BLACKVILLE – The Blackville Police Department is now fully staffed, the town’s police chief reported at Blackville Town Council’s April meeting.

Chief John Holston introduced officers Brian Gray and Darryl Benson to the council.

“Officer Gray was graduated from the S.C. Criminal justice Academy in March,” he said, “and Officer Benson is scheduled to begin the Academy in June. This brings our police department back up to full staff.”

Holston also reported the arrest of Brian O’Neal Washington, 28, in the hit-and-run accident that seriously injured 7-year-old Jazz Garrick on April 18. Although Garrick is responding to treatment, she is still not breathing on her own and will have a long road to full recovery, it was noted.

Washington was arrested on April 20 after police received a tip from a concerned resident, Holston said.

Mayor Jackie Holman commended the concerned citizen and reminded everyone they are part of the Blackville community and, as such, should help the police whenever possible.

In other business:

* Resident Jim Jowers said he paid $6 for a copy of the Blackville Employee Handbook, noting that “the book was written in 1984 and apparently has not been updated since then. It is very vague, and there seem to be no definite employee job descriptions.” The mayor told Jowers the town is revising the handbook, which will be reviewed by the town’s attorney, Miles Loadholt, prior to being implemented.

* Brenda Hughes, guidance counselor at Macedonia Elementary School, gave the council an overview of what the guidance counselors’ office does.

* Tonya James of Macedonia Elementary introduced members of the Beta Club. She thanked the council and the mayor for their support and encouragement. “The students have certainly benefitted from your involvement. Council, the Blackville citizens and businesses have been very generous with their support and because of this support, we were able to take the Beta Club members to Washington, D.C.,” she said.

* Holman noted that the elementary school is an integral part of the Blackville school system. “School does a lot for our children. It teaches them how to provide for and take care of themselves,” the mayor said. “All citizens need to be involved in our school system.”

* Holman proclaimed April “Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Month.”

* Councilman Dan Ligon asked that anyone wishing to help develop a recycling program in Blackville contact him or Blackville Town Hall.

* Holman directed council’s attention to the Blackville Fair Housing Poster Contest entries posted in the meeting room. “This year there were over 20 entries. The winners will receive a monetary award, a ribbon and a certificate,” he said.

T&D Correspondent Sherryl M. Peters can be reached by e-mail at boykinbaby@surrealestate.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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