THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Police Raise $1,600 to Help Children
Christmas with a Cop

Holding a toy in his hand, Blacksburg Police Sgt. Peter McBride agonized over whether he should buy it.
"Is this right for a 7-yearold boy?," he asked aloud while double- and triplechecking a carefully written wish list in his other hand.
Ultimately, he put the toy down and headed off to another aisle to look around for something else.
For the most part, he wasn't alone in his indecision as most of the other members of Cherokee Lodge No. 20 of the Fraternal Order of Police, who showed up at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Gaffney on Tuesday night, were having similar difficulties.
For all of them, the goal was to make Christmas special for a child in need and to help as many children as possible with a limited supply of cash they had on hand.
Members of the Cherokee FOP Lodge had spent the past month raising funds for their annual "Christmas with a Cop" program and initial concerns that the downturn in the economy would not only hurt fundraising but also increase the number of children in need were realized to some extent.
There were more applications for assistance than in years past while the amount of money raised was about the same, meaning the dollars would have to stretch a little further.
"It was a little tougher (to raise funds) this year that it was last year," the FOP lodge's 2nd Vice President Mark Gooch said. "We had to beat the bushes a little harder."
Though some initially worried the FOP Lodge might have to turn someone away this year, something it had never done, the $1,600 the lodge raised ensured that none of the children on the list would be go without something under their Christmas tree on Dec. 25.
Wal-Mart came through in big way, too, offering the shopping law enforcement officers a discount on their purchases that helped them stretch their dollars even further.
Altogether, the FOP Lodge set out with a shopping lists for about 19 children, some of them in foster care and some with very special needs, like a little girl suffering from severe physical disabilities that made gift selection even more difficult.
Though there was no way they could purchase everything on the children's wish lists, the FOP members tried as hard as they could.
A video game system was beyond reach, for instance, but a bicycle or doll wasn't.
Some of the children asked for clothing. Other requests for assistance simply included the name of the child and their age, leaving it to the officer's discretion.
Some of the wish lists were downright touching.
If one young boy could have nothing else, McBride said, he wanted Santa to bring him a Play Doh set.
Among the shoppers helping McBride were Gooch, who is a retired Blacksburg Police Officer, Trooper 1st Class Jeff Martin of the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Stephanie Martin, and Deputy Danny Tippett of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office [WEBMASTER'S NOTE: Actually, Danny was unable to make it for the shopping trip, but he did a phenomenal job of raising funds and getting toys donated, which really helped to make the event a success].
Cherokee County's Department of Social Services assisted the FOP in screening and recommending applicants for the program. Because the effort was all volunteer, 100 percent of all funds raised directly benefited local children and families.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, December 05, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Officers Honored for DUI Arrests

[PHOTO CAPTION] Five area police officers were honored Wednesday during an Alcohol and Drug Safety Action Program awards ceremony as for taking drunk drivers off the street. From left are: Sheriff's Deputy Brian Mullinax, SC Highway Patrol Trooper 1st Class Brian Quinn, Gaffney PD Master Police Officer Michael Scruggs, and Blacksburg PD Sgt. Pete McBride. Not pictured is Sgt. Todd Parker of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
Five area police officers were honored Wednesday by the Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for keeping Cherokee County motorists safe by taking drunk drivers off the streets.
Combined, the five officers recognized as the best of the best from the four police agencies that protect Cherokee County were estimated to have arrested about 200 drunk drivers in the past year. Three of the five police officers have proven they're quite good at the job, too, as they were repeat winners of the annual award.
Sgt. Todd Parker and Deputy Brian Mullinax of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, who also shared top DUI arrest honors last year, were credited by Sheriff Bill Blanton with the arrests of a combined 93 drunk or impaired drivers in the past year. So close were their arrest totals, Blanton submitted both of their names to the Cherokee County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for consideration of the annual honors.
Trooper 1st Class Brian Quinn led members of Post A of the South Carolina Highway Patrol with the arrest of 45 drunk or impaired drivers. Master Police Office Michael Scruggs from the Gaffney Police Department was a repeat winner of the top honor from his department, having also tallied the highest rate of DUI arrests last year. Sgt. Peter McBride of the Blacksburg Police Department received top honors among his department for the removal of drunk drivers from the streets of Blacksburg as well.
The annual award ceremony is not a competition, even though it's based on individual performances.
"We cannot forget what this is all about," said Capt. Mark Wright of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, who presented the award to Trooper Quinn. "It's about saving lives."
Wright offered some sobering statistics that about 45,000 people "like you and me" die on the nation's highways each year. About 860 of those deaths occurred in South Carolina as of the most recent count, which is short of the typical average. By taking drunk drivers off the streets, you make other people safer.
"That's what this is all about," Wright said of honoring the officers, "the recognition of what these guys do."
Another sobering statistic, the 45 DUI arrests made by Trooper Quinn represented just a portion of the 577 DUI arrests made by Post A this year.
"It's hard to describe in words the work and effort you all do," the officers were told by Robert Strait, deputy director and treatment director for the Cherokee County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Man Gets 10 Years for Armed Robbery

A Rock Hill man learned there's no leeway in South Carolina for an armed robbery.
Kenneth Jason Rhyne, 19, was sentenced to the minimum sentence of 10 years in the state Department of Corrections on Monday in Cherokee County General Sessions Court after pleading guilty.
The charge stemmed from a Feb. 17 incident during which Rhyne went into the Flying J truck stop in Blacksburg, placed a small handgun on the counter and demanded the clerk give him money. The car Rhyne was in was stopped by Blacksburg police shortly thereafter and his clothing matched the description given by the clerk.
His defense attorney told Circuit Court Judge J. Derham Cole that Rhyne was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident and that those who know the young man all said it was out of character. Rhyne would have been a good candidate for sentencing as a youthful offender, the defense attorney added, if state law would have allowed it.
State law doesn't allow such sentencing, however, and Judge Cole noted in court that Rhyne would not only have to serve at least 85 percent of the 10-year sentence but that he would face the possibility of life imprisonment if he ever committed a similar crime in the future.
Armed robbery is classified as a "most serious" offense under state law.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Town hires new cop

Blacksburg town officials took little time Tuesday in granting a local resident a place on the municipality's police force.
Town Council along with Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham decided to hire local fireman and former Gaffney Police Department auxiliary officer Brandon Heath Dorsett during council's regularly scheduled meeting.
Several people had applied for the job but officials felt Dorsett was the most qualified.
"There were many good applications, but none of them had done certified police work," Blacksburg Mayor David Hogue said. "(Dorsett) was the best candidate and was the most qualified, and that's why he was chosen."
With Dorsett's hiring, there are now 12 members of the Blacksburg Police force.
But the assistant police chief's position remains unfilled, left vacant by the departure of Al Phillips, who now works for the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office.
"We may be one or two jobs under our maximum," Hogue said. "Due to the budget crunch the town's been under recently, we chose not to hire anyone until we felt it was necessary to do so."
Hogue said several of the town's recently hired officers will not hit the streets until they complete officer's school.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

'Christmas with a Cop' Fundraising Effort Begins

Members of law enforcement from across Cherokee County are hoping to spread some extra Christmas cheer this year, knowing times are tough for many families.
The Fraternal Order of Police Cherokee Lodge No. 20 is kicking off its annual "Christmas with a Cop" drive which is directly aimed at helping needy children and families, as well as needy crime victims, during the holiday season.
Last year's drive benefitted at least 15 children or families. The program has benefitted dozens of people overall since its inception, said Sgt. Peter McBride of the Blacksburg Police Department, who serves as president of the local FOP Lodge.
Retired Blacksburg officer Mark Gooch, who is helping organize the drive, said the Lodge is hoping to get donations for the "Christmas with a Cop" drive by Dec. 5 so they know exactly how many people they can help this Christmas. They hope to begin shopping by Dec. 9.
McBride and Gooch both said there's a screening process involved so that the children receiving toys, or families receiving gift cards specifically for food or clothing for their children, are truly in need of help.
Victims advocates and the Department of Social Services do the screening for the Lodge.
Given the current state of the economy, McBride said, "Things are difficult and I'm sure we'll have a greater demand this year." He worried that difficult economic times could impact donations as well, however.
McBride said members of the local lodge will not be making any telephone calls to solicit donations but may make face-to-face visits in the next few weeks.
Donations can be mailed to: Cherokee Lodge #20, FOP, P.O. Box 878, Gaffney, S.C., 29342.
You also can call Gooch at 812-7104 to request pickup of donated items.
The FOP Lodge is accepting new, unwrapped toys for the program. It's asking for the toys to be unwrapped so it can match the toys based on the age and gender of the children benefitting from the program.
Depending on the growth of the "Christmas with a Cop" program in future years, McBride said the FOP Lodge would like to expand it to also offer Christmas cheer and assistance to needy elderly.
"Everything is dependent on however much we can raise," he said. "The more we raise, the more people we can help."
Because the effort is all volunteer, McBride said 100 percent of all funds raised directly benefit local children and families.

THE SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.goupstate.com

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Police Blotter: Robbery

A clerk at Gasland USA, 901 N. Mountain St., told police a man entered the store about 2:15 a.m. Monday and bought a bag of snack nuts and a scratch-off lottery ticket.
After leaving the store, the man returned and said he needed one more thing, a report stated.
The clerk said he walked toward her and pointed a gun as he demanded money.
She told police she handed over $602 in cash and complied when he told her to lie on the floor.
But she managed to call 911 with her cell phone when he left the store again.
The suspect is also accused of grabbing the clerk's black cigarette case containing $95.
Police think the man left in a light blue compact four-door sedan.
No arrest had been made on Tuesday.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, September 01, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Blacksburg Families Bring New Meaning to the Term 'Labor Day'

Outside Chuck and Nancy Greer's home in Blacksburg are pink and blue ribbons signifying a stork had made two special deliveries.
There was nothing ordinary about those deliveries, though, and even the stork was likely amazed with the timing.
In a case of utterly remarkable coincidence, the Greers' sons, Clay and Derrick, became fathers within an hour and a half of each other on Aug. 18 at the same hospital and just rooms apart.
Charleigh Greer was born at 11:48 a.m. at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center to parents Clay Greer and Cari Langston.
Meanwhile, Ethan James Greer was born at 1:31 p.m. to parents Derrick Greer and Ashley Herndon.
Langston's due date was Aug. 14 and Herndon's due date was Aug. 23, so little Charleigh and little Ethan apparently decided to split the difference and make their grand entrances to the world right in the middle.
No one expected the two expectant mothers to deliver the same day or so near the same time.
"I was going back and forth between the (two hospital) rooms," Nancy Greer said with a laugh about the day her new grandchildren were born. At one point, she left her camera in one of the hospital rooms and was unable to retrieve it because things were happening so quickly.
Though their birthday schedules happened to coincide, little Charleigh and Ethan have since separated themselves in terms of sleeping habits.
Clay Greer, who is the chief of the Blacksburg Fire Department and who works for the town, has had company watching the late night SportsCenter on ESPN.
"She wakes up every morning at 2, 2:10 or 2:30," he said with a smile while holding the newborn in his arms.
"Clay feels like he's working third shift," Langston said.
Little Ethan has been taking it a little easier on his parents. Derrick and Ashley said he's generally been sleeping until about 6 a.m.
Derrick also works in service of the Blacksburg community. He's a patrol officer with the Blacksburg Police Department.
Since "labor" day came two weeks early for the families, they didn't have too much planned for the actual Labor Day holiday weekend.
On Monday, however, Chuck Greer was scheduled to end a self-imposed delay in holding his new grandchildren. Chuck told everyone he wanted to wait until the tiny newborns were at least two weeks old, family members said.
Little Charleigh's maternal grandparents are Denny Langston and Chyrle Lowe while little Ethan's maternal grandparents are Blair and Allyson Herndon.
Lowe, who beamed with pride while holding her first grandchild during a family get-together last Thursday afternoon, said, "I got to see her born and I was a good coach."
Charleigh is Clay Greer's second child and his 13-yearold son A.J. now has a new baby sister and cousin to watch out for.
Ethan James is Derrick and Ashley's first child.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, August 22, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Trooper Albert Earns Law Enforcement Excellence Award

A veteran S.C. Highway Patrol officer who recently returned from his second overseas deployment this decade as a National Guardsman was recognized for a lifetime of service as a police officer and a soldier, earning the 2008 Solicitor's Award for Cherokee County Law Enforcement Excellence.
The award was presented to Cpl. Bobby Joe Albert at 7th Circuit Solicitor Trey Gowdy's annual law enforcement dinner Thursday, an event that honors the service of all members of law enforcement in Cherokee County.
"The quote that stuck out in my mind (from the nomination) was that he exemplifies the core value of the Highway Patrol," Gowdy said, referring to the core values of selfless service, integrity and responsibility. "The service that he gave as a law enforcement officer is in and of itself worthy of recognition," Gowdy said. "But he also served his county and state for 22 years (as well)."
Gowdy and Det. Lt. Tim Clark of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office also unveiled a new award Thursday night in giving Sheriff's Deputy Ronnie Painter the inaugural Ronnie Painter Perseverance Award for his return to service last year following critical injuries he sustained when his cruiser was struck head-on in 2006 while he was responding to a call.
Before Clark handed the award over to Painter, a slide show of photographs depicting Painter's badly mangled and burned cruiser, as well as his long recovery from his injuries, was projected on two large screens at opposite sides of the Broad River Electric Cooperative's auditorium, where the event was held.
Gowdy said the award selection committee would give the award named in Painter's honor in any year it's applicable.
Cpl. Albert, who won the overall award for Law Enforcement Excellence, started his career in law enforcement in Fairfield County in 1990. He spent more than three years with the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office before joining the Highway Patrol, where he has worked the past 14 1/2 years. He was promoted to corporal in Cherokee County in 2000.
A command sergeant major in the South Carolina National Guard, Albert has been deployed twice since Sept. 11, 2001, serving in Bosnia from November 2002 to October 2003 and more recently in Afghanistan from February 2007 to July 2008 as part of "Operation Enduring Freedom."
During his most recent deployment, Albert was part of the Afghan Regional Security Integration Command, which supervised a 640-member security force that worked in active combat zones fighting the Taliban and trained Afghan soldiers and police officers.
Highway Patrol First Sgt. Steven Mueller, who nominated Albert for the award, praised his work and performance with the Highway Patrol, calling him a dedicated leader. He cited the many medals and decorations Albert has received for his service of state and country, and noted they were only a "snapshot of Cpl. Albert's dedication and willingness to finish any task or endeavor that he embarks upon."

Finalists for this year's award for excellence included Officer Matt Gordon of the Blacksburg Police Department, Det. Sgt. Ron Ramsey of the Gaffney Police Department, Sgt. Christy Poole of the Gaffney Police Department, and Trooper Bo Caughmann of the Highway Patrol.
Gordon and Caughmann received awards for Investigative Excellence while Ramsey and Poole received awards for Career Service.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, August 29, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

If You're Going to Drink, You'd Better not Drive, Highway Patrol Says

While South Carolina's highway fatality rates are down this year, members of the South Carolina Highway Patrol have no plans to let down their guard.
This Labor Day weekend represents the end of an annually difficult time on the state's roadways, which the Highway Patrol has dubbed the "100 deadly days of summer."
Through Aug. 27, a total of 601 people have been killed on South Carolina's roadways in 550 crashes. That's actually down from last year, when 731 people died in 674 crashes during the same period.
"A drop in fatalities is not going to stop our efforts," said SCHP Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin. "Our primary goal is fatality reduction and one fatality is too many."
To that end, Cherokee County motorists are being advised the Highway Patrol will not only be out in full force this weekend but also will be joining forces with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the Gaffney Police Department and the Blacksburg Police Department to keep roads safe.
"We'll be coordinating with the Highway Patrol task force and will have officers assigned," confirmed Gaffney Police Chief John O'Donald.
"We're going to be using DUI saturation teams, troopers specifically focused on DUI violations, and teams focused on seatbelt violations," Gaskin said.
In addition, the Highway Patrol will be participating in several multi-jurisdiction safety checkpoints throughout Cherokee County this weekend and Gaskin said troopers will be enforcing the speed limit on Interstate 85.
Those who plan to drink during the holiday are asked to use designated drivers and travelers are being advised to plan ahead for increased holiday traffic volumes.
Of the 601 people killed on the roads this year, the Highway Patrol said 298 were not wearing seat belts.

THE SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.goupstate.com

Thursday, June 24, 2008

Police Blotter: Police Standoff

A Blacksburg man involved in a standoff with police faces a charge of aggravated assault and battery on the officers.
Police Chief Jamie Ham and officers responded Wednesday afternoon to 103 Boone St., where Roy Gene Mullinax Sr., 42, had threatened to take an overdose of pills, a report stated.
Mullinax told 911 by telephone before the officers arrived that he had firearms and would shoot if he saw the police.
Ham said he remained on the outside and talked to Mullinax, who refused to exit the residence, before throwing pill bottles from the door.
Officers said Mullinax finally stepped out but "steadily advanced" on them while armed with a small kitchen knife.
Ham said Mullinax caused self-inflicted scratches from the knife near his wrists and neck while continuing to move toward the officers, threatening them with the weapon.
Mullinax was subdued after a deputy with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office arrived and assisted with a Taser gun, Ham said.
Mullinax was taken to Upstate Carolina Medical Center for treatment and a mental evaluation.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, June 13, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Standoff Ends When Deputy Fires Taser

A tense standoff between Blacksburg police and a reportedly distraught man armed with a butcher knife ended Wednesday afternoon when the man was subdued with a stun gun, sparing officers from having to use deadly force.
According to a report at the Blacksburg Police Department, police were dispatched to Boone Street on Wednesday afternoon in response to a report about a man attempting to hurt himself with pills.
Police said they had further been advised by dispatchers the man claimed to have a gun and would shoot if he saw law enforcement.
Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham talked to the man and attempted to get him to open the door and come out. Police said the man initially refused to come out of the residence but subsequently opened the door and threw out several pill bottles.
Police said the man later exited the residence with a small butcher knife in his hand, refusing requests to put down the knife.
"He walked to the edge of the porch, cut his arm with about a three or four inch gash," Ham said.
The man then cut himself in the arm a second time, Ham said, then slashed at his own neck before advancing towards the officers. Police said the man ignored several warnings for him to stop and drop the knife.
At Ham's request, an assisting officer from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, Sgt. A. Hammond, deployed his Taser stun gun, safely ending the standoff.
"The Cherokee County (sergeant) heard the call and responded because he heard a brother in need," Ham said. "If it wasn't for him, it could have very easily been a deadly situation."
Ham believed the use of the stun gun saved the man's life, as the only alternative would have been the use of deadly force. Police were very close to using such force Wednesday afternoon, Ham assured. "He (the man) was as close as he could get to losing his life," Ham said.
Ham said he had never before seen a need to equip his department with such stun guns but changed his mind Wednesday.
"Immediately following that situation, I went to the (town) administrator," he said. ""We have already started the procedures for getting Tasers for the department."
Police said the man was treated at the scene for cuts to his left forearm and transported to Upstate Carolina Medical Center for further treatment and evaluation. The man had been admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit as of Wednesday.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

When Police Say They Will be Out in Force, That's What They Mean

More than 600 motorists apparently didn't know police would be out in full force for the Memorial Day weekend.
Between Friday and Monday, Troop A of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which covers Cherokee and Union counties, wrote 624 tickets and issued 183 warnings while on patrol.
Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin of the Highway Patrol said 247 of the tickets were for seat belt violations.
The local Highway Patrol unit made 10 DUI arrests and responded to 17 accidents, including a crash that killed two people Friday evening.
The Highway Patrol's figures did not include arrests or citations issued by local police agencies, including the Gaffney Police Department, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Blacksburg Police Department.
The Gaffney Police Department reported several arrests at safety checkpoints this past weekend.
They included: the arrest of a 31-year-old Gaffney man for the alleged possession of marijuana and 11 pills of ecstasy at a safety checkpoint on Beech Street early Sunday; the arrest of a 24-year-old city man for driving without a license during safety checkpoint early Sunday at Beltline and Providence Road; the arrest of a 31- year-old city man for driving without a license during a safety checkpoint late Saturday on Providence Road; the arrest of a 23-year-old city woman for driving under suspension during a safety checkpoint on East Frederick Street late Monday; and the arrest of a 23-year-old city man for driving under suspension during a safety checkpoint on Providence Road early Tuesday.
The local S.C. Highway Patrol unit wrote 624 tickets and issued 183 warnings between Friday and Monday.
Troopers arrested 10 people for DUI.
The SCHP investigated 17 traffic accidents, including a double fatality.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, May 23, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Police Will be Out in Force This Weekend: '100 Deadly Days of Summer' Begins

The South Carolina Highway Patrol and local police agencies plan to be out in full force this weekend to keep the roadways safe.
"Basically, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the 100 deadly days of summer," said Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
During the same holiday weekend last year, 19 people were killed in 16 fatal wrecks on South Carolina's roadways. To make roads safer, Gaskin said the Highway Patrol plans to focus on speeding, drunk driving and the use of safety belts, which are all major contributing factors in fatal crashes.
While police don't advertise the locations, Gaskin said the Highway Patrol will be teaming up with local police agencies, such as the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Gaffney City Police and Blacksburg Police, to conduct multi-jurisdiction traffic safety checkpoints throughout the region this weekend.
Gaskin advises that motorists can help by buckling up, obeying posted speed limits and using designated drivers if they plan to consume alcoholic beverages.
And because holiday traffic tends to be heavy, Gaskin advises motorists to allow for additional driving time wherever they're heading.
"Our number-one goal, our number one mission, is to reduce fatalities," Gaskin said.
Five people have been killed on Cherokee County's roads thus far this year.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Local News

The Blacksburg Police Department is investigating a recent incident of animal cruelty.
Sometime on April 29, an unknown person entered a North Rutherford Street yard and removed a dog from a cable runner. The subject then hooked the dog's collar directly to its dog house with a clip. Police said the dog was unable to move its head or reach its water dish.
The homeowner was advised of the situation by a neighbor, police said, and the dog was quickly released. The dog did not appear to sustain any injuries.

Vandals tossed a rock at a hearse window causing about $100 in damage, according to Blacksburg police.
The vehicle belonging to White Columns Funeral Home was damaged sometime between April 23 and April 24 while it was parked on North Rutherford Street.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, May 09, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Blacksburg Police Department Investigating Seven "Gas Drive-offs"

The Blacksburg Police Department is investigating seven recent gas drive-offs, with two vehicles apparently responsible for four of the incidents.
All of the incidents occured at the Flying J on North Mountain Street, according to police reports.
The thefts include:
an April 26 incident during which the driver of a big rig drove off with $930.78 in gas;
an April 26 incident during which the driver of a green Dodge Caravan left with $49.62 in gas;
an April 25 incident involving the driver of a red Mazda truck who left without paying a $40 bill;
April 18 and April 21 incidents in which the driver of a red Ford Mustang took a combined $86.09 in two fill-ups;
and incidents on April 17 and 21 in which the driver of a blue Daewoo car took a combined $67.76 during two fill-ups.
Video surveillance cameras captured the license plate numbers on all of the vehicles, according to police reports.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, May 09, 2008

Staff Reports

Hoops league to hold kickoff on Saturday

The Cherokee County Youth Basketball League will hold its career and crime prevention kickoff program May 10 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Granard Middle School auditorium.
Guest speakers will be [Assistant Chief] Al Phillips with the Blacksburg Police Department, Meredith Talford with Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, Terry Kilgore with the U.S. Army Recruiting Office, and Carlotta Redish of the Cherokee County School District.
The public is invited to attend. The summer youth basketball season will begin on May 17.
The cost to participate in the league is $30.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Monday, April 14, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Tarps Taken

More than $8,000 in tarps were stolen recently from a trailer parked outside a Blacksburg restaurant, according to a report at the Blacksburg Police Department.
Seven tarps, each valued at $1,200, were taken March 31 on North Mountain Street as the trailer was parked outside the Hardee's. Also stolen was a ladder valued at $300.
Police reported the tarps had "Premier Transportation" and "Kamm Industries" printed on them. Due to the value of the stolen items, the theft is considered grand larceny.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Local News

Blacksburg police reported the theft of a scooter recently.
According to an incident report, a Borders Road man had parked his Tank-brand scooter on Wilbur Street where he met with a friend and took a dog for a walk.
Returning about 10 minutes later, the man found his scooter had been stolen. The red and gray scooter is valued at $1,001.

Blacksburg police are investigating the recent theft of a motor vehicle.
A white 1994 Mazda minivan was reported stolen from Mountain Street sometime between 11:40 p.m. March 27 and 5:30 a.m. March 28.
The vehicle, valued at approximately $4,000, had been parked outside the owner's apartment.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

Bully Raccoon Taken Into Custody After Squaring Off With Rottweiler

[Photo Caption] Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham wasn't taking any chances with a potentially rabid raccoon Wednesday. The animal made its way into a yard, where it went after a barking Rottweiler. Members of the Blacksburg Street Department helped police collar the trespassing raccoon and it was locked up until State Wildlife officials could be contacted.
[Article] Blacksburg Police Chief Jamie Ham has come across practically every type of situation as a police officer, but he and other members of his department had to deal with one Wednesday that wasn't in police manuals.
"They don't teach you how to handle raccoons at the police academy," he half-heartedly joked as he and another officer gingerly retrieved an occupied animal trap from the back of his truck.
With the help of two volunteers from the Streets Department, police were able to take the trespassing raccoon into custody.
This was no ordinary raccoon, however.
This one was a bully.
The raccoon made its way into a fenced yard Wednesday morning on South Shelby Street, just a few blocks from the police station, and it showed no signs of fear against humans or a barking Rottweiler in a nearby yard.
The property owner, who was away from town for the day, said he received a report from his son that the raccoon came after him and then attacked their pet Rottweiler. The property owner feared a raccoon wouldn't be so bold unless it had rabies, and he was worried both about neighborhood children and his dog before Blackburg authorities were able to nab the perpetrator.
Ham said two members of the Streets Department fashioned their own animal control device out of a PVC pipe and rope so they could collar the raccoon and remove it from the yard. The Rottweiler appeared to be uninjured, but will be checked out.
Transported back to the Blacksburg Police Station, the raccoon was locked up in an empty dog kennel beside the building until police could figure out what to do with the animal.
Ham and Assistant Chief Al Phillips said they would most likely transfer custody of their prisoner to State Wildlife officials.
Ham didn't know if the animal had rabies or not, but wasn't taking any chances.
"You won't want to stick your hand in (the cage)," he said as the raccoon snapped at anything that came near it.
To avoid being scratched or bitten, Ham and Officer [Assistant Chief] Phillips used a broomstick to move the cage out of the truck and into the kennel.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

FOP Updates Schedule for Carnival

Cherokee Lodge #20 of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police announced this week an updated schedule for its fundraising carnival to be held April 16-20.
The carnival will be located on Windslow Avenue, the frontage road between I-85 exits 90 and 92, next to Bargain Shoes and directly across from the Peachoid water tower.
The carnival will be held Wednesday and Thursday, April 16-17, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; on Friday, April 18, from 5 p.m. to midnight; on Saturday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to midnight; and on Sunday, April 20, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Proceeds from the carnival, which will feature amusement rides, games and food, will be used to fund the local FOP lodge's operations and charitable endeavors.

THE GAFFNEY LEDGER
Gaffney, South Carolina
www.gaffneyledger.com

Friday, April 04, 2008
By Tim Gulla
Ledger Staff Writer

FOP Plans Carnival

Cherokee County police officers are hoping good food and good fun will be accompanied by good weather from April 16 to April 20.
Cherokee Lodge #20 of the South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police will hold a five-day carnival on those dates to raise funds for the organization's operations and charitable endeavors.
Such fundraisers were common for the group years ago but has since tailed off. "We're almost kind of starting out from scratch again," said the local lodge's president, Blacksburg Police Officer Pete McBride.
The carnival will be located at 493 Windslow Ave., the I-85 frontage road located between Exits 90 and 92, next to the Bargain Shoe Store plaza and directly across from the "The Big Peach."
The carnival rides, amusements and food will be run by Amusements of America, a professional carnival company.
McBride isn't quite sure what to expect in his first year organizing such a major fundraiser for the local FOP lodge, but is hoping it will raise enough funds for several key projects and initiatives.
Some funds are needed to send local officers to Washington D.C. for the annual National Police Officer's Memorial Services, where police officers from across the country gather to honor the men and women who died in the line of duty.
The local FOP also needs funds to finish construction and renovations at a permanent home. Lodge meetings currently are held in conference rooms at the Blacksburg Police Department and Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. The lodge's new home will be above the Blacksburg Police Department, once demolition and remodeling work can be completed.
"It's not usable right now," McBride said.
Any additional funds raised through the carnival fundraiser will give the local FOP a head start on its annual "Christmas with a Cop" clothing, food and toy drive for children, as well as its plans to fund a Distressed Officer Fund to assist officers who are injured in the line of duty and unable to make ends meet while out of work.
"It just depends on how much we bring in," McBride said.
Admission to the carnival is free, though there will be fees for rides, games and food.
The carnival will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, April 16-17; from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, April 18; from noon to midnight on Saturday, April 19; and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.
The local FOP lodge is comprised of active and retired officers from Blacksburg, Gaffney, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Detention Center, South Carolina Highway Patrol, and officers from other departments who live in Cherokee County. It currently has about 80 members.
McBride said the FOP lodge hopes to make the carnival an annual event in Gaffney.