Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Study the platforms, Examine the candidates, then . . . VOTE YOUR CONVICTIONS! As a citizen of democracy it is your DUTY and PRIVILEGE To VOTE August 22 VOLUME 25; NUMBER 17. NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA, THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1961 + $2.00 PER YEAR By The Way - By DORIS A. SANDERS THE ANSWERS \ ry would mean the kiss of death Near the beginning of the poli- j to that candidate, tical campaign, now coming to a I do know this, however, and be- close, The Sun sent questionnaires lieve it is worth your considera- to all candidates asking for a tion: brief personal background and the answers to two questions: (1) Do you favor council-manager govern ment; (2) If elected, would you ask E. L. Blackwell to reconsider his resignation? The latter ques tion was asked to combat persist ent rumors that if members of the present council were - re-bircted, they would take this action. Mayor Layton and Councilmen Armfield, Dufford, Merchant and Jones answered “No”, they would not ask Mr. Blackwell to remain as city manager. Councilman De hart and Councilman Shealy did not answer the question. I am sure most of you heard, either in person or over Radio WKDK, the candidates express themselves on council-manager government, but for those who did not, here are the answers from the questionnaire: Mayor Layton: “Yes, I favor council - manager government. While I feel that Mr. Blackwell has rendered excellent service to the city of Newberry, and much progress has been made since he has served as city manager, Mr. Blackwell resigned, and his resig nation was accepted by City Coun cil.” Howard Cook returned the ques tionnaire but did not answer the Following the union election held 1 in June at Newberry Mills, Inc., ! the election won by the union, Mayor Layton received a tele phone call. The caller said, in ef fect “You see how we won the election over here—now just wait and see how much we beat you in the city primary.” It will be interesting to see how the precincts with large union 1 membership vote in the primary. Although in some of the three- way races I wouldn’t be able to pick the candidate for whom they will vote, I believe I could go right down the line and tell you the ones they will scratch. Know Your Candidates Pictures and a short biographical sketch of candidates for mayor, alderman in Wards 1 through 4 have been published in previous issues of The Sun, except for those candidates who did not send in the information at the requested time. This series concludes this week w r ith candidates for Alder-v man in Wards 5 and 6. f aSf VOTE FOR SEVEN One of the candidates at the Civic League Forum said he was “appalled” at the number of citi zens who don’t realize they can vote for a candidate in every ward. I’ll have to agree with him. For a number of years now—I don’t recall how many—we have Assets Show Increases Council-Manager System Review Of Record Shows Progress In Increased Assets And City Services By DORIS A. SANDERS Assets of the City of Newberry (called accrued surplus by the Certified Public Accountant) have increased 59.5% during the past 11 years, from a value of $989,595.61 in 1949 to $1,568,493.27 in 1960. Durh.g the period October 1, 1959 to September 30, 1960, the gain ir. assets amounted to $90,- 514.81. The 1949 figure DOES include assets transferred to the city from the Water and Light Commission. nue bonds; sewer, $17,603.95 from Cecil E. Merchant, Sr. seeks re- election as Alderman from Ward 5. Mr. Merchant is 58 years of had city-wide voting. The candi- fge, was born in Newberry and date must live in the ward in which he is running. This is a safe guard to assure representation from all parts of the city. Voters, however, cast their ballots for mayor and six aldermen. Please re member this when you go to the question. Charlie Altman did not polls next Tuesday. Vote the com- S^mzations of the church. He has return the questionnaire. Ward 1: Frank Armfield, answered the question “Yes. Candidates Dave Laird and S. W.iTO BE BROADCAST plete ticket. Polls are open from Jr.! 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Miller did not return the question naire. . Ward 2: Councilman Dufford: As is usual in all elections held in Newberry, The Sun will coop erate with WKDK to bring you ‘Yes. In my opinion the city gov- e ] ec tion returns as soon as they eminent has been run most effi-' are tallied. Be sure to stay tuned am to WKDK, beginning shortly after 6 p.m. and get the results in a huriy. The Sun and WKDK are pleased to be able to bring you this public service. cie itly and economically. I running my campaign on my own, not by any group or organization. As a member of council for 14 years, my record speaks for itself. I have served as councilman in both mayor-council and council- manager forms . of government. This is by no means casting reflec has lived his entire life here. He is the father of four children, :and is an employee of Newberry Mills, Inc. His wife is deceased. Mr. Merchant is a member of the Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church and belongs to various or- been a Sunday school treasurer for 16 years, a member of the church council for many years, and is completing his third term on city council. Cecil E. Kinard seeks the office of Alderman Ward 5, in which he served 16 years before serving as Mayor for two years. Mr. Kinard )s 60 years of age, was born in Pomaria and has lived in Newber- | ry for 47 years. He is an em ployee of Newberry Mills, Inc., and also operates a lunch stand. Mr. Kinard is married to the for mer Miss Lillie Mae Chaney. They have three children. He is a mem ber of O’Neal Street Methodist Church, a Mason and a Shriner and has been a member of the, Newberry Fire Department for 19 years. JUST IN CASE In the event any of you were misled (which I doubt) by the ref- tion on past mayors as they were ; erence 0 f one G f candidates to all honest and capable men.” Candidate George Heller: “Yes. I intend to work for a more pro gressive city, and will serve if elected to my best ability and get the most for the tax dollar, and will give each complaint my per sonal attention.” Ward 3: Clarence A. Shealy Jr., did not answer the question. Can didate S. D. (Bozo) Paysinger. “Yes, I am in favor of council- manager form of government and believe it to be the best and most efficient type.” Ward 4: Councilman Clarence Dehart returned the questionnaire this week but did not answer these questions. Candidate Jimmie B. Davenport: “Yes, I favor council- manager government.” Ward 5: Cecil E. Merchant Sr.: “Yes, I favor council-manager government.” Candidate Cecil Ki nard: ‘T will abide by what the people want if I am elected on council by their vote on the 22nd of August. I would weigh every issue that comes before me and weigh it for what it is worth, at all times. I would vote my own convictions. There is no one int erested in the people and the city more than I am. I am broadmind ed and civic-minded at all times and would appreciate all the votes I can get. I would not ask Mr. Blackwell to reconsider his resig nation because he has already ten dered his resignation and council has accepted it. If he had wanted to stay here he never would have done what he did.” Ward 6: Councilman Dwight W. Jones: “Yes. I believe the city of Newberry has made substantial gains in the past 10 or 12 years under the council-manager form of government. I believe the pres ent form of government is the most efficient way for a business as large as that of Newberry. Council-Manager government is taught in the schools, and I be lieve that the citizens of tomor row can see now the benefits of the council-manager form of gov ernment.” Candidate E. F. (Shotsie) Mc- Cutcheon: “Yes. Check the record, and leave person the city audits, let me say that I know I can speak for Mayor Lay- ton, Councilman Armfield, Duf ford, Merchant and Jones, the city office employees and the CPA who does the audits, that ANY ONE is not only welcomed, but is URGED to examine the city aud its—any or all of them, for the past 11 years. These people are proud of the financial condition of our city, and nothing would give them more pleasure than to have you show interest, and answer any questions you would like to ask. They have nothing to hide but they do resent, and rightfully so, any misinterpretation put on fig ures picked at random by some candidate. If you have any doubts, they would appreciate your con sulting Walter Summer, CPA, who prepared the audits and who, incidentally, would have his lic ense revoked if he gave any false information. THIS IS A SOURCE UPON V/HICH YOU CAN RELY. Kirkegard To Be Kiwanis Speaker H. B. Kirkegard will be guest speaker at the Kiwanis Club meeting to be held today (Thursday) at the Community Hall at 1 p.m., according to Gor don N. Clarkson, program chairman. Mr. Kirkegard will discuss Council-Manager government in Newberry. The public is cordially invited to hear Mr. Kirkegard on Ra dio Station WKDK beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m. Dwight W. Jones is presently alderman from Ward 6 and is ask ing for re-election to the posi tion. He is 61 years of age, was born in Newberry and has lived here his entire life. Mr. Jones is married to the for mer Miss Annie Laura Ruff. They are parents of eight children. Mr. Jones has been in the retail grocery business for 33 years. He is a member of Glenn Street Bap tist Church, of the Baptist Bi-oth- erhood, and of W T oodmen of the "World. He is also a member of the S. C. Municipal Association. decision.” Candidate Jim Todd re turned the questionnaire but did not answer this question. NOT OPENLY, ANYHOW Elsewhere in this issue the lo cal unions of Newberry sponsor an ad disavowing any connection with the coming election. I don’t believe anyone has accused any lo cal union of taking a pvblic stand on any particular issue or candi date. Union leaders have enough sense to know that publicly en dorsing any candidate in Newber- Dive Results In Man's Death A 44-year-old W’hitmire man suffered fatal injuries when he dived into shallow water from a tree limb near Whitmire Sunday afternoon. Newberry Coroner George R. Summer said that Richard B. Stewart suffered a broken neck when he dived head-first into three-foot water of Duncan Creek off the Clinton Road. The coroner said that four adults and one child who were with Mr. Stewart on the outing witnessed the tragedy about 1:15 p.m. Coroner Summer said that Mr. Stewart dived from a tree limb about 14 feet above the surface of the shallow stream. His friends tried to persuade him not to jump, they told the coroner. The victim died without regain ing consciousness, the coroner said. He was pronounced dead by Dr. K. D. Lake of Whitmire who was called to the scene. With Mr. Stewart at the time of the fatal plunge were Mrs. Frances Toby Taylor; her sister, Martha Toby, and brother, John Toby, and Mr. Toby’s wife, Joyce, Visiting Mrs. George L. Epps,| a ^ s P w ^ 11 t ^ ie & rou P was ^I rs - Tay- Sr., this week are her daughter, ^ or s young son - Mrs. E. M. Lipscomb of Augusta,/ Coroner Summer empaneled a Ernest F. (Shotsie) McCutch- eon, age 38, was born in Newberry and has lived here all of his life. He is married to the former Miss Lucille Johnson and is the father of two children. Mr. McCutcheon is a member of Central Methodist Church and is a member of the Civitan Club. He seeks election as alderman Ward 6. Mr. McCutcheon holds a position ]. Despite these figures showing remarkable growth in the city’s surplus, it has been stated that the CPA’s audit for the period ended September 30, 1960 shows d deficit of a little over $25,000. This has been explained before f but will be repeated here. In May, 1960, the City needed money to do work in Suburbia, an area voted into the city by residents of the city. The city had over $47,000 in building and loan accounts for reserves, It could have taken the money from these accounts and replac ed it when taxes were collected in October. By doing so, it would have lost more interest that the interest it paid by bor rowing the money for 6 months. The money was repaid in Octo ber. The audit period ended Sep tember 30,<so repayment was not reflected on that audit report, but was reflected on the inter im report prepared as of March 31, 1961. The audits, and all financial records of the city, are open to the public at any time. Some of the assets gained by the city are accounted for in the $138,753.34 spent on the city rec reation program since its incep tion in 1953. While this amount includes salaries, it also includes tfa jarg* .amount of equipment and property for the recreation pro gram. Other assets acquired by the City, and services rendered, un der council-manager government: ‘ The city recently acquired 15.1 acres of land near Gallman High and Drayton Street schools for a Negro recreation area. Plans are being made for a swimming pool and bath houses and will be in cluded in the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1961. A whiteway system of lighting was installed in the business dist rict in 1953 at a cost of $16,154.29; the whiteway on Main and College streets in the residential sections, installed this year, cost $3,560.39. A new fire truck has been add ed to our fire-fighting equipment at a cost of $18,845.58. The number of pieces of automo- as sports and regular announcer i tive equipment owned by the city with Radio Station WKDK Get Degrees Richard H. Ivester, of Newberry received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Textile Management at the close of the summer session at Clemson college. Receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science in Textile Manufactur- out of the’ing was Dalton O. Carpenter, son of D. O. Carpenter of Newberry. Major Carpenter is on duty with the U. S. Army, and was given leave the first of this year to complete his education at Clem son which was interrupted by World War II. Georgia and her two great-grand children, Jimmy and Carol Gregg, children of Mr. and Mrs. Boots Gregg of Florence. jury to view the body but said that no inquest will be scheduled un less requested by the family. The third man seeding the Al derman Ward 6 job is M. W. (Jim) Todd, Jr. Mr. Todd was born in Paw Creek, N. C., and has lived in Newberry for 25 years. He is 41 years of age, is married to the former Miss Jean Copeland of Newberry, and is the father of two children, Marcia and Trudy. Mr. Todd is field representative for a pulpwood dealer. He is a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church. He is a vet eran of World War II and the Ko rean War. He flew 35 combat mis sions with the 8th Air Force in Europe and served as squadron commander during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably dis charged after both tours of duty ■with the Air Force. The Civic League’s August meeting, due to be held on the 22 has been postponed to the 29th be- victim’s cause of the 22nd city primary el ection day. has increased from 20 in 1949 to 34 in 1960. The water and electric systems in Suburbia were purchased at the respective costs of $11,979.77 and $15,756.44. The new city garage was con structed in 1951 at a cost of $19,- 213.38. Land acquired by the city since 1950, at a cost of $22,700, joins other property of the city and is being used for storage and for future expansion, except the 15.1 acres mentioned above and a lot at the corner of Caldwell and Johnstone Streets used as a park ing lot. For the convenience of its citizens, the city rents two off- street parking lots at a cost of $117.00 a month. There are park ing meters on one; on the other, parking is free of charge. Renovating and repairing city- owned public buildings during 11 years cost $8497.33. Parking meters costing $13,- 473.44 were installed to give a more even flow of traffic and en able shoppers to more readily find a parking place. The revenue from these meters is about $12,000 per year, with an expense of $5000 per year, including the salary of one policeman. A radio system, costing $2026.- 73, and two police cars have been added to law enforcement facili ties. At the same time the city, un der council-manager government, was performing efficient services for its citizens and adding to its assets from the general operating fund, it also spent, in the 11-year period, from the operating fund, $220,212.31 for improvements and extensions to w r ater, sewer, elec tric and street facilities. Amounts paid from bonds for improvements and extensions of facilities during the period: "Water, $468,601.03 from reve- general obligation bonds and $29,- 105.17 from revenue bonds, a total of $86,781.59. Electric: $79,574.55 from gen eral obligation bonds. Streets: $162,675.25 from gen eral obligation bonds. With all its other expenditures, the city has kept up with its bond payments and over the eleven year period, has paid $752,336 revenue and general obligation bonds. Revenue bonds outstanding as of October 1, 1960, $791,000. General obligation bonds outstanding Oc tober 1, 1960, $202,000. A pumping station was built on the Saluda River to prevent a wa ter shortage in Newberry, at a cost of $468,149.53 for the station and water lines to convey water to the filter and treatment plant. The capacity of water that can be conveyed through this system with only the installation erf addi tional pumps is four and one-quar ter million gallons per day. Newberry also has water from Bush River, and is in a very fortu nate position as far as the water supply in the future is concerned. Unpaved sidewalks in the city are kept cut, and streets cleared of trash and debris at regular in tervals as needed. Garbage is collected daily in the business district and twice a week in the residential district. The city has donated $5,545 for Christmas decorations for city streets since December 1949, and has donated to civic and charitable causes during the 11 years, $63,- 155.56. This includes $3400 tow ard the installation of an elevator in the Community Hall. One of the reasons taxes have been held down is that while util ity revenue has increased 77.3 per cent since 1950, through efficient management, utility expense has increased only 54.2 percent. Util ity collections in 1950 totaled $252,121.06; in 1960, $447,080.94. This has been the greatest source of increased revenue to the city. In 1950, 3172 tax bills were sent out, and $113,167.27 collect ed. In 1960, the number of tax bills had increased to 4173, with $135,814.59 collected. The millage remained 39 mills throughout this time. The city of Newberry is big business, with 114 employees and a budget, in 1960, of $789,026.14. This was the amount actually disbursed during that year, as compared with, for the year 1950, $482,058.20. It might be well to state that all meetings of City Council are open to the public, reported in nev/spa- pers and on the radio. The few executive sessions held by council are not open to the general pub lic, but representatives of news media are always allowed to sit in on these sessions, so the public may be assured that nothing of a “shady’ nature is going on. It is important to remember that tax millage in Newberry at the beginning of the new form of government was 39 mills. It re mained 39 mills until the curent fiscal year, when it was increased by eight mills to a total of 47. It is equally important to keep in mind that the additional eight mills were added so the city would be able to pay for capital install ation and improvements in the Hartford Heights area, with some amount for improved services -to Suburbia. Both of these areas were annexed to the city by vote of the people in the city, who have an obligation to supply services to their m w fellow-residents. This eight mills, of course, cannot be considered for any expenditure during 1950-1960, and even now only for capital improvements, ARE GRADUATED ments, which are being done by is-1 FROM UNIVERSITY suance of revenue bonds. ' Summer Commencement City Government Local Jaycees sell revenue bonds to be repaid, as! the name suggests, from service revenues. Although some general obligation bonds have been repaid,! p j ID revenue bonds have been issued, f\f| fj ft If Xft 11 flV so millage available from retired J general obligation bonds actually has been used to replace payments, from utility revenue, on revenue bonds. Complete figures on bonds will show that actually the city had little, if any, extra money for operating costs as a result of re tired general obligation bonds. Detailed information on all in- •formation contained in this article may be seen at the office of the city clerk and treasurer. Those who are interested are urged to take advantage of the opportunity to look over the information that has been compiled. Tuesday, August 22 is the day set for the City Democratic Pri mary, and for a Special Election. It is the day on which over 2000 of Newberry’s 3600 voters are ex pected to go to the polls to deter mine two important issues: the composition of city council for the ensuing two years, and the form of government under which New berry shall operate. The ballot in the Special Elec tion will read: “Shall the City of Newberry continue the Council - Manager Form of Government?” This will be followed by YES and NO. Those in favor of keeping this form of government will vote YES, strike NO. Polls will be open from 8 a. m. until 6 p.m. A current registra tion certificate is required for voting in both the primary and the special election. Voting places are as follows: Ward 1: City Hall. Ward 2: Smith Motor Company. Ward 3, No. 1: Boundary Street School. Ward 3, No. 2: Mollohon School. Ward 4, No. 1: Old Court House. Ward 4, No. 2: Union Hall, Drayton Street. Ward 5: Next to Corley’s Bar bershop, corner Wright and Dray ton streets. Ward 6: Shealy Ford M^tor Company. The sample ballot shown below is similar to the ticket that will be used for voting next Tuesday: City of Newberry, S. C. Democratic Primary August 22, 1961 At ils most recent meeting, the Newberry Junior Chamber of Commerce heard a review of ac complishments of the council- manager form of government in Newberry during the past 12 years. The discussion was led by Rembert Parler. The Jaycees then endorsed the form of government with the fol lowing . Resolution, signed by Charles H. Gray, President: Whereas, the Newberry Junior Chamber of Commerce is an or ganization of young men dedicat ed to the progress and develop ment of their comm mity; and Whereas, in 1944 the Newberry Junior "Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in inaugurating the Council-Manager Form of Govern ment in the City of Newberry; and Whereas, during the past twelve years the Council-Manager Form of Government has provided pro gressive and economical City Gov ernment for all of the citizens of the City of Newberry and has demonstrated its effectiveness in dealing with the numerous daily governmental problems; and Whereas, the people of the City of Newberry have an oportunity to vote on August 22, 1961, on the question of whether or not said form of government shall be retained in Newberry. Now, there fore, Be It Resolved by the Newberry Junior Chamber of Commerce, at regular meeting assembled the 10 day of August, A.D., 1961, that the Newberry Junior Chamber of Commerce endorses without reser vation the Council-Manager Form of Government for the City of Newberry, that it, as a body, be lieves that the Council-Manager Form of Government should be retained as being in the best int erests of all of the people of New berry, and it, as a body, urges all the citizens of Newberry to vote in favor of the retention of the Council-Manager Form of Gov ernment at the special election to be held on August 22, 1961. FOR MAYOR (Vote for one, scratch others) CHARLIE ALTMAN J. HOWARD COOK, JR. ERNEST H. LAYTON FOR ALDERMAN WARD 1 (Vote for one, scratch others) FRANK ARMFIELD, JR. • DAVID L. LAIRD S. W. “BO” MILLER FOR ALDERMAN WARD 2 (Vote for one, scratch other) C. A. DUFFORD, SR. GEO. W. HELLER FOR ALDERMAN WARD 3 (Vote for one, scratch other) S. D. (BOZO) PAYSINGER CLARENCE A. SHEALY, JR. FOR ALDERMAN WARD 4 (Vote for one, scratch other) JIMMIE B. DAVENPORT CLARENCE B. DEHART FOR ALDERMAN WARD 5 (Vote for one, scratch other) CECIL E. KINARD CECIL E. MERCHANT FOR ALDERMAN WARD 6 (Vote for one, scratch others) D. W. JONES E. F. (SHOTSIE) McCUTCHEON JIM TODD There are those who say the city actually has had increased milla'^' because of the retirement of gen eral obligation bonds. Most peo ple are aware that the voters must approve sale of general obligation bonds, which are repaid by speci fied millage. On the other hand, council may Exer cises at the University of South Carolina were held Saturday. Among those receiving degrees are: John Ernest Kinard, Jr., New berry, Bachelor of Arts and Jas. Richard Lominick, Jr., Newberry, Bachelor of Science in the School of Pharmacy. GREETINGS BIRTHDAY \ Aug. 20: Mrs. Clifton Gra ham, Mrs. H. B. Wilson, Doris and Lauris Riley, Jeanette H. Crooks, Virginia Ann Blount, Mrs. T. Collier Neel, H. T. Car lisle, B. R. Roton, C. T. Mize, Derrill Coleman. Aug. 21: Mrs. Perry O. Wick er, Martha Bouknight, Jim Shealy, Mrs. George Ray .Rich ardson, Mary Robins Stone, John N. Livingston, Claudia Setzler, Forrest Summer Sr., Susan Sligh. Aug. 22: Mrs. W. R. Reid Jr., Mrs. Keith Wilson, Kent Cope land, Robert Bouknight, Mrs. W. L. Singley, Mrs. Oscar Jol- lay, Jane K. Copeland, James B. Franklin. Aug. 23: Sam Beam, George Way, Linda Ray Ruff, Barbara Faye Thomas, Carolina Wicker, Mrs. Ralph Lancaster, Mrs. Charlie S. Cromer, Mrs. Pete Parrott, Mrs. Mary Sease Riser, John B. Lindsay, Nat Gist Jr. Aug. 24: Rodney. Bedenbaugh, Eugene Koon, Mrs. T. S. Humph ries, Faye Eargle, Tom Gilliam, Leslie Carol Hipp, James W. Holland, Clarence Bundrick, T. E. Setzler, Janice Allene Rister, Mrs. James Werts. Aug. 25: J. W. Earhardt Jr., J. Boyd Robertson, Wayne Mar tin, J. W. Warner, Ila Mae So ber, Homer O. Epting Sr., Mrs. Herbert Bedenbaugh, Miss Ami- nee Dominick, Jean B. Brown, Donna Shealy, O. L. Cook Jr., Mrs. Sarah Graham, Mrs. F. C. Merchant. Aug. 26: Bobby Summer Jr., Faye Langford, 'Mrs. P. G. Blount, Mrs. I. Q. Watkins, Mrs. Effie Hendrix, Charles Cromer, Linda Cousins, Delora Patricia Leslie, J. O. Jenkins, Winnie Davenport Senn, Mrs. T. A. Scarborough, Rev. E. B. Young.