The Downs Gazette

Volume I, Edition 2                                                               July 6, 2016

Well, no news in the local "papers" this morning - what a surprise!!  All we in Greenwood county have hanging is the case against Sandi McAllister Owens.  Ms. Owens, it seems is not talking about writing checks amounting to $347,000 of our money to such entities as Victoria's Secret, The Miss South Carolina Pageant, ultra expensive resort hotels, dressmakers and others. 

And you know what? Nobody can tell me how an "administrative assistant to the Sheriff of Greenwood County" could have written checks like this for at least 3 years without anyone noticing??  But...  someone did!  The county treasurer noticed the problem in 2010, reported it and was told by  the county's auditors that she shouldn't worry - "everything is OK". 

Well, I'm personally happy that someone didn't steal my breathing air about that time six years ago!!  Under our court system, I'd have died of asphyxiation well before now!! 

Joseph Cotton Smith

Editor and Owner

The Downs Gazette