Sheriff’s Officers responded to a vacant residence in the 21,000 address range of US 76 East, Laurens at 3:21 yesterday afternoon. Sgt. Carter noted pry marks and damage to a door jamb at a right side door. The owner said the house he inherited was secure in September, but when he went there yesterday he found the two-car garage had been burglarized and a vehicle on the property had been broken into. Items taken from the residence included furniture, kitchen appliances, silverware, and antique cabinets. Various tools were taken from the garage. Total value of items stolen was $25,550.

Laurens Police responded to the West Laurens Street Police Station at 3:20 Saturday morning, where a woman came reporting an assault. Officer Jonathan Scogin noted the woman had blood around her mouth and nose and over the top of her dress. She told of having been assaulted by her live-in boyfriend, with whom she shares a child, while she was dropping a friend off at Lauren Glen. A warrant was obtained and at 8:50 Saturday morning officers arrested 35-year-old Terrance Javar Williams of 712 Church Street and charged him with Domestic Violence 1st Degree. A warrant states that he assaulted the victim by striking her with a closed about her face, resulting in multiple lacerations. The warrant further states they live together and have a child in common. Terrance Javar Williams was released from the Johnson Detention Center Sunday morning on a $50,000 surety bond.

Clinton Public Safety Saturday charged 41-year-old  Michael Damon “Mike” Craig of  507 Bond Street, Clinton  with Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravating Nature and with Resisting Arrest from an alleged assault that day. Sgt. Metz states that on December 5th Craig committed Domestic Violence in the 1st Degree by choking the victim, restricting her airway. He allegedly placed both his hands around her throat while straddling her torso, causing her to fear for her life. Sgt. Metz also states that Craig choked the victim in front of their two children, and noted they live together at 507 Bond Street in a romantic relationship. Sgt. Metz further alleges that Michael Damon Craig resisted a law enforcement officer who was trying to affect an arrest at 507 Bond Street, making attempts to escape from law enforcement.

Cash or surety bonds were set totaling $15,000 on the two charges. Mike Craig was delivered to the Johnson Detention Center Saturday, and remained there this morning.

Management of the Laurens Commission of Public Works and Fountain Inn’s Utilities division had an agreement that set boundaries showing which utility would provide natural gas in specific areas between the two towns.

A few years back, as the Owings Industrial Park began to attract new industry, such as ZF, in an area the Laurens CPW stated was in their agreed-on service area. Fountain Inn began to bid with new industry to be their natural gas supplier, and installed natural gas lines to serve customers along Old Laurens Road to Owings Industrial Park.

The CPW went to court, asking the judge to require Fountain Inn to honor the old agreement dividing the service areas.

Eventually, the court ruled in favor of the Laurens CPW.

Fountain Inn then filed an appeal. The Judge has now ruled that while that appeal is under consideration, Fountain Inn’s Natural Gas service may continue to provide natural gas to customers they’ve already acquired in the disputed area, but they may not seek new customers.

Laurens County has two new deputies. At the Wrestling Event Friday night, raising money for the “Christmas for Kids” program of the Sheriff’s Office, special presentations were made at intermission.

These included a special “Community Servant Award” that was presented by Sheriff Ricky Chastain to Roger Dale Rice Sr. and Debra Rice. Sheriff Chastain told of how the Rice’s are always volunteering their time for the community, and for local law enforcement.

Since the death of their son in the line of duty a few years ago, they have created the Deputy Roger Dale Rice Jr. Memorial Ride-On Fund, which is used to provide financial assistance to law enforcement officers across the state. This is funded by a motorcycle ride each year as well as other events.

Sheriff Chastain said they do a whole lot more for the community, as well. He told WLBG “They don’t wait for you to ask. If they know someone needs something, they go to help.” Chastain noted that after hearing about the Sheriff’s Office collecting water for the flood victims in the Midlands, they came to the Sheriff’s Office and helped receive the donations, then traveled to Columbia to help unload and assist in handing out the water.

Ricky Chastain said that Roger and Debra Rice have done a lot of work for the Christmas for Kids program. He noted that Debra made brownies and other baked goods which she sold in front of the Sheriff’s Office during the Laurens Christmas Parade, raising more money for the Christmas for Kids effort.  The Sheriff said “We love them. They’re part of our family.”

The Sheriff’s Office also recognized other Public Safety workers during the Intermission program Friday night. Specifically recognized for their work were Patty Canup of the Laurens County EMS and the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Sean Smith, who also serves in a Public Safety Chaplaincy.

While money continues to come in to help with the Christmas for Kids effort this year, so do names of kids needing assistance at Christmas. Sheriff Chastain said that as of last night, 550 kids have been requested to be served this year. And he said “they’re still calling.”  Kids called in now are put on standby. The Sheriff said that so far, “something always come in so we can help those last –minute kids that go on the stand-by.”

CHS @ LDHS Varsity Basketball: The CHS Red Devils and the LDHS Raiders squared off in round 1 of the County Championship series Fridy night at LDHS.

• G: LDHS 48 – CHS 25…. In girls’ action the Lady Raiders took a 48-25 win over the Lady Red Devils… The game was close for about the first 10 minutes of the contest until the Raiders started to pull away from a 10-10 tie and continued to stretch their lead as the Red Devils managed to score only 3 points in the 2^nd quarter allowing the Riders to take a 20-11 lead into the locker room at the half… Clinton’s offense continued to struggle again scoring only 3 points in the 3^rd quarter and the Raiders stretched their lead to 34-14 going into the final quarter of play… The Red Devils never quit but the hole was just too deep… Coach Allen said it was a great team win while Coach Wofford commented on missed free throws and opportunities to get back in the game that they just did not cash in on… Cali Heisey led the Raiders with 9 points while M.K. Kelly led the Red Devils with 7 points.
• B: LDHS 87 – CHS 63… In the second game of the evening, the Raiders completed the sweep of the Red Devils with a 87-63 win… Laurens used its fast-paced offense to run out to a 26-7 lead at the end of the first quarter… The Raiders then went on and outscored the Red Devils in every quarter but the last to take the win… Afterwards Raider Coach Ben Sinclair was very pleased with the team’s offense which has struggled the last two games… He said the starters set the tone and the subs came in and did a great job with everyone sharing the basketball… Coach Tosh Corley of Clinton that his team did not play the way it has been playing on both offense and defense and Laurens pressure most likely had something to do with that… The Raiders had four players scoring in double digits with Kezario Whitmore’s game-high 21 points leading the way… Ty Madden had 17, Chris Statom 15 and E’Nicholas Leake 10… The Red Devils also had 4 players scoring in double-digits as Tay Cook had 17, Donte Reeder 13, Jalen Carter 12 and Tymori Tribble 10.
• Rematch Tomorrow… The two teams will play round 2 of the County Championship series tomorrow at CHS and we plan on broadcasting that game here on Real Radio 860 WLBG with Rhett Harris and Mike Hughes bringing you all the action starting about 5:55.

Laurens Academy: Catching up on boys basketball from Thursday night where the Crusaders traveled to Wilson Hall

• WH 67 – LA 39… The barons of Wilson Hall took a 67-39 win over the Crusaders… Nate Martin led the Crusaders with 18 points… Jonathan Burns had 9 points, Noah Moore 5, Joshua Moore 4 and Ryan Andrews 3… The Crusaders record now stands at

COLLEGE SPORTS:

• College Football Playoff Teams Announced… Well as you head back to work today look around and notice which of the folks you see have the biggest smiles on… Chances are they might also have something orange on with a tiger paw as Clemson won the ACC Championship Saturday night defeating North Carolina 45-37 in a game that was closer that Tiger fans may have liked…. Never the less, Clemson is lone unbeaten team in the FBS Division and has been selected the #1 seed among the 4 teams selected for the upcoming playoffs…The Tigers will play #4 seed Oklahoma new years day in the Orange Bowl while #2 seed Alabama will square off against #3 seed Michigan in the Cotton Bowl…  The winners will than square off January 11^th out in Glendale, Arizona for the National Championship…  Now for more information about these matchups, other New Year Eve & Day Bowls and the final CFP rankings, click here…

LOCAL SPORTS SCHEDULE:

LDHS:

JV basketball host Clinton   6:00

CHS:

JV basketball @ Laurens   6:00

Middle School Basketball: Start at 5:00

GCO @ CMS-R

CMS-W @ LMS

SMS @ HT

 BROADCAST NOTES:

Raider Basketball Broadcast… Join us here Tuesday at 6:00 pm as we bring you the action as the Laurens Raiders travel to Clinton for Round Two of the County Championships in a girls / boys doubleheader of varsity basketball… And as usual you can hear it live on the internet at www.wlbg.com.

THIS & THAT:

16^th Annual Laurens YMCA Reindeer Run… The 16^th Annual Laurens Family YMCA Reindeer Run is scheduled to take place Saturday, December 12^th and it is sponsored by Palmetto Bone & Joint … This is a 5K run for adults and teens and there is also a 1-mile fun run for kids… Now there is a $25 early race registration which will go up just before the race… You can register online at www.active.com… If you want more information about this event do not hesitate to call the Laurens YMCA at 984-2626.

Laurens YMCA Youth Basketball Registration… Registration will begin on Tuesday December 1^st for youth basketball in the instructional league offered by the Laurens YMCA… This is a coed league where instruction will be given before the weekly games… There will be age appropriate groupings for youth ages 3-15.. The season will start January 7^th and the 3-5 age group will play on Monday & Thursday starting at 5:45 an going to 6:30… After that the older groups will play until 7:30… The cost for members is $50 and for non-members $60… For more information contact the Josie Parker at 984-2626 or josie@laurensymca.org…. By the way they can use coaches and volunteers.

Clinton YMCA Youth Basketball & Cheerleading… Registration is now open at the Clinton YMCA for Youth Basketball & Cheerleading… There will be 3 age appropriate groups for boys basketball for ages 5-12… There is also a 9-12 years old grouping for girls basketball…Cheerleading will be for grades K-5…. The cost is $45 for Y members inside the city and of Clinton and $50 for those outside the city limits… For non-members the cost is $60 if you live in Clinton and $65 for those outside the city limits…   Registration will close December 10^th so stop by or call the Y at 833-1555.

Laurens Parks and Recreation Basketball… Registration is also open through December 12^th for Youth Basketball with the City of Laurens Parke and Recreation Department… There will be age appropriate groupings for youth 6 – 12 as of September 1^st… The cost to participate is $30 and you can register at the Little River Office between the hours of noon and 6:00 pm… For more information call 681-7275 or email them at laurensprd@yahoo.com.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or want to reports scores, please contact me via email at: sports@wlbg.com or text me at 864-981-3470.

A second person has been charged with the Murder of 29-year-old Calvin Walker last month. Clinton Public Safety Friday afternoon booked 23-year-old Malcom Octavious Jammal Jones of 27857 Highway 76, Kinards and charged him with Murder and Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime.

Detective Tyrone Goggins states that on November 17th Jones did feloniously, willfully and with malice aforethought murder Calvin Damel Walker, and that this crime was committed at the victim’s residence on Hills Street. Detective Goggins further states that Jones had in his possession a pistol while committing the crime of Armed Robbery of Calvin Damel Walker at 105 Hills Street.

Bond was denied on both charges during an initial appearance in court. Malcom Octavious Jammal Jones was placed in the Johnson Detention Center Saturday.

The first arrest in this case was 34-year-old Frederick Calvin Jones of Frazier Drive, Newberry, arrested last Thursday by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. He was also facing multiple drug charges there.

Laurens County Deputies were dispatched to Mill Pond Road outside Clinton at 3:46 Sunday morning on a report of a stabbing. On arrival Deputy Robert Van Pelt met with a man and woman from Conway Avenue, Laurens who indicated they had been stabbed by a man they said had run into the residence. The woman indicated they had attended a party at the house and people had been calling her names. She said as they were leaving subjects followed them to their vehicle and began to assault her boyfriend. As she attempted to break up the fight she said she and the boyfriend were stabbed. EMS transported the two stabbing victims to the hospital. After the resident gave permission to enter, deputies entered and found a suspect lying in a bathroom. EMS checked a cut he had to his thumb. He was also transported to hospital, but arrested after release from treatment. A second suspect had reportedly left the house before officers arrived. A child of the resident was reportedly locked in a bedroom adjoining the bathroom.

22-year-old Keaston Dahja Kinard of 325 Piedmont Avenue (and/or Palmetto Drive), Clinton was charged with two counts of Assault and Battery in the 2nd Degree.

In both warrants, Sgt. Carter cites the investigation of Lt. Keith McIntosh as indicating that on December 6th Kinard intentionally committed battery upon the victims by stabbing them about the body with a knife at 204 Mill Pond Road, Clinton.

Cash or surety bonds were set totaling $20,000 on the two assault charges. Keaston Dahja Kinard remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.

Multiple Clinton officers were dispatched to South Livingston Street at 1:28 yesterday morning on a report of a fight in progress. Officer Gandee reported that on arrival a woman had him stop at the door and listen to the arguing going on inside. She then had him observe blood on the door. He reported that after entering the residence he observed two females being held apart by two other females and a male. Officers separated the two women, in the 20’s, and talked with them separately. One told of comments made leading to the fight. The other was reportedly too upset to say much. Neither woman wanted to press charges on the other. Officers determined this was a case of mutual combat. One of the women called for a ride to come take her and her child to her mother’s residence in Laurens. Officers stood by until the departure, noting the two sisters continued to argue off and on during this time.

Clinton Public Safety Officers were dispatched to Jefferson Street at Clinton Mill at 5:09 yesterday afternoon on report of a robbery. On arrival Sgt Wicker spoke with a man who said that as he was walking home from the store and was in the old Clinton Mill parking lot a man wearing a white shirt and blue jeans came up behind him and said “Give me your money.” He said that after he told the man several times he didn’t have any money the man pushed him to the ground and tried to take his wallet. A witness reportedly stated that she observed this taking place and whistled at the subject, and the subject ran away. Officers patrolled the area looking for the subject of the Attempted Strong Armed Robbery without locating him.

Various jewelry items valued at $1,000 were reported stolen during a home burglary in the Cross Hill area yesterday. Deputy Richey was called to the house on Watts Bridge Road at 3:32 yesterday afternoon and met with a woman who said she had left her home at 10:30 in the morning. When she returned at 3:30 she found the front door had been broken in. Deputy Richey reported observing damage to the door frame and molding had been ripped from the wall. A jewelry box and its contents were the only items noted as missing.

A Laurens Municipal Court Bench Warrant was served on a man jailed yesterday. 23-year-old Sevvy Marquis Boston of 300 Owings Street, Laurens was delivered a Bench Warrant that shows conviction in Laurens Municipal Court November 17th for Domestic Violence 3rd Degree. It notes a sentence of $2,150 or 30 days.

The Sheriff’s Office yesterday arrested a man on charges of stealing from property on Highway 101 north of Hickory Tavern and of making harassing phone calls to a Fountain Inn address. 37-year-old Shannon Seth Woodward was booked with an address noted at 1891 Chapman Road, Fountain Inn. He’s charged with Trespassing, Petit Larceny and Unlawful Telephone Communication.

A warrant showing an address on Canterbury Trail, Fountain Inn cites an investigation of Corporal Brent rushing as indicating that on October 8th, 2015 in Laurens County one Shannon Seth Woodward used profane, obscene, vulgar and/or indecent language repeatedly for the purpose of annoying or harassing the victim and her family.

In two additional warrants showing an address on Bethel Church Road, Gray Court, Officer Martin states that on October 27th, 2015 Woodward trespassed on property in the 16,000 address range of Highway 101 South, Gray Court without just cause with intent to commit a crime and that he carried away a weed eater valued at $200.

Shannon Seth Woodward remained in the Johnson Detention Center this morning.

Several Clinton Pubic Safety Officers responded to a Peachtree Street location at 2:35 yesterday morning in reference to a possible trespassing. Sgt. Stephen Lawton reported that on arrival he observed a blue SUV parked to the left side of the house at that address. He questioned a man sitting in the driver’s seat. The man was reportedly calm at first, but began showing signs of becoming nervous. The man reportedly indicated he and a friend had met in Greenville, went to Spartanburg to hang out with friends, then his friend asked him to bring him home. Sgt. Lawton noted the man was holding a Pall Mal cigarette package, which he put on the passenger seat. The officer asked for consent to search and found nothing on the man, but allegedly found a baggie in the Pall Mall package with a powdered substance. Further investigation reportedly located another baggie in the man’s shoe with crystal rock substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine along with a straw that was cut.

34-year-old Ramon Luis Ortega of 111 Kathryan Street, Greenville was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

One straw thought to be used in smoking methamphetamine and .54 gram of methamphetamine were placed into evidence.

Ramon Ortega was released from Clinton City Jail later in the morning on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond on the meth charge and a $262.50 cash bond on the Drug Paraphernalia case.

Waste from a meth lab was found in the Gray Court area by a Road Crew working on Lincoln Road yesterday. Sheriff’s Corporal Jimmy Johnson was dispatched just after 10:00 am and spoke with the supervisor of the crew, who showed the officer where the bags of meth waste were located. A narcotics investigator then determined the meth lab trailer was needed to clean up this waste. The matter was turned over to narcotics officers for further investigation.

Items from another meth lab were found abandoned on Joanna’s Tillman Circle yesterday. Deputy Jamison Taylor was dispatched at 5:04 pm and met a woman who said that while she was on Tillman Circle attempting to locate a neighbor’s dog she found several items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. She showed Deputy Taylor where the items were located. He had dispatch notify the Meth Lab Tech on call to respond to clean up the materials.

More than 50 local leaders and development professionals from across South Carolina completed the 2015 South Carolina Economic Development Institute last Friday. Institute attendees received their Certificates of Completion during the final day of the 2015 Institute held at Red Ventures in Lancaster County.

The 50 professionals from across South Carolina included Lynn Finley of the Laurens County Development Corporation and Angela Snipes from the Laurens Commission of Public Works.

During the quarterly, two-day sessions, participants traveled to different locations throughout the state that have been successful in community development and attracting and expanding their business and industrial base. Attendees gained insight into issues relating to: water and wastewater infrastructure, available industrial or business buildings and the importance other community development components necessary to attract investment.

The Institute is a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA). The program emphasizes elements necessary to be competitive in today’s global economy and educates supporters of economic development on emerging trends.

The Institute is open to participants from a wide variety of organizations and entities including city, town and county councils, local economic development practitioners, county economic development boards, county school boards, regional economic development boards, utility companies and local and state government employees.

Several Clinton Pubic Safety Officers responded to a Peachtree Street location at 2:35 yesterday morning in reference to a possible trespassing. Sgt. Stephen Lawton reported that on arrival he observed a blue SUV parked to the left side of the house at that address. He questioned a man sitting in the driver’s seat. The man was reportedly calm at first, but began showing signs of becoming nervous. The man reportedly indicated he and a friend had met in Greenville, went to Spartanburg to hang out with friends, then his friend asked him to bring him home. Sgt. Lawton noted the man was holding a Pall Mal cigarette package, which he put on the passenger seat. The officer asked for consent to search and found nothing on the man, but allegedly found a baggie in the Pall Mall package with a powdered substance. Further investigation reportedly located another baggie in the man’s shoe with crystal rock substance that field tested positive as methamphetamine along with a straw that was cut.

34-year-old Ramon Luis Ortega of 111 Kathryan Street, Greenville was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

One straw thought to be used in smoking methamphetamine and .54 gram of methamphetamine were placed into evidence.

Ramon Ortega was released from Clinton City Jail later in the morning on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond on the meth charge and a $262.50 cash bond on the Drug Paraphernalia case.

Clinton City Council last night approved planning for new walking tails. Near the beginning of each meeting of Clinton City Council, Mayor Bob McLean recognizes any citizens who have expressed a desire to address council.  At last night’s meeting Dr. Bob Bryant spoke to council on behalf of the Laurens County Trails Association.

Dr. Bryant told council of long-term plans to connect the Swamp Rabbit Trail of Greenville County with the Palmetto Trail in Newberry County.  However, he told council that an opportunity exists to make some real progress toward nature recreation in the short-term.

He asked council to consider supporting the creation of a park with walking trail and pond on property adjacent to Sterilite on Clinton’s south side.

While the property is not inside the city limits of Clinton, he said it could certainly be accessed by Clinton residents for hiking, fresh air and perhaps even fishing in the pond on the 50 acre property.

Later in the meeting, Council Member Norman Scarborough brought a recommendation from the city’s Recreation Committee.  That was for the city of Clinton to spend $70,000 from city hospitality taxes toward the creation of Sterilite Park.  The money would be used primarily to employ planners and engineers to design the park, parking area, rest rooms and associated trails. After a brief discussion the proposal passed by unanimous vote bringing the prospect of Sterilite Park one step closer to reality.

A Laurens County Deputy was dispatched at 3:08 yesterday afternoon after a woman called to say her ex-boyfriend was following her on Highway 14. Officers suggested the woman turn onto Highway 101 so that she would meet Deputy Edwards. She apparently turned onto another road. She told officers of the ex-boyfriend tailgating her and pulling beside her, causing her to drive onto the shoulder of the road at one point. She said she feared for her life and for her three children, in the car with her. Deputies had her turn into a business driveway and stay with the businessman for protection until deputies could arrive. The ex-boyfriend reportedly drove back and forth at the driveway for a time before leaving. Deputies searched for the vehicle he was in. One officer went to the man’s house and found the suspect vehicle there, but got no answer at the door. They then began looking for the man in his other vehicle. An officer was going to speak with a magistrate about possible charges on the ex-boyfriend. Officers spoke with the woman about options for her safety, and went with her as she returned home, to ensure it was safe on her arrival.