Re-entry into society gives inmates hope in Georgetown

A couple of years ago, Joe Jones dreamed he worked for Georgetown County, wore a county-employee uniform and drove a county vehicle to pick up work-release inmates for their daily labors. In his dream, a sheriff's department captain shook Jones' hand, congratulating him.

But to make that dream come true, Jones had to get out of jail himself.

Thanks to a special re-entry program at the Georgetown County Detention Center, that's exactly what happened.

Now, the 34-year-old former inmate, who spent eight-and-a-half years locked up for assault with intent to kill, is proud to show inmates that it can be done.

"The main thing is to be patient," the soft-spoken Jones said. "I try to lead by example, to put on a positive attitude no matter what is happening, to show them that you can make the best of any bad situation."

Jones, who now lives in Andrews, and several other "graduates" of the re-entry program attended Sunday's annual 'Family, Friends and Faith' holiday reunion at the jail, spending a chilly afternoon with current inmates and their families, jail officials, Sheriff Lane Cribb and Debbie Barr, a woman the inmates think of as their angel.

Barr started the re-entry program about four years ago at Cribb's request. She takes 25 to 30 inmates at a time, men who are state prisoners but are deemed eligible to come to the Georgetown County by the state Department of Corrections. She starts preparing them for life on the outside long before they are up for release.

"We want to give them a little self-esteem and help them so they can get jobs when they come out," Cribb said. "We don't want to just turn them loose. Rehabilitation is what prison is supposed to be about."

At first, Cribb received grants to pay Barr and a mental health counselor, but those funds have been cut and now he pays Barr out of the jail budget.

"If it wasn't for Debbie, I wouldn't have this program," Cribb said.

Inmates have to apply for the program, but Barr said as long as she has room, she'll admit them. They remain locked up, but spend part of each day learning - life skills, a trade, to earn their high school equivalency certificates, whatever they are going to need to make a new start, including taking online college courses.

The inmates begin the process of looking for jobs and apartments, meeting potential employers, learning how to handle money, function outside jail and make better decisions.

Barr gets to know their families and helps the inmates work on family issues.

Reunions and visitation days like Sunday's are part of that process. Some of the men have relationships to repair, and some have to learn how to let go of old situations.

Fathers get to see their kids in a less intimidating environment than from behind bars or behind a Plexiglas window, and, for the holidays, local churches and volunteers bring hundreds of wrapped gifts for the inmates' children. There's Christmas caroling and a holiday dinner that smells much better than you might expect at a jail.

Barr shows the men there are people who care and will stand by them. "You believe in us when no one else does," one inmate wrote in a Christmas card to Barr.

"To me, you are an angel that has come to take our castaway souls back to redemption," another wrote.

Cynics might say these inmates are just saying what they think people want to hear.

But so far, Cribb said, not a single man who has graduated from the program has returned to jail as an inmate.

"My eyes are wide open now," said former inmate John Smith, 30, who now lives in Myrtle Beach. "It's not all about me. It's about choices."

Smith has been part of the re-entry program for the past two of his four years and three months in lockup. He went to prison for possession of drugs with intent to distribute. Smith said he had some family issues, didn't graduate from high school, and decided to apply for the re-entry program to learn some skills such as welding.

He is now a landscaper and would like to go back to school and own his own business some day. "The American Dream, right?" he said with a smile.

Once an inmate gets out of jail, it would seem like he'd never voluntarily visit again.

But on Sunday, Jones, Smith and several others who had been through the program were happy to come back and show the current inmates what success looks like.

"Sheriff Cribb and Miss Barr have something really special here," Smith said. "I came to show these guys that there's so much more than just being in here.

"If I wanted to, I could make bad choices. There are times when it would be easy to throw in the towel. But it feels so much better to do the right thing. My whole life is different now."

Jones agreed. He was 23 when he got in trouble and 32 when he was released from jail. In the year and a half since, he has found a relationship and works full time while his girlfriend attends nursing classes. He's thinking about being a father and getting married, and he continues to learn.

Jones said his goal is to retire from the county - not a dream he ever had in his old life.

"I was working, but I was partying a lot, too," he said. "I didn't know what I was doing."

Jones has been inspired to learn how to cook, and said he likes watching his family enjoy the meals he prepares.

And like the other graduates, Jones keeps in contact with Barr, who checks in on his progress consistently to make sure he continues to move forward instead of slipping back.

"The follow-up tells us the whole story," Cribb said. "It shows us what we're doing right and what we're doing wrong. There are some people you can't do anything for, but the ones who come to this program, they just need a little help. That's all they need."

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Silver Crescent goes to Georgetown County's Tara Hall leader

GEORGETOWN -- Blinking back tears, Jim Dumm accepted a framed certificate and letter written by Gov. Mark Sanford with a hesitation born of surprise.

"I don't know what to say," he said to the boys, board members and staff of Tara Hall gathered Tuesday in the home's dining room.

Dumm was given the S.C. Silver Crescent Award, the state's highest honor for people making contributions to their local communities.

Dumm has been the executive director for Tara Hall, a home for boys ages 6 to 12, for more than 30 years. He also serves as the chairman of the Georgetown County School Board and works with the S.C. Association of Children's Homes, the Waccamaw Center for Mental Health, the S.C. Foster Care Review Board and more.

But Dumm said he never thought aboutgetting an award for what he does.

"You do it for the love of the work," he said. "You never expect something like this."

And his wife, Barbara Dumm, said that humility is part of what makes him a great father figure for the boys of Tara Hall.

"He's not the asking type," she said. "The work, it comes from his heart."

She said she met Jim Dumm when she came to Tara Hall to do volunteer work. She overheard him tell someone that he likely would not marry, marrying Tara Hall instead.

"I knew when I married him that I would have to share him," she said.

"I never regretted it."

Ed Seegar, a member of the Tara Hall board, applied on Jim Dumm's behalf for the award about two months ago.

Seegar said he applied because of the level of dedication Dumm shows to the home.

"He's here every day at 5 a.m.," Seegar said. "He spends a tremendous amount of time with these boys."

Seegar, the rest of the board, and Patsy Morris, the assistant director, kept the award a secret from Dumm until he walked into the cafeteria Tuesday.

When Dumm walked into the room he looked around puzzled at the board members and TV cameras and asked, "Did we win the lottery?"

Throughout the presentation given by S.C. Sen. Yancey McGill, D-Kingstree, on behalf of Sanford, Dumm seemed bemused, and even more so when he received the award itself.

"I don't know what to do with it," he said, laughing. "I'm just overwhelmed."

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Georgetown County Capital Improvement Plan project delays

A $40 million shortfall for Georgetown County's Capital Improvement Plan is prompting County Council members to consider some major changes to the plan.

At its meeting Tuesday, the County Council will consider cutting about $45 million from the project, either by scaling back projects or pushing back start dates.

But this is all part of the plan, said council Vice Chairman Jerry Oakley.

"The plan was set up to be flexible," Oakley said. "It is set up to be reviewed every year."

When the capital improvement plan was first discussed, Oakley said, growth projections for the area were "mind boggling."

"You have to put in place the plans to accommodate the growth," Oakley said. "Then, if the growth doesn't come about, you adjust the plan."

As the economy has slowed down, so have growth projections and funding sources for the plan, he said.

The council is considering delaying the enhancements to the Georgetown Library and Waccamaw Library until after 2018 to give revenue time to catch up. Those changes will cut about $14 million from the plan.

Changes to the costs to operate and maintain new facilities could also save about $5 million.

Scott Proctor, the county's finance director, said if the revenue projections improve, projects can be added back.

He said the county will go through this process every year.

Oakley said the county is "conforming our plan to the current reality."

"I don't know about some people, but I can't see around corners and over mountains," he said.

The council will receive its annual update on the plan at its meeting at 5:30 p.m.

It will also be the first meeting in the newly renovated council chambers, 716 Prince St., Georgetown.

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In nature's hands: Georgetown forest safeguarded for future

A narrow, idyllic stretch of the Black River surrounded by ancient bald cypress trees near Georgetown is now protected from encroachment with a purchase by The Nature Conservancy.

The 440-acre purchase of mature bottomland forest adds to the conservancy's current 1,296 acres along the adjacent side of the river. It marks the first addition to the Black River property in almost 25 years.

Intensive development wasn't threatening the area, said Maria Whitehead, project director for the Winyah Bay and Pee Dee River Basin, but the purchase guarantees the tract will be managed as an old-growth forest. The conservancy's staff scientists and partners will use the area for future research while working to maintain and improve its condition.

The added protection will also enhance and preserve water quality in the area, said Eric Krueger, director of science and stewardship for the conservancy.

"Land protection within this watershed will help recharge groundwater, control flooding and filter nutrient and sediment run-off," Krueger said. "This will improve water quality and habitat for people, wildlife and even our oyster restoration project 20 miles downstream in Winyah Bay."

The stretch of the Black River now protected by the conservancy is frequently used by kayakers and anglers, Whitehead said, and the group encourages the public to continue using the property.

On the Black River, the water moves slowly and the surrounding area often features wild turkeys, wood ducks, yellow-bellied sliders and the occasional American alligator, Whitehead said.

"The river corridor here is one of the most beautiful and unique sections of the Black River because of the remnant ancient cypress trees," she said.

Funds to purchase the property came from Phase II of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North Conservation Act grant awarded to the conservancy. Acquiring this particular property was an 18-month process beginning with the initial submission of the grant and ending with the recent closing of the transaction.

"It is rare when we are provided the opportunity to expand a conservancy preserve and we were so grateful to have the support of NAWCA in making this addition a reality," said Ryan Olson, assistant director of land protection. "Finally, we could not have asked to work with more professional sellers, where all parties fully supported a conservation outcome for the property."

The Nature Conservancy is a U.S.-based, international organization with approximately 4,000 employees in 34 countries. The organization's mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters that they need to survive.

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Police pursuit ends in death; Deputy runs into fleeing suspect in Georgetown County

A 28-year-old man who police said led them on a chase Tuesday in Georgetown County was struck by a police officer's car and died after being taken to the hospital, according to authorities.

Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson identified the man as Terrance Gagum of Hemingway. Gagum had a history of failing to stop for police and other car-related violations, according to State Law Enforcement Division records.

Georgetown County Sheriff's deputies chased Gagum to Frank Cribb Road, off of Squirrel Run Road around 8:16 p.m., authorities said. Gagum ran from his car and was struck by a deputy's car, said Lance Cpl. Sonny Collins of S.C. Highway Patrol, which responded to the incident.

The Sheriff's Office won't be able to say what led to the chase until an incident report is filed sometime next week, Deputy Russell Goodale said.

S.C. Highway Patrol and SLED are investigating the incident.

A passenger also fled on foot and has not been apprehended, Goodale said.

Gagum died after being transported to Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Goodale said.

SLED records show that Gagum was convicted in 2003 for failing to stop for police. Gagum had charges pending in court for possession, sale or disposal of a stolen vehicle resulting from a Sept. 2009 incident. In 2010, Gagum was charged with driving under suspension.

Staff reporter Kurt Knapek and Janelle Frost contributed to this report.

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Georgetown street keeps eye on mill's future

GEORGETOWN -- Sitting by the window of his Fraser Street shop, Dan Memminger can watch workers returning to the ArcelorMittal steel mill.

He isn't counting on the returning workers to come get their hair cut in his barber shop, saying that a haircut is "a personal thing" and "a lot of people go where they've always gone to get their hair cut."

But he hopes that the extra money circulating in the area's economy will find its way to his customers and, eventually, his pockets.

"Money gets to all sorts of different places," he said. "Money circulating with people working over there."

The steel industry's outlook has dimmed some since word of the reopening was first released, but ArcelorMittal spokeswoman Katie Patterson said the restart of the Georgetown mill is planned for the first three months of 2011. Patterson said that timeline could shift with market conditions.

About 250 workers will be employed when the mill reopens, said James Sanderson, local United Steel Workers union president.

In the weeks since Sanderson announced that the mill would be gearing up for a January reopening, about 45 workers have returned to the plant and 30 more are expected to start work this week, he said.

Cephis Anderson has watched the workers come back from his seat at a table in the window of Georgetown Market Commons furniture store on Fraser Street for the past couple weeks.

Anderson, the sales manager of the store, said business has been slow since the mill shut down in July 2009.

With the workers returning "it's got to get better," he said.

But not everyone in Georgetown is looking forward to the restart of the mill.

Jurmie "Bucky" Watkins, owner of the Old Fish House/Big Tuna on Front Street, said he is concerned about the environmental impact the mill has on the area.

"The steel mill, it puts very dirty particles in the air," Watkins said. "And it's very loud at night."

Watkins said he thinks the mill would be better off farther away from downtown.

About a week ago, after Watkins made similar statements to a Charleston TV station, Sanderson and union members announced that they would boycott Watkins' restaurant and bar.

"I find it very strange that you would have a businessperson that would call out another business," Sanderson said. "We have a business that wants to inflict pain and ill will on the employees of our plant, so we don't see any purpose in patronizing their business."

Sanderson said the local union members as well as members of other unions who come to visit the area won't patronize the Front Street bar.

But Watkins said he isn't worried about a boycott.

"I have every right to voice my opinion about what goes on," Watkins said. "And I'll respect that people can make the choice to come in here or not."

Watkins said he isn't "bashing" the employees of the plant.

"I'm not bashing anything except the pollution that the mill creates: the noise pollution and the dust," he said. "For the amount of good things that come out of the steel mill, we also have a lot of negative things."

Historically, there has been tension between the business owners on Front Street and the mill.

In 2003, the union organized a boycott of some Front Street businesses after they said they weren't sure the mill and downtown tourism and development efforts were compatible.

"I know there are some people that do not want the steel mill there. They want condos to go there. They think that would help their business," Sanderson said. "But tourism alone cannot support Georgetown."

And Georgetown Economic Development Director Wayne Gregory agrees, saying the area needs both tourism and industry.

"Tourism is still important to us in our community. And Georgetown itself is a manufacturing community," Gregory said. "We need a definite balance within our community.

He said he is anticipating that the county's 10.9 percent unemployment rate will decline with the startup of the mill.

Gregory said the mill "serves as a hub" for the area.

"When you have a large employer it has a trickle-down effect," he said. "It creates jobs not just at the steel mill but other companies."

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Riders are designed to combat the ban on the beach in Georgetown County

Although postponed a final vote on the prohibition of riding on the beaches of Georgetown County, horses are not waiting for the second reading to say how County Council they feel.

Order opponents said they intend watch Tuesday meeting anyway.

Vice President of the Council Jerry Oakley said that the order has been pushed to give the Board members have more time to study the issue.

Sandy Hill, Club Saddle Georgetown, said she has organized a petition and know there is at least another circulating against potential law.

She said there is an effort to ban horse on the beach in the County of the end of the 1990s.

"We had to fight against that, and we won," she says. "I hope that we can stop this time.?

Horses are now prohibited ranges from 15 March to 15 September of each year, giving riders the beach about six months of the year.

But the County staff hear complaints about the consequences of horses on the beach, including manure left on sand or in the parking lots and horse trampling of the dunes, according to a County document discussing the proposed order.

The document also said County "has no sufficient personnel to clean beaches or to enforce that the owners are properly cleaning after horses."

But Hill said the runners know cleaning after their horses and it was noted that people not ride on the main part of the beach sand but on surfing.

"We are in the low tide, tide"area, she says if manure "does get on the beach." ""

Hill said people who rent horses are those who clean up after their horses.

Oakley, accompanied by consultant Glen o ' Connell, represents the beach areas in Georgetown and said the most complaints that he hears are generated from tenants horse.

But, said, County staff is working to determine what authority Board regulate individual or business lease operating on beach horseback riders.

"I'm a big supporter of given was informed that you can be", said Oakley.

He also told the Council "wants to hear people who will be affected.

Hill stated that she and many others will be the meeting of the Board to tell their side of the story.

"We are it for what duration will go," she says.

Oakley said he thinks that it is a question of "where you folks on both sides who have an argument."

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Budget tops Georgetown school concerns

GEORGETOWN - Topics such as budget and standardized tests listed on list Monday evening when County Georgetown School Board candidates were interviewed about what they would do for the school district.

Candidate forum Georgetown League of women voters was intended for candidates in all races contested in Georgetown, but in accordance with the rules of the League, it prohibits democratic incumbents Vida Miller, who participated to participate because Kevin Ryan, his Republican challenger for House seat 108, l.c. has not attended as the required group.

Instead, candidates to five school boards had the stage to themselves one of the greatest problems, members of the School Board will have to tackle if elected, is the district budget.

All of the candidates said they would not like to limit the size of the classes, but with a deficit of 3.5 million estimated with the loss of federal funding stimulus only members have to offer a few ideas for what is possible to reduce the budget.

Benny Elliott, a member of the grand jury and a vice President said any personal district and programmes should be looked at.

"We have to discover what is most valuable", he said, and who are determined to be less useful posts or programs would be "cut or combined."

Jim Dumm, another Member of the Board of Directors in General and the current President of the Council, said the district will have to start watching extracurriculars cutting and athletics.

He also said that should increase the size of classes be watched, it would start at the secondary level.

"We cut the graisse.Il was perhaps a little more," he said. "" ""But we are soon going to get to the meat and shortly we will have to cut out the bones.?

Pat DeLeone, a candidate for the seat of the District 2, said it supports the idea of half-time teachers and also to examine the number of days teachers are paid.

"We are going to do the best that we can without affecting students as much as we can," she says.

Johnny Wilson, a candidate for one of two seats to the grand, said the district must look at other sources of funding such as grants and enjoy as much as possible. ""Search and see where the money," he said.

The current Board of Directors member 2 David Curry, was present for some initial questions, which was felt the candidates on teachers ' teaching to the test.

Curry says he understands that it must be a "measure bar" to compare schools throughout the State, but added, "I would like to just teachers may teach."

DeLeone, a retired health sciences professor said she loves the State standards and not feel like they do teachers teach in a test.

"Help students learn these standards," says.

But she said that the standards are high. ""I didn't know that records when I was in ninth grade," she told the standards of the fifth year.

Elliott called testing a "necessary evil", and said: "if we do not have a standard, then each district would be different.

Tests should simply be used to measure where a student is academically and not anything else, he said.

Dumm said he thinks that some tests more diagnostics that are most useful for do not get enough attention.

Wilson said that it supports the standard system, but is against teachers "teaching to the test" and should concentrate on "of the child, prepared for the test."

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