Pantagraph

Two Bags of Blood Saved Her Life, Now She Asks You To Donate.

July 27, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

Ashlynn Plyler looks out over the field where she was injured in a car wreck

A single moment changes us forever. On November 29^th, 2018, a dog that 16 year old Ashlynn Plyler had in her Jeep, jumped into her lap as she was driving. The Jeep drifted into the ditch and hit the crossover into a field and flipped several times. Ashlynn was thrown from the vehicle and sustained a many injuries. Injuries to her neck, ribs, spine, pelvis were instantly life threatening.

Her younger sister traveling ahead of her was able to get help quickly, and Ashlynn was airlifted to Charlotte. She was in the pediatric intensive care unit for three days and had two surgeries to place rods and pins in her pelvis and spine to stabilize her bones.

In those first few hours, she received two blood transfusions that saved her life. Two bags of blood that she commented on. “Two people, I did not know, gave me blood and that saved my life.” An event that changed her forever.

Ashlynn is the middle sister of three girls. She is well known not only in Pageland, but around the region. She has competed in several the region’s pageants and captured the crown several times.

She is an excellent student and had been attending Central High. Since the accident, she has been on home-bound instruction and working to regain the ability to walk and adapt to neurological pain that has accompanied the placement of the rods in her spine.

A purpose has grown in the days and months since the accident. A deep desire to make a difference in other’s lives. Encouraging people to donate blood, so others can live also. Ashlynn is partnering with the Red Cross and community agencies to hold a blood drive at the end of August. She has become aware of the critical shortages on the blood supply locally and nationally. The blood drive will be Thursday, August 29th 1:30pm-6:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Pageland Fellowship Hall, 207 S Maple St, Pageland, SC 29728 . She hopes to make this an annual event.

“The first night when I was airlifted to the hospital before I could have any surgeries, I had to have two blood transfusions because I was bleeding internally. Those two blood transfusions saved my life and I’m truly thankful for them and whoever took just a little time out of there day to donate blood to save my life” said Ashlynn. “You could save someone’s life just by taking out a little time of your day to donate blood and whoever receives that, i am sure will be so grateful. If you have the chance to save someone’s life, what is stopping you?”

It is important to call and make a commitment to attend as it helps the Red Cross to know the level of commitment and the number of people to send to help. Contact Ashlynn at 843-337-8372 or Elaine Robinson at 843-680-3027 to arrange for a time. You only need to give your name and an email. If you have given before, you will already be in their system.

Ashlynn’s mother Kristin Plyler added “Throughout all of this, we have learned that life is precious. We have been blessed to have good doctors.” She talked about a time when Ashlynn was looking for prom dresses and she had commented to Ashlynn that her scars were showing. Ashlynn’s reply was “My scars are what makes me who I am.”

As we talked, some Bible verses connected to where Ashlynn is now. James 1: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Ashlynn is going to save lives. She is determined to get as many people as she can to donated. Those donations will go to the next person in need, and help them to live another day. It is moment in time that will impact many in months and years to come. From depths of pain come healing for Ashlynn and countless others.

Editor Comments: Some articles are so very close to home. I have know Ashlynn for years. To stand in the roadway, and to see her scars sent chills down my spine. I continue to be amazed at the strength of Ashlynn and how she is turning a really bad experience into a positive. I am grateful for the two donors that gave blood without knowing who might receive it. I am grateful that Ashlynn is alive to ask you to donate. Please help save another life by donating a pint or two -David

Common Law Marriage Ends In South Carolina

July 24, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

It seems like a thing of the past. The consequence of cohabitation beyond a certain point resulting in being common law married. No longer is that the case in South Carolina. As of July 24th, 2019, couples will need to have a license to be married. Common Law Marriage is no longer allowed in SC.

The SC Supreme Court noted several reasons why Common Law Marriage had been established. Most notably the early colonies were sparsely populated and access to judges or officiants was limited. The practice was recognized by the British and accepted in the early states.

Another reason it was allowed was the morality of the couple, and the assurance that women would be cared for by someone beside the state. The financial security of women and children was a driving force.

The justices note in their opinion that times have changed. The acceptance of a unmarried woman and the ability for her to provide and care for her children was no longer just by the husband and the state. Women can and do live unmarried and are accepted well in society. Thus the need to be married to be moral or financial stable is greatly reduced.

One other element impacted the decision. Very few people knew of what constituted a common law marriage. The SC legislature had never codified the practice, so it resided in the common laws of the state. The main tenet was mutual agreement that the parties would be considered married. If you both agreed to be married, you were.

The change in the law will apply from this date forward. Those who were considering themselves husband and wife yesterday, still are. The court did not decide to apply the law retroactively. No need to break up families.

Homicide by Child Abuse

July 5, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

From Release

Homicide by Child Abuse

Two people were arrested Tuesday, July 2, 2019, as the result of an investigation into the death of a child last November. On November 6, 2018, at 5:30 p. m. deputies of the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 989 14 th Street, Lancaster, concerning an unresponsive child, De’Yontae Miller, Jr., a male who was 14 months old.

The child lived in the home with his father, De’Yontae Monterio Miller, Sr., age 25, and Miller’s girlfriend, Ramesha Monet Brantley, age 23. Brantley is not the mother of the child. Another one-year-old male child who is the child of Miller and Brantley and a now three-year-old female child of Miller who is also not Brantley’s child also lived in the home. Deputies rendered aid to the child until personnel of Lancaster County Emergency Medical Services arrived and took over. The child was transported to a medical facility and was pronounced dead at approximately 6:40 p. m. Criminal and crime scene

investigators arrived along with a Special Agent of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Special Victims’ Unit which investigates child fatalities. A search warrant for the home was obtained, and the home was searched. Investigators determined the home had no running water and little food. They also found conditions unsuitable for small children including the presence of over-the-counter and prescription medications, hard candies, and rodent poison in locations accessible to the children. Evidence of narcotics was also located, and Drug Task Force agents found approximately two grams of suspected Crack Cocaine and approximately 2.8 grams of suspected Marijuana along with two sets of digital scales.

An autopsy of the child’s body was performed the next day. The cause of death was determined to be nonaccidental blunt force trauma of the head, the neck, the torso, and the extremities. The child had fractured ribs and a fractured leg. Some of the injuries were recent but others were weeks old.
This Tuesday investigators served an additional search warrant on a different home now occupied by Miller and Brantley seeking additional evidence concerning the child’s death and found 14 grams of suspected Marijuana and scales. The case has been investigated extensively since the incident occurred by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, SLED, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, and the Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Sufficient evidence was obtained to charge Brantley and Miller.

Brantley is charged with Homicide by Child Abuse, three counts of Unlawful Neglect of a Child or Helpless Person, Possession with Intent to Distribute
Crack Cocaine, and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. Brantley’s bond was denied.

Miller is charged with three counts of Unlawful Neglect of a Child or Helpless Person, Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. His bond was set at $90,000.00. He posted bond
earlier today and was released.

“This has been a long but thorough investigation,” said Sheriff Barry Faile.
“Multiple agencies have been working on the case for several months. Many interviews have been conducted. The backgrounds of these adults and children have been examined. Forensic evidence has been tested. When we were satisfied we knew what happened to this child, we sought warrants from the magistrate and made the arrests. This has been a
difficult investigation for all those involved and certainly a sad and tragic end to the life of this child.”

Anyone with information about this or any other case should call the Lancaster
County Sheriff’s Office at 803-283-3388 or contact Midlands Crimestoppers in one of the following ways: dial 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372), log onto
http://www.midlandscrimestoppers.com and click on the “Submit a Tip” tab, or download the P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.

Fourth of July Parade

July 5, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Kershaw

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

The parades on the Fourth of July have always been an exciting event. An event that showcases the local flavor of the community. It is a time to draw together and celebrate our freedoms and independence. It marks part of who we are as people.

Parades have changed over the years. I remember decorated floats, marching bands, cotton candy and candied apples. Parades like those still exist. This year it seems that in our area, the ATV and Four Wheelers reign supreme.

Each year, the South Carolina community of Charlesboro hold what I view as one of the area most unique parades. It is a 2 mile + route on Taxahaw road in the rural community. It is the only bi-directional parade I know of. The entrants of the parade travel two miles down Taxahaw road, and then turn around and backtrack to the starting point on a two lane road. Depending on the spot you are watching, you will get to see the parade twice.

This year it was bright and sunny. the heat was almost oppressive. The shadowy spots in the route fill up early. Sunny spots sprout umbrellas and 10 x 10 popups. Friends speak to each other across the road, neighbors hand out plastic grocery bags to the kids to hold the candy that will rain across the grassy strips in front of homes and churches.

The procession creeps behind the sheriff’s cruiser and fire trucks as come down the winding country road. The parade starts at 10:30am and it may be 15 to 20 minutes before it reaches you.

What follows is a long train of all-terrain vehicles, classic cars, bass boats, and semi tractors. The sole requirement for entry is that the vehicle sports an American flag.

In the election years, candidates drive heavily campaign slogan covered cars. This year, there were few of them. Most all were individuals that just wanted to be in the parade.

What separates this from the big city parades is the recognition of family and friends. The riders are people you know, love and see most everyday. The waves are genuine and so are the smiles.

Before long you notice the return stream of riders coming back. Some people have dropped out at the turnaround point. Cars for up at the start of the parade fill in behind the parade and creep towards the end and a return to the holiday festivities to come. Another Charlesboro parade is in the books. Cookouts and swimming are the order of the afternoon. Happy Fourth of July.

Local Volleyball Player Competes Nationally

July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

For Alexis Roberson, summer is a commitment to be better than yesterday. Two days a week, she, and her family made a 144 mile round trip to Lexington SC to be part of the Intense Volleyball team. As part of that training and team participation, she tried out for the 15 Intense Adidas Elite Jerry team and was selected. This is the third year on the Elite team.

The 15 Intense Adidas Elite Jerry team traveled to Florida in June to compete in the AAU National Volleyball Championships. In the 15 Classic division there were 196 teams competing. The first two days were pool play with each team playing 3-4 matches each day. The competition is a single elimination meaning that you have to win each game to advance. Lose a match and you are eliminated.

The 15 Intense Adidas Elite Jerry team advanced as winners through their first 12 matches, and defeated EEA 15 Chancie from Kentucky in the semifinal match. They advanced to the Gold Championship Bracket to play against Kokoro Volleyball from Minnesota. Kokoro won in three sets 25-22, 14-25, and 15-6.

The 15 Intense Adidas Elite Jerry team placed 2^nd out of 196 teams. Alexis was named to the All-Star Team. All Star Team is considered AAU All American ranked #1 “I love to compete, and love volleyball.” Said Roberson. “We worked well together. We were all friends and the coaching was good.” Her team has been together for two years.

Lexi is excited for the upcoming Andrew Jackson High School Volleyball competition season to begin. She was the only player from the Kershaw/ Lancaster area to compete in her division at Nationals. She plans to bring the things she learns at Nationals back to help improve the Volunteer’s game this coming year.

Lisa Roberson spoke of the dedication that was needed from both the athlete and the parent. “Every parent wants to see their child on top. We are dedicated. When we sign the contract, we know that we can’t be ill with each other, and we put forth our best efforts.”

Jerry Dorneker, Head Coach commented. “The 15 Intense Adidas Elite Jerry have a great understanding that winning isn’t everything, working and playing hard for each other is. Giving thanks to God and our large and supportive intense family and partners Adidas and Baden.

It was exemplified throughout the AAU national tournament. All of the players played with all of their heart on every play. Winning second in the nation in their division.

Everyone’s personality played a role on the team including Lexi who is a strong physical force and a strong competitor. Lexi has a strong work ethic and desire to compete every time she practices and steps on the court in competition. Her fearless can do attitude is contagious to her teammates and strikes fear in her opponents.”

Lexi has some advice for those young people who may be thinking about getting into volleyball. “If you seem to be like the little guy from a small town and running with the big dogs, hang in there. Always try to do your best.”

$207,011.39

June 21, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

By David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

Forty Four Nonprofit Organizations benefited by the 2019 Give Lancaster campaign. The totals from this year represent a 30% increase from 2018. Thre was 1645 gifts from 1057 donors. Gifts came from 6 countries and 13 states and 61 cities. A total of 54 businesses sponsored the Give Local Events.

This last Thursday the Give Local organizers and receiving agencies gathered to celebration this year’s campaign. In a packed ballroom at USCL’s Bundy Auditorium, details, pictures and videos showcased the 2019 campaign.

Dr. Stephanie Kripa Cooper-Lewter, Executive Director of Leading On Opportunity delivered the Keynote speech. She started with The Lancaster Fatherhood Initive as that group got started. She brings 25 years of experience in nonprofit and philanthropic activities. She works in Charlotte to address upward mobility.

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard. As a Social Worker, the number one thing we learn is to listen to the person’s story.” Cooper-Lewter went on to talk about her own story of growing up in India and being adopted internationally. She shared several stories. One of the most poignant ones was a response from Mother Teresa to a woman who was asking what could be done to help Mother Teresa’s efforts and organization.

The response from Mother Teresa was for the woman to go into the streets of this community and find someone who believes they are low and convince them they are not.

Cooper-Lewter’s remarks call for us to invest not just the dollars of a fundraising campaign, but to develop relationships with others. The need to be heard is more than just a check in a fundraiser, but the efforts of the community to sit down and listen to another’s story. The speech was a call to action.

There are many efforts in our community already that reach out to listen and hear the stories. In Kershaw and Fort Lawn, community surveys are being conducted to see that people are wanting their community to be like. Similar efforts have begun in Lancaster. The communities are being asked to speak and share their ,memories and dreams.

Give Local Lancaster has been operating for 4 years, and has raised over $600,000 for local non profits over the four years. Listening to Dr Cooper-Lewter, there is a need not just for agencies to go into the streets but all of us. When we ask what we can do to help, we need to reach out, listen, develop relationships and many things will begin to improve.

Yarn Learning: Life Lessons Through Spinning

June 15, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

I am a curious guy. As a child I was fascinated with know how things worked. We had no working clocks in the house, as I have torn them apart to figure out how they worked. I have not lost that trait.

I am never sure what will spark that curiosity. It seems to strike regularly, but without warning. The most recent attack on my need to learn came when I talked to a woman spinning yarn at a local heath Festival. Her table boasted spinning for relaxation. Lighting bolt strike to my brain later, and I was curious on how to spin

Spinning yarn is not done much now. It was a staple of life before machine age took over. I think that because I did not understand how the spinning wheel worked, I was hooked to figure it out. I have learned a bit in the months since the learning bug hit.

Sitting on the porch today, I spun some Alpaca roving I had worked up. My carding pads from an Etsy seller came in from Russia this week. Cheaper to buy them there than in the US. Go Figure, Huh.

I spun for about 2 hours and got to a stopping point. Winding the “Yarn” on the Nitty Noddy, I found I had a whole lot less “Yarn” that what I might imagine. But washed it up and hung it weighted to dry.

I got home and retrieved the yarn, and wound it up in a small ball. It is the size of a Danish Wedding Cookie. I got to thinking about what I had learned, so here are my insights as they can be applied to life.

Knowledge is mind opening and vital to growth. Everything I learn, I try to apply it.
Knowledge is the beginning of wisdom and skill. You learn by doing, not reading.
Google and Youtube can help bridge the concepts, but the fiber must pass through your hands to be yarn.
The amount of effort required for everyday things we take for granted is often unconsidered.
Making efforts helps appreciation and respect.
It is going to take forever to make a sweater, but man will I love it and cherish it because I know the effort.

If someone makes you something by hand, understand that it is a gift of time, and perseverance. It is way too easy to go to walmart and swipe the card and get a machine made carbon copy of a sweater.

My peers think I am crazy for taking up these learning projects. I am of the mind to respond back, “Yes, you are correct”. I can say that, because no matter what I say, they will not be in the experience with me. So sitting on the porch drafting out a few fibers at a time, I am relaxing into my comfort zone. Will I spin tomorrow, probably.

Writer Notes: I have used words in this article, you might not be familiar with. No worrys, it is the language of the spinners. Curious about their meaning, drop me a line, or join me and you can drop a spindle with me as I teach you to spin.

18 Bobbie Pins

June 10, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Editor Thoughts

Editorial by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

Worth is an elusive feeling. Sometimes it feeling like we have lots of worth, and then none. Teenagers seem at times to be what takes away my feelings of worth. They are gaining their independence and trying to get up on their own, what is dad really worth? My wallet may be more relevant than I. These are universal themes. Ones held by many parents. Maybe there is some truth in those feelings, maybe not.

I have long known that kids often show rather than say. I mean, theyare still figuring out their own worth, then to have to reflect mine, Yea, right, whatever dad.

I think you have to be more observant and take the small moments to appreciate what you mean to your teen. 18 Bobbie pins worth, that is one of my worth markers. 18 precious Bobbie pins and one rubber band.

My Little Bit had her 8th grade formal this last weekend. I drove up to take some pictures of her getting ready. It was a day spent in the nail salon, and beauty shop. I sat quietly and snapped pictures.

I watched as they dremel tooled my daughter’s nails in prep for the fake nails to come. A shiver went up my spine with each nail they prepped. I watched as they laid down coat after coat of pink and then top coated it with clear coat. Her nails were beautiful when done.

In the beauty shop, she had most of her below the shoulder hair curled in big loopy curls that cascaded down her back. The sides became braids that were wrapped into some of the curled locks and wound into a bun, all secured with Bobbie pins.

I had that dad moment when I looked at her and began to see the young woman that she is fast becoming. Watch out world, I am just saying, watch out.

She went home and got into her dress and started the makeup process, and said “No Pictures”. I walked away knowing that my interactions from here on would be limited. Her independence streak was surfacing. I did not blame her, this was her dance, and not mine, I gracefully gave way and let her do what she needed to do.

She met up with a friend at the dance and the two looked so excited. I retired to the porch to watch the rolling clouds, and kill two hours before going to pick her up. I was trying to think about who I was as dad, without being the photographer. Without taking pictures, who was I? Don’t sit on the porch when your daughter is at her dance, just go do something. Dads, just go do anything.

After she was home and I went into say goodnight and my goodbyes, as I was driving home that night. she asked me to say another hour. Ok. I sat beside her on her bed, and she began to pull the Bobbie pins out of her bun of braided hair. I held out my hand and she dropped them on my palm, and counted. She began to struggle and said her nails were making it hard, so I placed the pins in her hand and began to pull Bobbie pins out from her hair. We unraveled her hair and talked for a few more minutes. I kissed her good night and walked out to say goodbye to the rest of the crew. In my hand were the Bobbie Pins. I slid them in my pocket.

They are now a fixture in the memory cabinet, right beside the numbers 1 and two from her 12th birthday cake. She probably did and does not know what those 18 Bobbie Pins represent. To me, I can be helpful and needed by my daughter. It may be two minutes at a time, but I will take it.

Of all the titles I’ve been privileged to have, ‘Dad’ has always been the best.” ―Ken Norton

Welcome to Kershaw, Patches. Welcome Home

May 9, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

There is a wave of art is sweeping the nation. Cities are adding to their attractiveness by have specific themed art pieces installed around their communities. For years the Bears of New Bern NC have stood majestically across the city. Kershaw has its’ own art piece as of today.

Patches has been installed in front of the playground in Stevens’ Park. Patches is one of 10 dogs that have been or will be installed around Lancaster County. Each fiberglass dog was individually painted and covered with two coats of clear coat. They are expected to last will beyond 20 years.

The first dog installed was at USCL in Lancaster. Eight more will be installed. Efforts are being made to secure grant funds for a second round of dogs. The Lancaster County Council of the Arts spearheads the project.

Patches was painted by artist, Petra Pechova. Bob Doster created his pedestal. The hope is that Patches will become a destination, as will the other dogs, to help people explore our county.

There is a QR code on the plaque on the pedestal that you can scan to learn more about patches. So to the newest member of the Kershaw Community, I say Welcome Home Patches, Welcome Home.

If you go by the playground and take a selfie with Patches, please send it to me at editor@pantagraph.online . I will gather them into a photo gallery of pictures with Patches

Reflections On My Washington DC Trip

May 7, 2019 by David Kellin, posted in Uncategorized

by David Kellin, editor@pantagraph.online

This past week I went to Washington DC with my youngest daughter and her classmates from Havelock Middle School. This was my first trip with a school group. I had went to the Air and Space Museum in 1992 to see the Star Trek Exhibit. That was the year I graduated from Graduate School. Some 27 years have past since I have been in Washington.

Each of the HMS student was required to write a paragraph each day to explore the things they experience that day. It seems fitting that I should write about my experiences.

As a chaperone and a parent, it was initially a little daunting to think of taking two tour buses full of kids into our Nation’s Capital. The first day, I was the hawk watching over my charges. I scanned all around them looking for anything that could impact them. In the Air and Space Museum, my inner geek surfaced as I shared tidbits of knowledge. I quickly let that go and tried to let my group learn as they explored.

There were parts of the trip that meant quite a bit to me. In the Capital Rotunda, I was standing feet away from where many people have laid in state. I could not help but remember Senator John McCain and President Bush had been there recently.

I was impressed to learn that a farmer’s market was kept in the older chamber of Congress after it was outgrown by the expanding Congress. The shear number of people touring the Capital was unbelievable. The tours were organized to the minute.

The Holocaust Museum was a powerful place to see. More than just pictures and explanatory signs, the objects stood out. The doors to the furnaces of the crematorium, the shoes, and the rail car just stopped me. I kept thinking back to the movie “Paperclip” as I walked through the car.

One particular moment stands out for me. One of my group was obviously moved when we came to the rows of candles lit in remembrance. I watched as she tried to find a candle to light. It seemed personal as she went from one unlit candle to the next looking for one to light. For someone so young to have that need to remember was touching.

I think the one outstanding moment of the trip was seeing the eternal flame on President John F. Kennedy’s grave. I have always had an affinity for JFK as I was born almost two years before he was killed. It was like visiting a grave of someone you knew. It seemed to me that everyone was considered worthwhile to him. It is a value I hope to emulate.

A group of students from another school were able to have a wreath laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Taps was played. The mournful notes echoing across the final resting place of so many brothers in arms will haunt me for a while.

I am hopeful that the students gained some history and insight into our nation. Some of the deeper meanings will come with age, I suppose. They may never fully grasp what those monuments and exhibits meant to the adults watching over them. I am sure I could not explain it fully to them.