First Meeting of 2019
COUNTY COUNCIL - Saluda County Council held its first meeting of 2019 on Mon., Jan. 14. Members are pictured above, L to R, Chairman Derrick Jones, Vice-Chairman Frank Daniel (District One), D.J. Miller (District Two), new member Justin Anderson (District Three), and Jones Butler (District Four). (Standard-Sentinel photo)
RECOGNIZED - Former County Councilman Gwen Shealy was presented a plaque of appreciation by Chairman Derrick Jones, recognizing her eight years’ service on Council. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Council Begins 2019 Meetings
Saluda County held its first meeting of the new year on Mon., Jan. 14.
The meeting some welcoming of the new, and appreciation of the past.
At the beginning of the meeting, Justin Anderson, District 3, was welcomed at the new member of Council, and District One Councilman Frank Daniel was elected vice-chairman.
Chairman Derrick Jones presented a play of appreciation to Gwen C. Shealy and recognition of her eight years of service on Council. Mrs. Shealy chose not to seek re-election, and was succeeded by Anderson.
Later in the meeting, Council passed resolution of appreciation to two long-time employee who retired last year, Rosa S. Berry, who began working for the county in 1983, and Sheila W. Horne, who began her employment in 1988.
After the preliminaries, Council held there public hearings for third readings of ordinances. All of them were approved later in the meeting.
The first ordinance dealt with setback requirements of the building code ordinance. The new amendment reads: “No structure shall be located closer than 25 feet of the right-of-way of a street or closer than 20 feet from another structure. All structures must have a minimum setback of ten feet from property lines.
The second ordinance dealt with rental agreements for hangars at the airport: “Upon signing the lease agreement, the lessee has 30 days to place an airworthy aircraft in the hangar. Extensions may be granted on a case by case basis as approved by the Airport Commission.”
The third ordinance should bring about a boost to economic development in the county, as Council approve selling 21 acres around the Town of Saluda’s water treatment plant to County Water and Sewer Authority for $114,300.
This will allow the two entities to work together in the future on the Town and County’s wastewater treatment needs.
Council also gave second reading to an ordinance that will have the County joining with Edgefield County on an industrial park in Edgefield County.
Chairman Jones announced the following Council committees:
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE: Derrick Jones-Chm, Full Council
PUBLIC SAFETY: Justin Anderson - Chm, Jones Butler
HEALTH & WELFARE: D.J. Miller - Chm, Justin Anderson
COUNTY PLANNING: Derrick Jones - Chm., DJ Miller
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Derrick Jones - Chm., DJ Miller
PUBLIC WORKS I: Frank Daniel -Chm, Derrick Jones
PUBLIC WORKS II: Jones Butler-Chm., Frank Daniel
EDUCATION: Derrick Jones-Chm, Full Council
JUSTICE: Justin Anderson -Chm, Jones Butler
AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, MILITARY
AFFAIRS: Jones Butler - Chm, Frank Daniel
COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY: Frank Daniel-Chm, Derrick Jones
QUALITY OF LIFE: DJ Miller - Chm, Justin Anderson
Council approved Assistant Emergency Management Director/Airport Jill Warren’s request to issued a request for qualifications for engineering and consulting services at the airport. This is a requirement to receive future funding from the FAA.
The transfer of funds from one account to another for the Fire Board was approved.
Fire Service Coordinator Josh Morton said the Fire Board used $13,500 from the rollover account when a used tanker truck became available to purchase for the Saluda Department. Morton said there was not enough to go through the process for getting the funds from the Fire Board millage.
Morton asked that the $13,500 no be transferred from the Fire Board millage account to the rollover account, and he also asked from $8,500 from the Fire Board millage account to purchased equipment for the tanker. Both requests were approved.
Council approved issuing a letter of intent to purchase a new ambulance chassis.
EMS Director Jacob Starnes said the letter was needed to purchase a Demer chassis for the ambulance service. The company only makes a set number of the chassis, and the county needs to get on the list to maintain continuity in the ambulance service vehicles.
Council heard a presentation from Clemson Extension Agents Travis Mitchell and Darcy Schuler, and 4-H’er Allie Trotter.
Mitchell explained how the extension service helps the county’s farmers, and Ms. Schuler outlined the importance of the 4-H program.
Ms. Trotter read her essay on what 4-H had meant in her life.
She included the Saluda Count team won the National 4-H Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans last year. She also pointed out the 4-H’s greatest honor was presented to four recipients at this year’s state 4-H Congress and three of them were from Saluda County 4-H.
The Extension Service was one of the local agencies whose funding the county cut from the current budget.
Chairman Jones asked Mitchell haw the $4000 the county usually gave to the Extension was used.
Mitchell said it went toward paying the phone bill and the many mailing the Extension sends out to farmers and 4-H’ers. He said they were having to take the money out of other accounts to make up the difference.
Jones said Council get the agencies who really needed the county funds would come to the meetings and ask for reinstatement, an d asked for a motion to reinstate the $4000 funding to the Clemson Extension. The motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously.
Edgar Lamb and Stanley Fulmer from the Palmetto Tractor Club thank Council for past funding of the club from Accommodations Funds and asked for continued consideration this year.
Spearman Sworn In
Molly M. Spearman Sworn In
Saluda County’s Miolly Mitchell Spearman, third from left, was sworn in for her second term as S.C.’s Superintendent of Education on January 9 at South Carolina’s 97th Inaugural Celebration. On her facebook page, Mrs. Spearman wrote, “I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to return to Columbia to put students first and continue to move our education system in the right direction. We have a lot to get done these next four years and we are hitting the ground running in 2019!”
County Ranks High
In Net Worth
Financial technology company SmartAsset analyzed data to find the places with the highest per capita net worth.
According to SmartAsset’s study, Saluda County ranks among the top spots in South Carolina. The study analyzes income, net worth, and debt in counties across the country to determine which locations had the highest per capita net wealth relative to debt.
In the table aboveyou can see how Saluda County stacked up against other leaders in South Carolina:
The study aims to find the places in the United States where residents have the highest net worth. To do this, they calculated the ratio of net worth to per capita income for every county. This number can serve as insight into how much people have saved or invested relative to their income level.
The company also calculated the ratio of net worth to debt per capita for each county. This measure incorporates a view of a county’s debt burden relative to net worth.
Lastly, SmartAsset indexed each factor and calculated an overall index by taking a weighted average of each of these indices. The net worth to income index was given a weight of two and the net worth to debt index was given a weight of one.
Crossroads
Announces
Programs
Crossroads Outreach Ministry, 1269 McCormick Hwy, Saluda has announced special programs for 2019.
The theme of the ministry is: ‘Helping to heal broken lives.”
The programs are:
Tuesday Morning - 10:00 a.m. Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, service group. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking (addiction) problem.
STARTS IN APRIL.
Thursday Evening - 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Recovery is a Christian Twelve Step Ministry. It exist to give hope in Christ, show love through support, and encourage change through Bible-based recovery from substance abuse, emotional strongholds and codependency for all persons who struggle with addictions of any kind.
STARTS JANUARY 25
Friday Evening - 6:30 p.m. Crossroads Recovery Church is a worship experience for individuals and families that find attending regular worship services difficult. The church has always been an important part of the Twelve Step Movement. Our goal is to provide persons in recovery hope and strength with the Word, tailored specifically for their spiritual needs.
For further information about Crossroads Outreach Ministry and any of the programs listed above please contact: Rev. Gerald Clinkscales 864-315-0129.
Forestry Banquet
Bobby Goodson from the Discovery Channel’s “Swamp Loggers” with Baron Buzhardt.
Baron Buzhardt with Landowner of the Year, Dr. Wyman Shealy.
Scholarship winner Jessie Eidson.
Forestry Association Holds Banquet
By: Stephen Pohlman,
Clemson Extension
Forestry Agent
The Saluda County Forestry Association held their annual Christmas Banquet at the Saluda High School cafeteria this December and hosted 268 landowners and guests.
Included in attendance were Representative Cal Forrest, Senator Shane Massey, county council members and Troop 31 Boy Scouts. A most delicious meal was prepared by Parklane Seafood and enjoyed by all.
This year’s special guest speaker was Mr. Bobby Goodson from the hit TV show ‘Swamp Loggers’ on The Discovery Channel. Mr. Goodson spoke on the history of his operation, how the Discovery Channel contacted him about doing a TV show and how his family is still logging even after the TV series. Many of the attendees enjoyed chatting with Mr. Goodson after the program was over.
Historically the Association has presented a scholarship to Saluda county youth who are looking to continue their education in forestry and forestry related topics at higher learning institutions. This year’s recipient was Jessica Eidson. A special thank you to our sponsors this year who help made this possible.
Mr. Wyman Shealy received the ‘2018 Saluda County Forest Landowner of the Year’ award. Wyman was chosen due to his lifelong commitment to managing timberland on his property in Saluda county. Wyman has always managed his timber for maximum quality, while also encouraging wildlife by providing proper habitat. Wyman has also been very involved in agriculture by owning beef cattle.
December Saves The
‘Best’ For Last
December won the prize for the most rainfall in 2018, as if anyone needs to be told.
The 8.50 inches of rainfall bring the final total of the year to 51.96 inches of rain. This compares to 41.26 inches during the same time in 2017.
Rain fell on 17 days, leaving pastures and yards to resemble swamps. Since Oct. 9, rainfall has been officially recorded on 40 days.
Temperatures were mild, with only a few cold days. The highest daily temperature, 69, was recorded on Dec. 29. The lowest daytime high, 36, was on Dec. 10. The lowest morning temperature, 23, was recorded on Dec. 6.
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
2018 In Review Part 2
2018 In Review
(Continued from December 27 issue)
JULY
•Three Saluda County 4-H’ers were prestented the organization’s top award,the Presidential Tray. Winners were LindsayScott, Sarah Shore and Carrie Trotter.
•The Saluda County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited was recognized at the South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Awards Gala on July 14, 2018, in Charleston, SC.
The Saluda County Chapter was awarded the 2017 Top Chapter in South Carolina and the 2017 National Chapter of Excellence.
•Marvin Bernstein, 103, of Saluda had a great evening Thurs., July 19. Bob Heil, “Heil Sound,” was a speaker at the Dutch Fork- Little Mountain Amateur Radio Club. He became a Ham operater at age 15 and said his love of Ham radio, the knowledge he gained from being a Ham operator and the different people that came into his life through Ham radio led him into his career as a sound engineer.
He toured with The Grateful Dead, The Who, Jeff Beck & Joe Walsh to name a few. His company Heil Sound supplies sound equipment for many of today’s artists including Carrie Underwood.
AUGUST
•Four Saluda County 4-H’ers won the Great American Seafood Cook-off 4-H division in New Orleans. They competed against teams from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee. Making up the team were Laken Fulmer, Allie Trotter, Lindsay Scott and Ginger Wertz. While there, they got to meet cooking legend Paula Deen.
•Robert Goodwin, Jr., age 29, of Maryland, pleaded guilty for his role in the home invasion in Saluda County of the owners of Tidwell Jewelers, Lynda and Danny Tidwell.
Goodwin was sentenced to forty-five (45) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr., for Burglary First Degree, Armed Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy. Goodwin committed these crimes with his nephew, Abin Lee Lowman, and two others. Goodwin has a previous Manslaughter conviction out of Maryland. Solicitor Rick Hubbard and Assistant Solicitor Sutania Fuller handled the prosecution of this case.
•Sheriff John C. Perry, Saluda District One and Saluda County Council, welcomed two new Resource Officers. Lucy Phillips will be located at the Saluda Primary and Elementary school and Leslie Pinckney will be located at Hollywood Elementary. Lee Morris will be at the Saluda Middle School and Chris Crouch at the Saluda High School.
•The son of Saluda County residents has assumed command of the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.
Col. Erich G. Spragg is the son of Judith L. and Gerry M. Spragg Jr. of Scooter Bridge Road, Batesburg, Saluda County.
Col. Spragg assumed his new duty in a change of command ceremony on Aug. 3.
•Saluda County voters will go to the polls in November to decide if the county should add a one cent sales tax for capital projects.
County Council, Mon., Aug. 13, gave third and final reading to an ordinance that will allow citizens to vote in a referendum that will cap the maximum to be raised by the penny tax at $9,400,000.
Council Chairman Derrick Jones said a committee has decided where the money would go should the referendum pass. The projects are as follows: Saluda County Library, $125,000; Saluda County Animal Shelter, $125,000; Ridge Spring downtown revitalization and economic development, $175,000; Brooks & Roston Park bathroom rebuild, $50,000; Saluda County Detention Center, $8,439,000.
•Friday, August 17th was a momentous day for the Ridge Spring and Monetta communities.
Representatives, Board of Education members and local leaders came together to turn the first shovels of dirt as the new Ridge Spring-Monetta High School begins it construction. Teachers and students applauded as they were promised a new school that would be equal to any other school in Aiken County.
•Some Saluda County law enforcement officers combined to make the first day of school, Mon., Aug. 20, memorable to two special Saluda Primary School students, Jase, the stepson of fallen Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman, and Autumn, the daughter of fallen Johnston Policeman Eric Chapman.
•Jim Moore announced his candidacy for re-election for Seat 4 of the Saluda School District Board of Trustees.
•Zanna Mills, daughter of Christy and Glen Mills, won the senior talent, and Brylee and Cora Cooper, daughters of Leeny and Brittany Cooper, won the junior talent at the Saluda County Farm Bureau annual meeting Thurs., Aug. 16, at the Saluda Shrine Club.
•Notre Dame football had Rudy. Saluda High football has Fully! Fri. night, Aug. 24. the the Tigers’ popular, long-time waterboy, ball boy, manager turned football player Fulton Winn caught a touchdown pass in the Saluda’s 55-12 win at Ridge Spring-Monetta. His teammates got a 15-yard penalty when they all rushed to the end zone to celebrate with Fulton, who has autism He was hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates when they gathered to sing the Alma Mater after the game ended. Channel 10 and Channel 12 did excllent feature on Fulton and both features were replayes across the state and country.
•Saluda High School and SaludaNOW remembered two fallen law enforcement officers, Eric Chapman and Dale Hallman, at the halftime of the Fri., Aug. 31, Saluda-Mid-Carolina game.
James Eric Chapman, 30, died on Friday, December 8, 2017, when his vehicle wrecked while he was responding to a call with the Johnston Police Department.
Dale Shannon Hallman, 29, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood after being involved in a vehicle accident responding to a call with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
SEPTEMBER
•Saluda native CJ Lake and her finance Jon Tamasco found out Thur., Sept. 6, they had wom a free wedding given away by the USC College of Hospitality.
Accoridng to the press release, Lake and Tamasco were one of many couples who submitted their story to be considered for USC’s Love Story wedding.
•Michelle Curry an-nnounced her candidacy for Mayor of Saluda.
•An impressive American flag dedication ceremony was held during the September meeting of the Saluda American Legion Post 65. Sisters Ann Hancock Coker and Charlyn Hanccok Staubes presented flags. Ann r presented a flag in memory of their father, a veteran of World War II. Mr. Charlie Ernest Hancock served as Staff Sargent in the U.S. Army in European Theater. He saw combat action in several campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Central Europe, and Germany. His personal decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was wounded in France in July 1944, and was captured by Nazi forces in December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. Her sister, Charlyn, presented a flag in memory of their brother, Marine Colonel (Retired) Don Hancock. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Colonel Hancock deployed to Iraq in January 2005, the Iraq War which was known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
•Saluda County Council approved the proposed county and School District One millage for FY 2018.
The actual millage, which is set by the auditor and treasurer, is as follows:
Saluda County - County Operating, 142.97 ; Piedmont Tech Bond, 2.10; Law Enforcement, 1.00; Public Bldg. Maint., .50; Economic Development, 1.00; Piedmont Tech. College, 3.00; Fire Board Service, 1.00. Total County Millage, 151.57.
Saluda School District One - Operating, 145.87; GB #1, 27.30; GB #2, 5.30; GB #3, 4.80; GB #4, 9.60. Total School District One 192.87,
‘The total county millage for FY 17-18 was 147.60, and the total Saluda School District One millage was 182.50.
•Amelia Herlong announced that she will seek re-election for the office of Mayor of Saluda in the November 5, 2018, election.
•The daughter of a former Saludan became Hurricane Florence’s sixth victim in S.C. when she died in a weather related vehicle accident.
The Lexington County Coroner identified the victim as 30-year-old Rhonda Rebecca Hartley of Leesville, a daughter of Saluda High School graduate Joan Gaylord Singleton. Hartley was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries she received in a collision.
Officials say at 6 a.m. Sunday morning, a pickup truck was traveling east on Pond Brand Road when it drove into standing water on the roadway. The vehicle lost control, went off the side of the road, and struck a tree.
•Former Saluda County Sheriff Dudley Rushton has been named Saluda County’s Chief Deputy Coroner.
County Council approved Coroner Keith Turner’s request for the position at the Sept. 10 meeting.
•The two week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court that concluded last week cleared 52 cases.