The Index-Journal from Greenwood, South Carolina • Page 11

PACE 11 Thursday September 21, 1989 The Index-Journal CITYSTATE No hurricane deaths in 30 years Recent hurricanes easy on S.C. to Beaufort County. On Nov, 22, 1985, Tropical Weather Greenwood The sun rose today at 7:16, will set at 7:27 and will rise Friday at 7:16. Wednesday's high was 75 (24 C) and the low 62 (17 C). There was .35 inches of precipitation recorded over a 24-hour period ending at 8 a.m.

today. Total precipitation for September is 2.35 inches- (5.97 Total precipitation for the year is 51.72 (131.37 Average rainfall for September is 3.98 inches (10.10. Average rainfall through September is 37.26 inches (14.64 cm.) Storm Kate, which had entered the Florida Panhandle as a hurricane, brought torrential rains and 55 mph winds into South Carolina. One person was killed were reported as a result of the relatively weak storm, which was classified as a hurricane just hours before it made landfall. Hurricane Hugo, which has killed at least 25 people, left thousands homeless and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage since Sunday, was headed on a path Wednesday that could take it to the South Carolina coast.

Tropical Storm Chris, the last named storm to directly affect during the storm. in the Palmetto State. The storm briefly touched the North Myrtle Beach area after coming ashore in North Carolina, where it left an estimated $25 million in damage. No lives were lost in South Carolina during Hurricane Diana. Storms other than hurricanes have taken their toll in South Carolina.

Just two weeks after Hurricane Diana, Tropical Storm Isidore brought brisk winds and flooding COLUMBIA (AP) The impending arrival of Hurricane Hugo would end South Carolina's four-year streak of escaping the storms, but hopefully the state will maintain its 30-year record of no hurricane-related fatalities. The last hurricane to strike the Palmetto State was Hurricane Bob, which blustered ashore near Fripp Island on July 24, 1985, causing an estimated $5 million in damage. No death wious injuries un new Year Day 1987, a northeaster caused about $20 million in damage as it swept across South Carolina's coast, destroying docks, sand dunes and buildings. South Carolina Mountains, Foothills: Becom 30 years since major hurricane struck state ing windy with numerous showers and thunderstorms tonight and Friday. Lows tonight in the mid 60s and highs Friday in the mid 70s.

Chance of rain is 90 percent tonight and Friday. Winds northeast at 15 to 25 mph and gusty South Carolina, had sustained winds of only 50 mph when it hit near Beaufort on Aug. 28, 1988. A tornado spawned by the storm claimed one life. In the last three decades, destructive hurricanes that killed hundreds elsewhere have claimed the lives of relatively few South Carolinians, although property damage has reached in the millions of dollars.

The last devastating hurricane to strike South Carolina was Hazel, which caused an estimated $60 million in damage when it hit Oct. 14, 1954. The Class 3 storm is considered one of the worst to hit the Atlantic coast this century. No one was killed in South Carolina, but 347 people died as the storm swept through Haiti and the eastern United States. On Sept.

20, 1959, Hurricane Gracie came ashore near Beaufort.its eye passing only 10 miles west of Columbia. With maximum sustained winds of 95 mph and gusts of up to 138 mph, the storm left seven dead and property and crop damage ranging from $5 million to $50 million before moving into North Carolina and Virginia. On Sept. 4, 1979, Hurricane David battered Hilton Head Island as it swept a destructive path through the Dominican Re-public, Dominica and the southeastern United States. The storm claimed 1,200 lives, but miraculously no South Carolinians were killed.

On Sept. 13, 1984, Hurricane Diana's 110-mile-per-hour winds caused about $2 million damage tonight and northerly at 15 to 25 CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) The latest projections from forecasters had Hurricane Hugo most likely heading for the Georgia-South mph and gusty Friday. Piedmont (inciuaes green Carolina coast, an area which hasn't seen a major storm for 30 wood): Windy with numerous showers and thunderstorms to night and Friday. Lows tonight in Coastal buildings won't fare well in high winds COLUMBIA (AP) South Carolina's coast probably will not fare well under Hurricane Hugo's fierce winds because of weak exterior construction of many of its buildings, a Clemson University professor says.

"If a hurricane comes ashore and it's as strong as it is at the moment, theoretically there shouldn't be any damage at all," Peter Sparks, a structural and wind engineering professor, said Wednesday. "But in practice, I don't think that will be so because the forms of construction we have permitted don't have the resistance needed to withstand the wind speed of Hugo." South Carolina does not have a mandatory building code. A hurricane watch was issued for the southeastern United States at 6 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and forecasters were predicting the storm would cut a path through South Carolina as it continued its northerly trek. A lack of control over construction on the South Carolina coast means the state will probably see a good deal of building damage if the the mid 60s and highs Friday in the mid 70s.

Chance of ram is 90 "Normally a storm commg like this would recurve out to sea," said hurricane specialist Gil Clark at the National Hurricane Center here. "But it happened to come in at a time when there's, a blocking pattern." A broad high-pressure system known as the "Bermuda High" and a low-pressure cell across southern Georgia continued to steer Hugo toward the U.S. mainland. 1 "The main difference between Hugo and other hurricanes we've percent tonight and Friday IIT! 1 LI It. OA OA mU winas norcneasi ai a mi uiyu and gusty tonight and northerly at 15 to 25 mph Friday.

Midlands: A flash flood watcn and a high wind warning are in effect for tonight. Windy with nu merous showers and thunder storms producing very heavy rain tonight. Lows in the upper 60s and winds northeast increasing to to 40 mph and gusty. Friday, con (See Coast, page 16) tinued windy with showers and thunderstorms producing locally seen this season is the high and how solid it is," said research meteorologist Colin McAdie on Wednesday. Hurricane Gabrielle cut through a weakness in the high-pressure cell earlier this season and spun harmlessly out in the open Atlantic.

But Hugo, which brushed past the Bahamian chain into open water Wednesday, was heading in a direction that would make residents from Daytona Beach to Myrtle Beach, S.C., likely targets, forecasters said. "This particular storm, even if we do not get hit directly, will pass in close enough proximity to cause a lot of damage and could cost some people's lives if they're not preparing," said Dennis Clark, an emergency preparedness official in South Carolina. The last major storm to blow ashore in the area was Gracie in 1959, which struck near Beaufort, S.C. with winds of more than 100 mph, leaving a death toll of 22 and $14 million in damages. "It was a Cape Verde-type storm which strengthened over the northeastern Caribbean much as Hugo has done," said McAdie.

"If Hugo (See 30 years, page 16) heavy rainfall at times, cnance oi precipitation 80 percent. Highs near 80 and winds shifting to tne southwest at 15 to 25 mph and gusty. Coast: Frequent snowers ana Historic Charleston ready for 'September gale Hugo possible severe thunderstorms tonight. There is a 100 percent chance of rain with rainfall heavy at times and occuring in squalls. Lows in the low 70s.

Winds increasing to hurricane force. Friday, continued windy with occasional showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the low 80s. Gusty winds shifting to southwest CHARLESTON (AP) Hurricane Hugo churned toward the South Carolina coast today, poised, per haps, to strike at historic Charleston a city which 20 to 30 mph. Chance ot rain is percent.

On the beaches, windy with periods of heavy rain and has survived the ravages of earthquake, battle ano storm in its storied 300-year-history. Mernick says no sale on Heritage USA perienced." While Charleston itself has been through a lot, the mayor said Wednesday the storm could be the worst natural catastrophe to hit the seaside community in a half-century. In 1938 a tornado tore through the city, killing 32 people, injuring hundreds and causing an estimated $2 million in property damage. (See Charleston, page 16) "This hurricane presents for the Charleston com thunderstorms Friday. munity an extraordinarily dangerous event," warned Mayor Joseph P.

Riley Jr. "This is a dangerous, killer hurricane, the likes of which few people who North Carolina Hurricane warning from Cape have lived all their lives in Charleston have ex tion to 144,000 acres of land in northern South Carolina that in Lookout south. Hurricane watch from Cape Hatteras to north of Cape Lookout. Gale warning north of Cape Lookout. Flood cludes Heritage USA.

He sought a one-year extension of the closing date to give him watch tonight and Friday statewide. Showers and thunderstorms lYr'O1 tor likely today. Becoming windy with numerous showers and thun r'a. ITI derstorms developing tonight and Friday. Heavy rain in squaus Hurricane conditions developing rt ll alone the south coast.

Risk of hur time to obtain insurance. "The antagonism and un- (See Mernick, page 16) Bakker's defense begins ricane conditions over the central coast. Highs today and Friday in Sertoman officers the 70s to mid 80s. Lows tonignt in the 70s, except 60s in the moun tains. New officers for the Emerald Sertoma board; Robert Rick Osborne, chairman of the Emerv Brideers.

board member; Club were recently elected. They are, front Georgia Manning, vice president of sponsorhip; CHARLOTTE (AP) Loyal Benny Garrett, vice president of member Hurricane warning in effect row, from left, Gary Stettler, president; Dee Gardner, vice president of programs; Jay Gibson, treasurer; Mike Willoughby, sec COLUMBIA (AP) Stephen Mernick, who had until today to turn over financial documents to creditors of the defunct PTL ministry, has given us his attempts to extend the $65 million sale contract on the Heritage USA theme park. Mernick, who has been unable to obtain title insurance on the property for nearly a year, said Wednesday he would still be willing to buy the religious theme park, hotel and christian retreat if he can get that insurance by Sept. 30. Meanwhile, PTL founder Jim Bakker told reporters following his trial on Wednesday that he still hopes to get PTL back.

"I don't have any information on it at this moment other than what you people are telling me," Bakker said. "Tammy and I have not given up hope to restore Heritage USA to the lifetime partners. That's our goal eternally. No matter what happens, Heritage USA belongs to the people." Bakker, his fists clenched, repeated to reporters his intentions to restore Heritage USA to the people throughout the brief interview. Title insurers have been unwilling to issue title insurance, which Mernick needs to secure financing for the deal, because of a claim by the Catawba Indian Na at PTL employees and lifetime part ship; and Dwight Bowling, sergeant arms.

along the Georgia coast. Flash flood watch tonight for east cen ners testified in support of Jim retary; Dan Bannister, president-elect; tral and southeast Georgia. Scat Bakker today as the defense began to build its case in the television evangelist's fraud and con tered showers and thunderstorms east, with locally heavy ram and spiracy trial. squalls tonight. Partial clearing Friday afternoon.

Partly cloudy Elizabeth Sacco, who answered correspondence written by Bak-ker's supporters at PTL until her west today through Friday with scattered showers and a few thun dershowers. Highs today and Fri layoff in 1986, testified that she remains a faithful supporter. day from the middle 70s mountains to middle and upper 80s "I didn't support him just be i rmr" mm MBUKkMMMVMMli jMtaW assaaaaaasaaaaaaaaaiaaaBeawraaaaiai cause I worked there, she said. south. Lows tonight middle 60s to Top Sertoman The Sertoman of the Year Award for 1989 for the Emerald Sertoma Club was recent-ly presented to Len Sieckman, left.

The award for outstanding service to the club was presented by Gary Stettler, president. lower 70s. "I continued to faithfully support it until that fat man came down from the north who wasn't Santa The nation Rv The Associated Press Claus." She was referring to the Rev. (See Bakker, page 16) Temperatures indicate previous day's high and overnight low to 8 a.m. EST.

urn wis 71 61 .17 Albany.N.Y cdy AJbuquerque Amarulo Anchorage AsnevUle Atlanta S.C. blind commission head resigns, cites racism edy cdy Atlantic City Austin Baltimore Billings Birmingham Bismarck Boise Boston clr clr cdy cdy 49 .41 44 66 74 1.06 53 56 23 42 2 04 81 56 74. 84 94 79 67 64 67 75 74 4 75 74 56 77 7 71 72 70 76 75 75 80 66 Brownsville Buffalo Burlington.Vt. Casper Charleston.SC Va. 74 .95 rn Charlotte.N C.

Cheyenne Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbia.S.C. Concord.N.H. 62 .32 cdy Commission had tried unsuccessfully to mediate since midsummer. James said the racial claims are serious, but not an indictment of the Commission for the Blind as a whole. "I would like to say I have enjoyed working for he agency," James said.

"I think it's an excellent agency certainly one of the best in the country. I can't say enough good things about the staff." Earline Gardner of Aiken, head of the commission's governing board, said James "has chosen to resign for the good of the agency, and the board has accepted his resignation. He is doing what he thinks is best for the agency, which is something most peole are not brave enough to do. She confirmed that racial tension is the agency's major Alexander Hall renovated COLUMBIA (AP) The head of the state Commission for the Blind has resigned, saying he felt powerless to bring about a speedy solution to what he called "a serious racial problem within the agency." William K. James announced his resignation on Wednesday and said it would be effective Friday.

James, 58, who is blind, has been head of the commission for five years. The commission has been under investigation by the state Human Affairs Commission since last month, when four black workers filed formal discrimination complaints, alleging disparities in employment and promotional practices. Those complaints are in addition to 15 broad-based allegations of racial slurs, inequities and maltreatment of minority workers the the Human Affairs National temperature eitrenea High Wednesday afternoon at Preaidio.Tx. Urn Thursday Morning 25 at West Lake levels one of the oldest standing church buildings in Greenwood. From left, Gordon Bailes, longtime member, Len Grimes, moderator COLUMBIA (AP) Here are lake levels In South Carolina as reported Wednesday by the National of the deacons.

Jo Robinson, director of I Christian education, William Traynham, I First Presbyterian Church will hold an open house Sunday from 3-5 p.m. to show off recently renovated Alexander Hall. The open house will also serve as the official welcoming to welcome Rev. Zachary Piephoff, interim pastor, and his wife, Kit, as well as to greet Dr. Robert L.

Alexander, the former pastor of the church for whom Alexander Hall is named. Alexander Hall is building superintendent and Zachary Piephoff. (Staff photo by Anthony McCar-l Weather Service: Hartwell, 657.5, no change, 2.5 below Russell, 471.5, up 0.3, 3.2 below Thurmond, 327.1, down 0.2, 2.9 below Greenwood, 98.7, no change, 1.3 below Murray, 354.5, down 0 3, 5.5 below Keowee, 97.7, down 0.3, 2.3 below Marion, 74.8, no change, 2.0 below Moultrie, 74.8, no change, 2.0 below Wateree, 97.4, up 0.3, 2.6 below W.C. Bowen, 814.0, no change, 1.0 below ron).