Hartsville native Frazier honored by city

Hartsville Mayor Mel Pennington (left) congratulated Hartsville native and veteran boxer Larry Frazier on his recent induction into the Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame. Photo by Samantha Lyles

By Samantha Lyles, Staff Writer, slyles@newsandpress.net

Hartsville City Council’s May 9 meeting began with a little extra energy as Mayor Mel Pennington did his best ring announcer impression in honor of special guest, Hartsville native and veteran boxer Larry Frazier.

A member of the South Carolina Boxing Hall of Fame and recent inductee into the Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame, Frazier began fight training at the age of 11 with local coach Don Atkinson. Frazier went on win the Carolina Golden Gloves at age 16, then enlisted in the Marines after high school.

While in the Corps, Frazier won the All Marine Championship in 1977 and 1978, and amassed a record of 38 wins and 5 losses over three years. Frazier fought professionally for a time after his service was up, compiling a respectable record of 9 wins and 3 losses. Currently, Frazier coaches boxing at One More Round in Darlington, imparting his experience and skills to the next generation of potential champions.

Pennington presented Frazier with a framed proclamation declaring May 16, 2017 as “Larry Frazier Day” in the City of Hartsville.

During guest comments, Audrey Childers, communications director for the Darlington County School District, offered thanks to the city for helping make the annual “Go Big: Hartsville 2017” event a success. Childers said the April 29 multi-year Hartsville High School reunion event drew about 1,500 people from across five states, with many of them staying overnight in local hotels to explore the city’s growing downtown district and reconnect with old friends.

“The Hampton, Fairfield, and the Mantissa were all one hundred percent occupied…and the Quality Inn and Landmark reported higher than normal occupancy rates,” said Childers. “These are folks, many of whom, haven’t been back to Hartsville in a while. So for us to have the opportunity to show off how our town has grown…was really very exciting.”

The evening-long party took place along College Avenue, with numerous food and beverage vendors – like Hartsville’s own Mezzo Forte, Bizzel’s, Vintage Craft Beer and Wine Boutique, Bottle & Tap, and The Lighter Side – serving up potent potables and gourmet-level meals and treats.

On the regular agenda, Council held public hearings and final readings for two ordinances:

Ordinance 4289 leases seven office spaces at 147 West Carolina Avenue to the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics for $600 per month; the spaces were previously used by the Hartsville Community Foundation for co-working space.

Ordinance 4290 agrees to sell the Cargill Building located at 201 South 5th Street to CareSouth Carolina, Inc. for fair market value, received Council approval. CareSouth has leased this space from the city since 2012 and their contract includes an option to purchase the property if they so choose.

No citizen spoke during the public hearings, and Council voted unanimously to approve both ordinances.

First reading of Ordinance 4291 also met with unanimous approval. This measure would amend city codes related to nuisance properties and revise enforcement provisions for nuisance violations. Changes include allowing the city explicit authorization for stop-work orders, the authority to directly issue notices of corrective action, and to disconnect utility service for vacant properties. These changes will bring city codes up to the current industry standard.

Council approved Resolution 05-17-02, authorizing application for a $12,256 FEMA Fire Prevention grant to acquire new fire extinguishers made specifically for safety training. By utilizing lasers, the training extinguishers are “safer, cleaner, and cost effective,” according to the resolution. If the grant is received, the city’s required match would be $612.

Resolution 05-17-01 also passed without objection; this measure authorizes a mutual aid agreement between the Hartsville Police Department and the City of Bishopville Police Department.

Also at this meeting, Mayor Pennington read proclamations naming the month of May as “Peace Officers Memorial Month” and “Building Safety Month.”

Author: Duane Childers

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