Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Clay Walker was gifted a rocking chair from the Town of Blackville honoring his ‘partial retirement’ after 29 years of dedicated service.
Walker, who lives across from the facility where he clocked in for nearly three decades, is still being called upon into retirement to lend a hand at the wastewater treatment plant. He does so with the same smile he adorned at the August 19 meeting when he was recognized by the council.
“He probably doesn't feel like he’s retired because we call him everyday,” said Mayor Ronnie Pernell, resulting in a laugh from the crowd and a nod from Walker.
When state and town agencies were trying to figure out a game plan mid-Hurricane Debby, the first call was to Walker.
“His knowledge of the system at the wastewater treatment plant…we’ve got challenges out there. I wish I would have listened to him when we first got SCIIP grant money,” said Mayor Pernell, noting increased challenges for the facility during Hurricane Debby.
Each council member thanked Walker for his dedication and expertise throughout the nearly three decades at the wastewater treatment plant.
During public comment, long-time Blackville resident Cheryl Corbett asked what was being done to combat the recent rash of burglaries.
“I’ve lived in this town for over 50 years and I have never seen the amount of stealing and breaking into people’s houses and cars that is going on now,” said Corbett, who lives in the middle of the town limits. “Something has got to be done about it.”
Earlier this summer, Corbett returned from vacation to find her home broken into. A month later her car was stolen. She expressed it is becoming commonplace for residents to wake up each morning and wonder which of their neighbors fell victim to crime.
According to interim Blackville Police Department Chief Shawn Howze, many recent burglaries or thefts have been committed by juveniles.
Chief Howze explained how useful residential surveillance cameras are when investigating thefts and detailed one instance where juveniles were deterred from entering a home after seeing a camera fixed to the front door.
To curb some of this theft, Chief Howze has increased routine patrol and implemented residential/business checks. Officers will now be leaving notes on homes and businesses noting they checked the property for anything suspicious while on patrol. A similar practice is done by the Barnwell Police Department.
“I think the town is headed in the right direction in hiring Shawn as chief of police,” said Corbett of Howze.
Corbett also commended new hire Sergeant Evans for the way in which she handles issues and treats those she serves.
Sgt. Evans was previously employed at the Estill Police Department before making the switch to Blackville. During the meeting, she encouraged the community to get to know her and the other officers as it will only “make it a lot easier and less stressful” amidst an issue,” said Sgt. Evans.
Chief Howze introduced Sgt. Evans alongside Corporal Jones at the meeting. Cpl. Jones started on the force before Howze took over as chief.
The environment of this meeting differed greatly from that of the July 15 meeting, which began with verbal altercations between town officials and residents adorning body-worn cameras. Signs making accusations of tyranny by Blackville council members and mayor were held high – a rare occurrence for routine town council meetings.
At the July 15 meeting, Mayor Pernell presented Kathy Orr with a plaque in honor and memory of her late husband, Fred Orr.
Orr served on Blackville Town Council for a decade before his sudden passing in May.
“Everytime I met with him, he’s always been kind,” said Mayor Pernell, who also described Orr as a “heavy hitter” on Blackville Town Council.
“Fred loved Blackville. He was not from Blackville, but he loved Blackville,” said Kathy.
Kathy stated her husband would have been very honored by the kind words shared. Although Blackville was not his original hometown, it became his adopted one when he and Kathy first moved there in 1988.
Orr is fondly remembered as a husband, father, pastor, coach, teacher, councilman, and friend.
“We’re so sad we had to lose him in such a short time,” said Mayor Pernell.
Filling the seat of Orr is Bruce Johnson, who won the August 13 special election. Out of the total 87 votes, 69 were cast for Johnson. Eighteen total votes were cast for James Cook, who was the only other candidate to file.
“I am here to work for you all. I am here to work with the council and the mayor to see the progress made as we move forward,” said Johnson. “I am not here just to hold the position. I believe if I’m involved with something, I believe in getting involved and doing my part. If I don’t do my part I don’t need to be on this council.”
Johnson asked the community to hold him accountable and is looking forward to helping the town grow.
Johnson was not sworn in at the August meeting, but did provide the invocation. He is set to be sworn in and begin officially serving as a council member at the September meeting.
The People-Sentinel will be publishing more on this special election and Johnson’s win in an upcoming edition.
