New Superintendent
Mathis Resigns, Livingston Hired
By Dr. Arlene S. Puryear
Saluda County School
District One Board Chair
We are saddened to announce that Superintendent Dr. David Mathis informed the Saluda County School District One Board of Trustees at our meeting last evening that he wished to resign effective September 1, 2017.
He has been offered a position at the State Department of Education as Director of Early Learning and Literacy.
The Board has been extremely pleased with the outstanding leadership Dr. Mathis has provided to the District for the past nine years, and we will certainly miss his leadership in our District. Importantly, Dr. Mathis has worked tirelessly to keep the focus on increasing student achievement, building an outstanding faculty and staff and providing numerous learning opportunities for our students to succeed.
As a Board, we also recognized that we needed to take steps immediately to identify a successor for Dr. Mathis so the District may continue with its progress and ensure a smooth transition in its leadership. Faced with this prospect, the Board considered various options for conducting a superintendent search.
During our considerations, we discussed various circumstances, the understanding of which is essential for an appreciation of the decision, which we announced Monday evening. It is well known that currently there is a great shortage of capable school administrators, including school superintendents, both in South Carolina and across the nation. Further, the process of employing superintendents is extremely difficult, time-consuming, expensive, and potentially disruptive. We believe it is in Saluda’s best interests to avoid these deterrents in determining our path forward. The Saluda Board decided upon a strategy that we believe will be successful and lead to the result desired, i.e., the employment of an outstanding, experienced administrator, in our District, with minimum disruption and expense. As a Board, we quickly realized that we are fortunate to have such an administrator already in our District.
It became clear to us that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston is an excellent candidate to become the District’s next Superintendent. Through his twenty years in our system, he has worked in a variety of capacities, including as teacher, Head Football Coach/Athlete Director, principal of Saluda High and Hollywood Elementary Schools and his current job as Assistant Superintendent, which has provided an array of experience working with human resources, public relations, student services and transportation. Quite simply, he is the ideal candidate as he is fully versed in all areas of District operations and will be able to keep the District on the path of excellence.
It was the consensus of our Board that Dr. Livingston is the right person at the right time for Saluda. Dr. Livingston has a highly successful track record with our District and is highly regarded in our District and community. Dr. Livingston has been an integral member of the District’s administrative team for many years and is fully aware of, part of, and supportive of the exciting direction in which our system is heading - not to mention the upward momentum we are seeing with test scores and the graduation rate.
During our meeting on August 7th, Dr. Livingston informed our Board that should we extend him the offer of the position of Superintendent, he would be honored to accept. Accordingly, Dr. Livingston will be Superintendent-Elect until September 1, 2017, at which time he will become Superintendent. Dr. Livingston and Dr. Mathis will work together between now and the end of August 2017 to ensure a smooth transition.
We believe that our approach has enabled us to secure the employment of an outstanding administrator who can continue the current progress of the District with a seamless transition, is already completely familiar with our District’s operations and its staff, and is highly regarded in the State as an outstanding academic leader. We are delighted to announce that Dr. Livingston will be our next Superintendent.
Late County Council Chairman Don Hancock’s chair was marked by a black ribbon at Monday’s Council meeting. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
County Council Holds
Poignant Meeting
Monday, Saluda County Council held its first meeting since the death of County Council Chairman Don Hancock.
Vice-Chairman Gwen Shealy broke into tears when she said Chairman Hancock will be specially remembered at the September meeting.
“We are very sad,” Councilman Frank Daniel said, “but we must go on.”
Hancock was a proponent of economic development and Council took several steps in that direction at the August meeting.
Second reading was given to an ordinance entering into a contract for a fixed base operator, Saluda Sky Aviation, LLC, at the Saluda County Airport.
First reading was given to an ordinance amending the Multi-County Industrial Park agreement between Saluda and Aiken County. Development Consultant Ed Parler said the agreement is needed to include recent development projects in the county.
Council passed a resolution putting in the place the application of a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes for a $45 million project known as Project PBM. An ordinance requiring three readings is the next step.
Council agreed to apply for a grant that would run a waterline to the above mentioned Project PBM. The $740,000 project would install 11,600 feet of waterline on Duncan Road.
Parler said the grant would be for $500,000 and the 25 percent match would be paid by the Aiken Edgefield Saluda Partnership with assistance from the electric cooperatives.
Parler said residents on Duncan Road would benefit from the installation of fire hydrants, plus they can tap on to the county water if they should so choose. He said once the waterline line is completed, the county would deed the project to the Water and Sewer Authority.
“In other words, this is a no lose situation for the county,” Councilman D.J. Miller said.
Council took the first step that will lead to returning the Brooks and Roston Park to the community.
First reading to an ordinance was approved to quit claim the property deeded to the Saluda County Recreation Association, Inc., in 1970 by Willette P. Satterwhite and Melverda Hook, to the Saluda Recreation District for a total purchase price of $5.00 and correction of a deed.
Council approved adoption of standard operating procedures for EMS with year revisions, and modifying testing provisions of the Saluda County Abuse Policy and Procedures.
Council approved Daniel’s appointments of Courtney A. Priester to the Saluda Nursing Center Board, and Margaret A. Nicholson to the Planning Commission.
Shealy’s reappointment of Wayne Matthews to the Airport Commission was also approved.
Chairman Dies
Saluda County Council
Chairman Don Hancock Dies
Saluda County Council Chairman Don Hancock, 64, died Tues., Aug. 2, after a more than year long battle with cancer.
Hancock was in his second term chairman, having first been elected in 2010.
When he announced for re-election in 2015, he said:
“I believe our county has made tremendous strides in the past few years. Our county has established and strengthened ties to organizations external to our county such as our Legislative Delegation, the SC Department of Commerce, our utility providers (SCE&G, Aiken Electric Co-Op, Mid-Carolina Electric Co-Op), the Upper Savannah Council of Governments among others. The council has also strengthened relationships internal to the county such as the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority, Saluda County Schools, Saluda County Transportation Commission, as well as the municipalities.”
Hancock last public meeting appearance was in June. It was at that meeting first reading was given to an ordinance that will pave the way for a 650-acre solar farm in the county that will result in an $115 million investment.
He praised the work of the current and immediate past councils for making the investment possible. He added that more development activity could be announced in the next few months.
Two smaller solar farms were built during his term, and Roya Foods opened in the old Milliken Plant. Council also made the EMS a county department, separate from Saluda Nursing Center, last year.
Hancock grew up in Saluda County, the son of the late Ernest and Helen Hancock. His family owned and operated Hancock Poultry Co. on the Ridge Spring Highway.
After graduating in 1970 from Saluda High School, he went on to Georgia Southern University where in finished in 1974. In addition, he held a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Masters in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.
He retired from Lucent Technologies in 2001 after a career in Project Management.
He was commissioned at 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine in 1975 and remained on active duty until 1982. He retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 2005. Hancock was called back to active duty after the attacks on September 11, 2001, and served in Iraq from January to July 2005.
Hancock was active in the Saluda County Chamber of Commerce, Saluda Lions Club, American Legion Post 65, and the Boy Scouts, where he served as a scoutmaster. He was a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.
Hancock was recently elected chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments Board of Directors.
Hancock was the second county council chairman to die in office since the turn of the century. H. Bernard Horne died Jan. 14, 2004, at Providence Hospital, following a long battle with heart disease. Sadly ironic is the fact Horne and Hancock were step-brothers.
Horne was succeeded by his son, Hardee, who Hancock followed.
A special election will be held to fill Hancock’s unexpired term.
Hancock is survived by his sisters Charlyn Staubes of Saluda and Ann Coker of Greenwood, nieces and nephews, and his step-mother, Geneva Hancock.
Services were held Sunday at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, with burial in West Travis Park Cemetery.
DR. MATHIS RESIGNS
Dr. David Mathis has resigned as Saluda County Schools superintendent to accept a position with the State Department of Education.
Monday, the school board named Dr. Harvey Living-ston was the new superin-tendent.
More on this next week.
Relay for Life Schedule of Events
6:00 pm Opening ceremonies
6:15 pm Joye Hutto
6:45 pm SHS Cheerleaders
7:00 pm Christy Mills Dance school
7:30 pm Jensen Music
8:00 pm Amick Grove Puppet and Drama Team
8:30 pm Backwoods Brothers
9:00 pm Luminaria Lighting and Silent walk
9:30 pm Joy Ride with Jimmy Holocombe
10:30 pm Closing Ceremony / Closing Prayer
Saluda Recognized
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - The Town of Saluda received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Solar Saluda project fromthe S.C. Municipal Association. Pictured, L to R, are Councilman Doug Butler, Mayor Amelia Herlong, Councilman Obie Combs and Administrator Tom Brooks.
Municipal Association of South Carolina
honors Saluda with Achievement Award
The Town of Saluda received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Solar Saluda project. Officials accepted the award during the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Annual Meeting on July 22. The city won in the 1,001 – 5,000 population category. Thirty-two cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives.
Saluda officials knew electric rates would keep going up, so they decided to undergo an energy audit and take control of their future power bills by installing solar panels. In fact, the town installed enough panels to completely offset energy consumption at Town Hall.
Officials got started on the project by first seeking guidance from the S.C. Energy Office. Through the Energy Office, the town received a ConserFund loan to pay for the project. This loan allowed the town to borrow at a very low interest rate to install the panels and to retrofit Town Hall with energy-efficient light bulbs. The town also worked closely with SCE&G and the company’s renewable energy team.
The town, one of the first municipalities in South Carolina to install solar panels, now receives a credit on each power bill for the energy it puts back on the power grid.
At the end of the year, the power company sends the town a check for any power it generated in excess of what it consumed. The town has a 10-year contract to sell power generated at Saluda Town Hall to SCE&G. But since the project will pay for itself after 3 ½ years, town officials expect to be making money for 6 ½ years.
Looking to the future, Saluda officials plan to monitor funds generated by the project and decide whether to install additional solar panels at the police department and other town facilities.
Several businesses in Saluda are watching the town’s solar success to see if they, too, should install solar panels. And town officials are working with schools to teach students about the benefits of alternative energy.
“Other cities and towns can analyze the Saluda Solar project to determine if they should construct a similar project to lower costs,” said Miriam Hair, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. More information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website www.masc.sc (keyword: Achievement Awards).
The Municipal Association of South Carolina initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
BOOK DONATION - Mrs. Joan Talley of Columbia, SC (center) donated over 3,000 used children’s books to Saluda County Schools. Mrs. Talley has been collecting children’s books for over a year and donates them to rural school districts where she feels there is a need. Through her generous gift and time spent, she truly demonstrates her commitment to the importance of students and to the field of education. Saluda County Schools extends a sincere thank you to Mrs. Talley for her generous gift and to Dr. Randall Gary, Superintendent of Lexington 3 for recommending us. Pictured left to right: Superintendent Dr. David Mathis, Mrs. Talley, and Dr. Abbey Duggins, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
NOTICE
One of the main computers at the newspaper crashed last week, and becasue of this, several items, like the “Ridge Spring News,” some ads and stories, and the below announcement from the Saluda CPW did not get in the paper. We apologize to all concerned.
Hydrant Testing In Saluda Could
Cause Temporarily Discolored Water
The Saluda Commission of Public Works is currently in the process of testing and flushing fire hydrants in the Town Water System.
There is a possibility that the flushing will cause discoloration in the water in the areas adjacent to where the hydrants are being tested. lt is unlikely that the tap water would become unsafe for consumption, but if the possibility arises, customers in the affected area will be notified immediately.
The hydrant flushing and testing is required by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Please contact the Saluda CPW at 864-445-2090 if any discolored wateris noticed at your residence.
Macy Wins
Macy Crawford Wins Showcase
When 10 year old Macy Crawford visited Z-1 Models and Talent 6 years ago, she knew she wanted to sing. Well, sing she did!
Agency Director Donna Ehrlich was beyond impressed with Macy’s vocal skills, but also her passion and her dedication.
Modeling, commercial, film were not something that Macy had planned to pursue. Ms. Ehrlich knew Macy could do it all.
Macy was never afraid of a challenge. She actually embraced it. She began attending the American Talent Showcase/Model Jam America, which is the premier Modeling and Talent Showcase. She very quickly became a singer in the ATS Legends Live Show.
Although not a dancer, she also became a dancer in the show and is now the female lead singer in the show.
Macy’s parents Jimmy and Elaine Crawford made if possible for Macy to spend part of the summer of 2015 in NYC. She was represented by Funnyface Today, a top NYC Agency. She took acting classes and also trained with one of the cities most well know accredited vocal coaches Bob Marks. It was an amazing opportunity for this small town girl. Fast forward to June 2017; Macy now 15 (She turns sweet 16 on July 25th) attended the summer ATS Showcase. She was again the overall winner. The contest was judged by some of the biggest names in the Entertainment industry. Scouts were from So you think you can Dance, Little Big Shots, America’s Got Talent, just to name a few.
This was the time that the hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off. Macy has signed an exclusive NYC contract with MMG. She flies to NY at the end of July for a high fashion Model shoot. She will be recording three songs on this trip as well.
She has signed with BMG Atlanta, Chicago, NY, Orlando, Miami and LA. BMG is a top agency for print, film, and commercial. Macy’s number one agency is still Z-1 Models and Talent. They will navigate Macy’s career and keep things moving in a positive direction.
The big hero’s on Macy’s team are her parents. They are supportive, but never pushy. They are down to earth, loyal, and keep her grounded and focused, which is a pretty easy job. They work together to make things happen, balancing work, real life and travel.
Next up for this talented teen is her American Idol walk in audition, and, of course, NY.
MacKenzie Riley Is 4-H
Presidential Tray Winner
4-H was a family tradition to MacKenzie Riley. MacKenzie was honored during the State 4-H Congress at Clemson as the 4-H Presidential Tray Winner. This award is South Carolina’s top 4-H award. Along with a silver tray and a $1500 scholarship from the Coopertive Council of South Carolina.
MacKenzie is a third generation 4-H’er and child of two award winning 4-H Alumni. She enrolled in 4-H at the age of five and started in summer programs that included cooking and sewing. For seven years, she participated in the “Kids in the Kitchen” program. This program helped her realize her love for cooking. One of her favorite project areas is Healthy Lifestyles. For seven years, her team has participated in this competition. A few years ago, her team won first place in the state competition and earned the opportunity to compete in the Great American Seafood Competition – 4-H Edition. They placed third. This was the first time South Carolina had ever placed in the national contest. Now, she teaches young children how to eat healthier and how to be active.
MacKenzie had the opportunity to represent South Carolina at the National 4-H Center. This was her most memorable trip. The Youth Voice-Youth Choice trip was an opportunity for her to present what South Carolina was doing in teaching nutrition. This resulted in South Carolina receiving a $50,000 Youth Voice-Youth Choice grant being renewed for the four years. A part of the grant was to fund nutritional videos that MacKenzie lead exercises for and is currently being featured in elementary schools statewide.
Her other memorable trip was 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus-Presidential Inauguration. This week long trip included education workshops, tours and the inauguration. Her community service includes picking up litter in the Adopt-A-Highway Program, entertaining at a nursing home, political campaigning, assisting with the Saluda County Taste & See, organizing a book drive and engaging in international projects in China and Ireland.
Mackenzie plans to attend Midlands Technical College this fall to study nursing. Her goal is to receive her Registered Nursing Degree and work on the labor and delivery floor of Lexington Medical Center.
Mackenzie is the daughter of Buck and Beverley Riley of Johnson and a 13 year 4-H member in Saluda County.
Three additional youth were honored as fellow 4-H Presidential Tray Winners. They were Carey Herndon of Bamberg, Morgan McManus of Darlington and Geneffer Sweatman of Colleton.
Carrie Trotter of Saluda was a finalist and were also interviewed for this prestigious award. Thanks to Dr. Bela Herlong in assisting her in preparations for this competitions.
