BlackTie Gala
SOME OF THE LADIES AT THE GALA
(Standard-Sentinel photos)
Education Foundation
Holds First Black Tie Gala
The Saluda County School District Education Foundation held its first annual Black Tie Gala Sat., Mar, 11, in the atrium of the Educational Complex.
School board and foundation board of directors member, Dr. Arlene Puryear in her welcome, said the foundation was created to support local teachers and the schools.
After Rev. Trey Shealy gave the blessing, dinner was served by members of the Saluda High School Teacher Cadet program.
Following the meal Dr. David Mathis gave the featured speech.
Dr. Mathis spent 42 years in education, and is a former Saluda Schools superintendent. He left the district to join Saluda native, Supt. of Education Molly Spearman, at the Department of Education, where he served as deputy superintendent from 2017-2023, retiring when Spearman announced she would not seek re-election.
Mathis praised the local school system and administration.
When many district boards make the news, because of disputes, Mathis said the Saluda board of trustees gets along and works closely with the superintendent.
Mathis said the Saluda teachers and administrators are more than willing to go the extra mile for the students.
He said school systems face many challenges, but because of the student, teachers, administration and community cooperation, Saluda schools are blessed.
Rev. Shealy, chairman of the Foundation Board of Directors, explained the foundation’s “Grow Your Own Program.”
The program encourages Saluda High School students who want to go into education to come home to teach when they finish college.
Shealy mentioned as an example his father Jamie, a Saluda High School graduate and current assistant principal at the school, who ”has been here since Moses was alive.”
The evening concluded with dancing, with Dr. Bryan Vacchio serving as the DJ, and a silent auction, with items ranging from a Dabo Swinney autographed football to a 58” TV.
Serving on the Foundation Board with Puryear and Shealy are Miliken Matthews, Sharon Holloway and Heath Ward. Shawn Claire Williams was mistress of ceremonies and Ralph Shealy was master of ceremonies for the gala.
Next year, the gala will be held on March 16 at Tin Roof Farms.
COUNTY COUNCIL
Further Steps Toward
Animal Control Taken
At the Mar. 13 meeting, Saluda County Council took three more steps towards the establishment of an animal shelter in the county.
They gave second reading to an ordinance that will add animal control to the Code of Ordinances.
The next item approved was authorizing the council staff to issue a bid for a local animal shelter using the Capitol Project Sales Tax Funds. Council will still partner with Edgefield County for animal control, but they cannot use Saluda County funds raised by a sales tax to go toward building a facility in another county.
Finally, they decided on the pay grade for the animal/litter control officer. The choices were Grade 17- $37,200 per year or Grade 18 - $39,104.
Sheriff Josh Price recommended Grade 18, because the officer will be self managing and needs to be experienced.
Council took the Sheriff’s advise and went with Grade 18.
At the beginning of the meeting, Councilman Carey Bedenbaugh reported on the distribution of dog food through Christ Central. The dates for future distribution will be announced through SaludaNow. There is no place to store the dog food so it has to be distributed the day of delivery, Bedenbaugh said.
Councilman Jack Atkinson and Chairman Jim Moore commented on how nice the Recreation Complex fields look this year, and praised the work of Rec Director Speedy Wideman.
Council gave third reading approval of the ordinance allowing the sale of the building, located at 117 and 119 North Main Street in Saluda, to C.F. Tatham, Jr. A public hearing was held prior to the final reading, but there were no speakers.
The standard operating guidelines for the EMS were approved.
EMS Director Jacob Starnes said this was a yearly update and the guidelines had only a few changes.
Atkinson asked if the guidelines were available to the public.
Starnes said each employee is given a thumb drive with the guidelines, but said they could be available to the public, with certain parts, like drug storage, redacted..
Starnes said his department is fully staffed and all ambulances are operational.
Council approved purchasing a loader for the Road & Bridge Department through the Caterpillar Financial Lease Program.
The current loader is 29-years-old and repairs are estimated to cost $23,000. The lease will cost $4654 a month for five years, and at the end of the lease the loader can be purchased for $1.00.
March 9 Fatality
Woman Dies In Collision
On Thursday afternoon, March 9, 2023, Saluda County Coroner’s Office responded to a two vehicle crash between a 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer and 2019 Honda Sedan on Hwy 39 near Speigner Road in Saluda County.
Unfortunately, the driver of the passenger car died at the scene. She has been identified by Coroner Keith Turner as Kimberly F. Bundrick, age 65, of Saluda. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
The passenger car appeared to have traveled over the center line hitting the tractor-trailer head on.
The Coroner’s Office and the SC Highway Patrol will continue to investigate this fatality. The Coroner’s Office extends its thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Ms. Bundrick.
Special thanks for the assistance of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, EMS and Fire Service for their assistance on scene.
Saluda Native Appears
On NCIS-Los Angeles
Actress Joycelyn McElveen, a Saluda native, appeared on the March 5 episode of ”NCIS-Los Angeles.”
She posted on her Facebook page the next day:
“Last night was a moment I will never forget. I am still processing all the goodness. The little girl inside from Saluda, SC, is screaming. “We did it!” & that we did. If you didn’t get to see me in the latest episode of NCIS-LA it is now streaming on CBS Paramount +.”
McElveen studied Theatre at University of South Carolina Aiken and Mass Communication at CUNY Lehman. She a graduate of Brookland-Cacye High School.
She is scheduled to appear on SaludaNOW’s “Talking Tuesday” March 21st, 2:30-4PM.
Historical Society Needs
New Mailing Addresses
The Saluda County Historical Society reminds its members that over 100 addresses of its members may change due to the Saluda County Emergency Management Divisions new E-911 update.
Please let us know what your new E- 911 address is so we will be able to correspond with you.
If anyone would like to become a new member of the Saluda County Historical Society send your information plus $25.00 for an individual, $40.00 for a couple or $50.00 for a family membership to P. O. Box 22, Saluda, SC.
Thanks, Meade P. Hendrix, Executive Director
4-H DAY - Saluda County 4-H members visited the Gov-ernor’s Mansion and State House on 4-H Day, March 7.
Murder Suspects Arrested
Murder Suspects Arrested
Two suspencts in the Jan. 20 Saluda County murder of an Orangeburg man have been arrested.
Bernard Gilliam Jr. and Tridarin Weaver are both now in custody.
On the late evening of Friday, January 20th, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one vehicle crash on May Branch Road in Saluda County. Minutes prior to receiving a 911 call related to the crash, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to shots fired in the area of May Branch Road.
The occupant of the passenger car involved in the crash was identified by Saluda
County Coroner Keith Turner as Alex K. Donaldson, age 26, of Orangeburg. Donaldson died at the scene. An autopsy was performed on the following Monday and revealed Donaldson died of a gunshot wound.
Through the course of this investigation, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office identified and obtained arrest warrants for Gilliam and Weaver. Both are charged with the offenses of Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office worked with the US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Fugitive Task Force to assist in locating both Gilliam and Weaver.
Driver Dies In Two Vehicle Crash
A driver died following a two-vehicle crash in Saluda County on Thurs. afternoon, Mar. 2.
According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after noon in the area of Highway 378 (Columbia Highway) at Mt. Willing Road roughly five miles east of the Town of Saluda.
Bolt said a 2007 Honda Accord was stopped at a stop sign, then traveled north into the Columbia Highway intersection. It was then struck by a 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 that was towing a trailer and traveling west.
The driver of the Honda died in the crash. The victim has been identified by the Coroner’s office as Natyvious Deveon Griiffin, 24, of Newberry.The other driver was not injured.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Coroner’s office are investigating the crash. The Coroner's Office appreciates the assistance of the Highway Patrol, County Sheriff’s Office, EMS and Fire Service.
‘Let’s Hear It For
Haisley’ Walk/Run
“Let’s HEAR it for HAISLEY GRACE” 5K Run/Walk/RUCK and 1 Mile Walk will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, 8 AM – 11 AM, at the Saluda County Recreation Complex Track.
Haisley Grace Herlong was born with a congenital defect that occurs at seven weeks gestation called mondini malformation, which is abnormality of the cochlea.
Haisley’s cochlea only has a 1-1.5 turn with an enlarged vestibule, where as a normal cochlea has a 2.5 turn.
Due to Haisleys defect she was diagnosed with profound hearing loss and will need cochlear implants in order to gain access to sound and to develop spoken language.
This 5K running event is being held to bring awareness to profound deafness.
All money raised will be to help with some medical
expenses and a donation to other hearing foundations to help support profound hearing.
For more information or to register, contact Debbie Kirkland, 864 993 1966, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ConverterTheft
Arrest made in Theft of Catalytic Converter
Ashley Riceman has been arrested and charged for cutting off and stealing a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked at SCE&G Ramp 5. The incident occurred last week on Monday. The catalytic converter was located at the residence of Riceman.
Sheriff Price would like to extend his thanks to the community for their help and praise the work done by Investigators to solve this case.
ATTEND CONVENTION - Saluda County residents joined over four hundred young farmers, ranchers and ag enthusiasts ages 18-35 years old in Greenville for the annual South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference.
South Carolina Young Farmers
Grow as Leaders in Greenville
Over four hundred young farmers, ranchers and ag enthusiasts ages 18-35 years old, met recently for the annual South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Greenville. Members from across the state gathered to network, become better leaders in their communities and learn how to overcome challenges within the agriculture industry. Attendees from Saluda County included Alex Berry, Cody Berry, Katelyn Berry, Noah Berry, Ethan Forrest, Noah Hallman, Ali Harrison, Dillon Harrison, Hailey Hendrix, Quinten Miller, Drake Yon, and Nicole Yon.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to listen to a wide variety of speakers on topics addressing all aspects of agriculture—including farm diversification, succession planning, working with local government and dealing with nuisance wildlife. “2023 was another successful conference, setting records with over 400 people in attendance,” said newly-elected State Young Farmer and Rancher Committee Chair Walton Calhoun (Marlboro). “The theme of this year’s conference was Engage, Advocate and Teach (EAT) which was aimed at bringing everyone to the table, and it did just that through breakout sessions, speakers, and activities. I would like to thank everyone for attending, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Columbia for our 2024 SCFB YF&R conference.”
Calhoun was elected the SCFB YF&R chair at the SCFB Annual Meeting in December and will serve his term throughout 2023 leading the program to follow SCFB’s mission and goals. Other members of the state committee are: Shiloah and Nicole Burbage (Coastal District), Walton and Casey Calhoun (Pee Dee District), Chris and Gillian Courtney (Central District), Madison and Mary Katherine Harrington (Coastal District), Loren Lindler (Central District), Michael and Allison Plumblee (Piedmont District), Matt and Ashlyn Stevens (Pee Dee District) and Andy and Allison Whiten (Piedmont District). Michael Plumblee, of Newberry County, won the 2023 Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award. The competition consists of a written application and an oral presentation in front of a panel of judges. Plumblee won $500 cash, $7,000 towards the purchase of a new ATV compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, and has the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference in Jacksonville, Florida and the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, but who actively contribute to agriculture and Farm Bureau. Award prizes are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, and South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.
Matt Stevens, of Horry-Loris County, won the 2023 Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. Matt was awarded $1,000 compliments of the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, $33,750 towards the purchase of a new Ford truck and has the opportunity to represent South Carolina Farm Bureau on trips to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference in Jacksonville, Florida and the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Achievement Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation and have excelled in their farming or ranching operations while exhibiting superior leadership abilities. Participants are evaluated on a combination of their agricultural operation’s growth and financial progress, Farm Bureau leadership and leadership outside of Farm Bureau. Award prizes are compliments of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation and Ford.
Orangeburg County Farm Bureau Chapter received the award for the Largest County Delegation, boasting 28 young farmers and ranchers in attendance at the conference. Through the Harvest for All program, county Young Farmer and Rancher committees support a local foodbank, food kitchen or food project. This year Darlington County received the 2023 Harvest for all Project Award. The Salkehatchie Cluster was recognized for the most innovative project.
Plans are already underway for the 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers conference scheduled for February 2-4, 2024, in Columbia.
For more information about Young Farmers and Ranchers and to learn how to get involved, contact Heather Barberio at hbarberio@ scfb.org.
South Carolina Farm Bureau is a grassroots, non-profit organization that celebrates and supports family farmers, locally grown food and our rural lands through legislative advocacy, education and community outreach. The organization, founded in 1944, serves nearly 90,000 member families in 47 chapters. For more information, please visit www.scfb.org.