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Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Spartanburg sheriff candidates offer views on diversity hiring, ICE enforcement
For the second time in five days, candidates for Spartanburg County Sheriff took part in a forum to make their pitch to voters. On July 15, they took the stage at C.C. Woodson Community Center for an event hosted by the Spartanburg NAACP. All nine candidates in the Republican primary, which will decide the election since no Democrats are running, were in attendance: Nick Duncan, Rusty Clevenger, Adam Crisp, Ric Stephens, Bill Rhyne, Robert Cheeks, Andy Clark, Randy Hollifield, and Joseph Pilato. Clevenger arrived late because of a prior speaking commitment. They are running to replace former Sheriff Chuck Wright, who resigned in May amid controversy and investigations by the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. The forum covered much of the same ground that candidates discussed at a July 11 event sponsored by the Spartanburg County Republican Party. Key themes included pay for deputies, staff morale, transparency and accountability, community relationships, and overcrowding at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Candidates differ on the question about diversity The NAACP forum also provided some new insights. Candidates were asked about their views on hiring a diverse staff that reflects the county's demographic makeup. Most stressed that they would hire and promote officers based on merit. Duncan said he believes diversity can be 'beneficial' in a law enforcement agency, but said, 'I would make sure officers are qualified, not hired just because of their race.' Crisp said it's important for deputies to relate to diverse communities within the county, but that he wouldn't hire officers 'because of the color of their skin. That stuff is over.' Pilato gave the example of a patient undergoing surgery. 'You'd want the best surgeon,' he said. 'You don't want it to be a DEI situation.' Rhyne added that if he becomes sheriff, hiring will be based 'solely on merit and qualifications.' Cheeks offered a different perspective. He previously served as supervisor of the sheriff's office's gang unit. He said that in working with young people who are in or have been affected by gangs, 'sometimes having an officer who looks like you can matter.' Clark and Clevenger each stated that they would work to build a team that reflects the county's increasingly diverse population. 'The sheriff's office should look like the community,' Clark said. Stephens added, 'I will build up staff numbers with other ethnic groups. And I'll try to go into those communities to do it.' Former police chief Tony Fisher offers perspective Former City of Spartanburg Police Chief Tony Fisher was in the audience at C.C. Woodson. Fisher, who is Black, was intrigued by the discussion of diversity in law enforcement. He said it's not a matter of hiring officers simply because of the color of their skin – it's that a diverse staff can build relationships throughout the community and ultimately be more effective. Fisher said a law enforcement agency lacking diversity is comparable to 'a bank that wants to make loans in a Hispanic community but none of the loan officers know Spanish.' Fisher, who served as police chief from 1995 to 2022, said he might endorse a candidate but was not yet ready to do so. 'I think all the candidates expressed sincerity in wanting to work with the community,' he said. He added that he hopes voters will consider the candidates' 'experience in a leadership role' and assess their ability to 'organize a team in a major event.' Candidates say why their experience matters The candidates touted their resumes as they made their case for the county's top law enforcement role. Duncan discussed his years working for the sheriff's office and his willingness to take on Wright in the 2024 Republican primary. Crisp also worked as a sheriff's deputy. He now serves on the Lyman Town Council and touted his leadership in pushing through a pay increase for Lyman's police officers. Pilato urged voters to consider his perspective as an outsider. He served in law enforcement in Texas and Florida before joining the City of Spartanburg Police Department. Stephens has experience working in Europe as an organized crime investigator. He said he has 'no friends' in the sheriff's office and promised to bring an end to what he described as 'this good ol' boy mess going on.' Rhyne worked as a sheriff's deputy before joining the South Carolina Highway Patrol, where he led statewide public information and community relations efforts. Hollifield went to work in the sheriff's office in 1982. He served in various leadership positions, including as a member of the command staff at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Clevenger currently serves as the Spartanburg County Coroner. He was first elected to the position in 2008. He previously worked as a sheriff's deputy. Cheeks has been in law enforcement since 2010. He recently served as 1st Lieutenant over the Uniform Patrol Division with the sheriff's office. Clark has served in both the sheriff's office and the City of Spartanburg Police Department. He pointed to his experience working in urban neighborhoods surrounding the C.C. Woodson Center. Candidates discuss immigration enforcement As in the Republican Party-sponsored debate, the topic of immigration and ICE was discussed. While candidates' promises to support the work of ICE were applauded at the GOP event, the July 15 audience was less enthusiastic. 'As far as partnering with ICE – yes, we're going to partner a thousand percent,' Crisp said, drawing jeers from some in attendance. ICE has drawn criticism for what some Americans view as overly aggressive tactics in support of President Trump's plans for mass deportation of illegal immigrants. 'The media has been sensationalizing a lot of things taking place,' Rhyne said. He believes most ICE activity has been aimed at 'getting illegal aliens who are posing a direct threat. We have to make sure we are protecting people.' Cheeks said he would partner with ICE on illegal immigration crackdowns but would work to ensure that 'we afford everybody the opportunity for due process.' Stephens said he'd support ICE in targeting illegal immigrants but that he would review the agency's work if Spartanburg County residents were arrested. He said it's not uncommon for immigrants here legally to have trouble producing the correct paperwork at a moment's notice. There can be mix-ups on the part of enforcement officers. 'Please don't think they don't make mistakes,' Stephens said. Primary later this summer The Republican Party primary will be held on August 5. If necessary, a runoff will take place on August 19. There will also be a Republican primary to nominate a candidate for Spartanburg County Council District 3, which became open in May after longtime council member David Britt took a position with the state Public Service Commission. The winner of the Republican nomination for County Council will face Democrat Kathryn Harvey, a Spartanburg native and businesswoman, and Sarah Gonzalez, of the Forward Party. A special election is set for November 4. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg sheriff candidates offer views on diversity hiring, ICE Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Here's who has filed to run for Spartanburg County Sheriff: List
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The filing period for the special election to fill the seat of Spartanburg County Sheriff opened Friday. Five candidates have filed paperwork with South Carolina Election Commission, all of whom have filed as Republicans in the August 5 primary. Sheriff salaries in the Upstate: Where does your county rank? Candidates running in the special election had to pay a filing fee of about $3,000, which is prorated because of the partial term. Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order. In his letter announcing his bid for the seat of sheriff, Clark said he wants to help citizens, residents and visitors throughout Spartanburg County. Clark started his career with the Spartanburg Police Department in March 2002, serving as a senior patrol officer and a field patrol officer. In October 2005, Clark began working with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, working as a property crimes investigator, a software systems administrator and records supervisor. 'I have the experience and knowledge to lead the sheriff's office and continue its mission to provide services to citizens that meet or exceed professional law enforcement standards, ensuring equal enforcement, and protection of the law without prejudice,' Clark said. Clevenger, who has served as coroner since 2009, announced his candidacy for Spartanburg County Sheriff on Monday. 'I have dedicated my adult life to serving the people of Spartanburg County with transparency, compassion, and professionalism.' said Clevenger in a news release. 'The brave men and women of the Spartanburg Sheriff's Office deserve a leader who protects their integrity and shields them from politics so they can focus on protecting our community.' Clevenger said his campaign for sheriff will focus on restoring trust in law enforcement, increasing transparency, supporting deputies and ensuring public safety is 'free from political agendas.' Nick Duncan, a Laurens County native, worked as a paramedic with Spartanburg County EMS before he joined the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office in 2014. He announced a run for sheriff in March 2024, but lost the primary election in June. Duncan previously said that, if elected, he would focus on drug issues impacting the county as well as working on community relations and transparency in the office. Duncan encouraged voters to decide what they want from their elected leaders. 'Just look at everybody, figure out what you want from your elected officials, and what beliefs most align with yours and make a good, educated decision.' Duncan said. Bill Rhyne announced his bid for the seat of sheriff on June 3. A northern Spartanburg County native, Rhyne joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Chapman High School. He worked for the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office as a resident deputy and then for the South Carolina Highway Patrol in the Upstate as a public information officer and community relations officer. Rhyne retired as lieutenant and executive commander. After retirement, he became the director of training for American Services. He also was able to return to SCHP as a community outreach coordinator. 'This campaign isn't about politics. It's about people,' Rhyne said. 'It's about making sure our communities are safe, heard, and respected. It's about being present, well-reasoned in our actions, and building a sheriff's office that truly serves every corner of Spartanburg County.' Richard 'Ric' Stephens served in the Army National Guard from 1982-1992, according to his website. Later, Stephens worked for the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office from 1996-2002 in various positions. He retired from work in law enforcement in 2015. 'In doing this, I learned the complexity of the sheriff's office and how extremely important it is for you as an employee to understand and use all the county resources allocated,' Stephens said. In an interview with 7NEWS, Stephens explained that his bid for sheriff is personal, after losing a family member was killed by a drug dealer in Spartanburg County. 'The sheriff's office has a dedicated professional workforce, with my leadership we will focus on issues that affect the taxpayers the most (traffic, drugs, and crime) I will give immediate results,' he added. The primary will be held on August 5 while the special election is set to be held on November 4, which is the date of the 2025 general election. Early voting for the primary will be held from July 21 through August 1 while early voting for the special election will run from October 20 through October 31. A primary runoff would be held on August 19, if necessary, with early voting from August 13 to August 15. Full schedule for special election: June 13 – Candidate filing opens June 21 – Candidate filing closes July 21 – Early primary voting begins August 1 – Early primary voting ends August 5 – Primary election August 13 – Primary runoff early voting begins (if necessary) August 15 – Primary runoff early voting ends (if necessary) August 19 – Primary runoff election October 20 – Special election early voting begins October 31 – Special election early voting ends November 4 – Special Election Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Overdose deaths decrease nationwide, and here in the Upstate
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), overdose deaths have decreased nationwide by almost 27% in the past year, and are projected to reach their lowest level since 2019. 'You realize you have a problem, you know true leadership is dealing with the problem and then putting the plan in place, and I believe that's probably what's happening nationwide,' said Spartanburg Co. coroner Rusty Clevenger. Clevenger's data showed overdose deaths in Spartanburg Co. skyrocketed during Covid. He said it was then that he and state officials knew they not only needed to track the deaths, but exactly where these drugs were coming from and which ones were the cause. 'We had to figure out where the hotspots were at so we could put you know, measures in place to try, whether it be education or whatever, and it seems to be working as well,' he said. Data showed Spartanburg County saw a marked decrease in overdose deaths in 2024. 'The numbers are holding steady about last year's levels, maybe a little bit less right now,' Clevenger explained. However Keith Blanton, the Pastor and Superintendent at Faith Home, a non-profit Christian recovery center, said beds in their facilities across the Upstate stay full. He told us between their four locations, there are 135 beds. 'I think more people are getting help,' said Blanton. 'I just do. I think that you know, Narcan is a good thing. It saves people's lives and as long as they're alive, you know there's a chance.' Blanton said thanks to the coroner's office and law enforcement agencies tracking 'hotspots' and providing education, drugs no longer have to be the end of every user's story. 'It's tough,' Blanton said. 'It's tough at first especially, but it gets easier, and it gets better. But if I had one thing to say, you do not have to live that way, there's a way out if you want out.' Blanton told 7NEWS over the years that the people they serve have become significantly younger. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rocket Lab introduces line of customizable solar arrays for satellites
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Rocket Lab is showing that's about more than just rockets. The California-based company has introduced a family of customizable solar arrays, designed to fit the changing needs of customer satellites. Rocket Lab is offering the new Standardized Array, or STARRAY, line as an alternative to save first- or one-time satellite manufacturers the time of designing and testing their own solar arrays from ground, up. The line was introduced earlier this month, at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 'Customers can choose from a range of pre-engineered solar array configurations to meet the needs of their application while leveraging the flight-proven reliability, performance and speed of Rocket Lab's vertically integrated manufacturing," Rocket Lab's Vice President of Space Systems Brad Clevenger said in a statement. The STARRAY line offers seven variable solar array sizes, ranging in power output from 100 watts to over 2,000 watts. 'Our objective is to offer the industry mission-specific customization with short lead times and lower costs,' Clevenger said in the statement. In 2022, Rocket Lab acquired space solar power technologies company SolAero, to expand its space systems capabilities. The deal added solar cells to Rocket Lab's in-house processes. Now, the company boasts a vertically integrated solar array manufacturing system, allowing it to streamline production of solar cells and assemblies and solar panel subsystems to fully realized solar arrays. Related Stories: — Rocket Lab launches new NASA solar sail tech to orbit (video, photos) — Rocket Lab launches private Earth-observing radar satellite to orbit (video, photos) — Rocket Lab unveils plan to land Neutron rockets at sea, 1st launch in 2025 Expanding their space industry expertise further, Rocket Lab was also recently chosen as a potential partner for the military's multibillion-dollar programs dedicated to building hypersonic technology. And the company's HASTE (Hypersonic Accelerator Suborbital Test Electron) rocket is scheduled to launch the DART AE mission for the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit's Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing program.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
No. 7 Maryland women's lacrosse outpaces Arizona State, 18-14
Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics. No. 7 Maryland women's lacrosse failed to capitalize on its four-goal comeback against No. 14 Penn, falling on a last-second winner. After digging themselves in a 12-9 deficit to Arizona State, the Terps had a second chance to record their first road win since March 13. Advertisement This time around, Maryland didn't leave it up to the final possession of the game. Midway through the third quarter, Kate Sites swung the ball to Maisy Clevenger, who was patiently waiting behind the goal. Clevenger caught the pass and instantly looked for a cutter. After her pass was batted down, she scooped up the loose ball, charged around the net, got a step past her defender and rifled the shot past goalie Katie Vahle. The floodgates opened. Nine unanswered goals flipped a three-goal deficit into a lead Maryland wouldn't relinquish. In an offensive affair, the Terps landed the knockout punch, winning, 18-14, Thursday afternoon in Tempe, Arizona. Advertisement It was Arizona State its first home defeat of the season. Fresh off one of her best performances of the season with two goals and three assists, Clevenger made her presence felt early. The sophomore — who has tallied the third-most goals on the team — scored two of Maryland's first three goals. Clevenger finished with a hat trick, including the momentum-shifting goal to fuel the Terps' comeback. However, freshman Devin Livingston stole the headlines in the opening quarter. With 10 minutes left in the period and the game tied at one, Livingston sprinted past her defender and found a glimpse of daylight. The rookie took advantage of the space, showcasing her flashy skills with a nifty behind-the back shot, her first of three goals. While the Terps' offense was clicking, JJ Suriano continued to struggle in goal. After getting pulled early in the fourth quarter against Penn, Suriano made just seven saves facing Arizona State's 14th-best offense in the country. Advertisement Attacker Teagan Ng was the catalyst behind the Sun Devils' success. The team-leader with 43 goals demonstrated her offensive explosiveness all game long. Every time Arizona State faced a two-goal deficit, Ng rose to the occasion. She recorded a game-high five goals. Behind Ng's first-half hat trick, the Sun Devils took a narrow 9-8 lead heading into the break. While Arizona State's lead ballooned to three immediately out of the locker room, Maryland wouldn't go away. Kori Edmondson — the four-time Big Ten Midfielder of the Week — took charge. The junior received the ball at the top of the circle, juked out her defender with a spin-move and embraced the contact while launching the shot into the bottom corner. Edmondson recorded a team-high four goals. Advertisement Sun Devils attacker Lydia Oldknow had the answer right back. After forcing a turnover, Ng corralled the loose ball and immediately swung it to Oldknow, who converted the easy look. The duo of Ng and Oldknow fueled Arizona State's offense, accounting for nine of its 14 goals. However, Oldknow's third goal of the game would be the last one the Sun Devils scored in over 22 minutes of play. Despite subbing in goalie Lydia Ward midway through the second quarter, head coach Cathy Reese turned back to Suriano after Oldknow's goal. And the sophomore showed significant improvement, conceding just two goals in her final 23 minutes of action, all of which came with the game out of reach. On the other side, Vahle struggled to slow down the Terps' second-half offensive onslaught. She tallied just six saves in the game, her lowest output in four games. Three things to know 1. Free-position gifts. Maryland has been foul prone as of late, and Arizona State made it pay. The Terps committed 33 fouls, amounting to 13 free-position shots and six goals. However, Maryland allowed just three free-position looks in the latter half. Advertisement 2. Draw control unit outmatched. For the first time all season, the Terps were dominated in the faceoff circle. After Maryland won three of the first four draw controls, Sun Devils' midfielder Anna Viglione controlled the circle. The sophomore gathered 10 draw controls to help Arizona State win 20 of the 33 faceoffs. 3. Tough slate ahead. Thursday's contest was one of the Terps' last remaining unranked opponents before the schedule gets tough. Maryland faces three consecutive ranked foes — No. 19 USC, No. 10 Virginia and No. 25 Ohio State. The Terps' lone unranked game ahead comes against Rutgers. More from
