members in nearly 6,000 posts worldwide, dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.
