Death from Injuries

County Man Dies From Utility
Vehicle Accident Injuries

  The Saluda County Coroner’s Office and the SC Highway Patrol are investigating the death of Eugene Willard Mitchell Jr., age 79. 
  Mr. Mitchell was injured in a Mar. 22 utility vehicle collision on  Dailey Creek Road in Saluda County. He was noted as the only occupant of the vehicle and was ejected.
  He was later airlifted to Prisma Health Richland in Columbia. Sadly Mr. Mitchell died from his injuries on Mar. 25.
  The Coroner’s Office extends its heart felt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr.  Mitchell.

RECOGNITION - 102-year-old John Harmon was recognized recently with a Senate resolution and a reception at a local VFW chapter. Pictured are Harmon with is children, Teresa Pierce, Marie Wicker, John Harmon and Brenda Eidson.

John Harmon,
102, Recognized

Saluda County WWII veteran John Harmon, 102, was recognized recently with a S.C. Senate Resolution and a reception at VFW Post 6740.
  Following is the resolution:
  A SENATE RESOLUTION
  TO CONGRATULATE JOHN DANIEL HARMON, SR., OF SALUDA COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ONE HUNDRED SECOND BIRTHDAY AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS IN THE DAYS AHEAD.
  Whereas, on September 25, 2021, John Daniel Harmon, Sr., of Saluda County awakened to the celebration of a milestone event: his one hundred second birthday; and
  Whereas, born September 25, 1919, in Saluda County, John Daniel Harmon, Sr., came into this world the son of Amos and Ethel Harmon, and he has resided in Saluda County his entire life. He was raised on a small farm, with his hard-working parents instilling in their son life skills that have proven invaluable to him over the years. As a child, John attended Hickory Grove School and Hollywood School in Saluda County; and
  Whereas, because he lived during the Great Depression, John learned to be resourceful and reuse everything. Many in the community relied on him when searching for tools, parts, or other items, and his knowledge and wisdom in many areas proved beneficial to those around him; and
  Whereas, after leaving Hollywood School, John worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps before joining the U.S. Army during World War II. He began his service as an ambulance driver in Europe with B Company, 363rd Medical Battalion, 63rd Infantry Division. That division was one of the first to cross the infamous Siegfried Line, which John vividly recalls as the site of many battles during his tour of duty; and
  Whereas, the young John formed many friendships in the Army, although he has outlived all his closest friends from that time. Almost thirty years ago, he and his wife, Grace, traveled with his surviving comrades to Europe to retrace the route the 63rd Infantry Division traveled; and
  Whereas, following the war, John returned to Saluda, where he worked various jobs before starting his long service with Eagle Construction Company. He retired from the company as a supervisor in the late 1980s; and
  Whereas, John was married to the former Grace Gentry for sixty-nine years, and together they raised five children and became the joyful grandparents of nine and the great-grandparents of eleven. The biggest joy in John’s life is family time, including birthdays and holidays when the family gathers and celebrates together; and
  Whereas, in celebration of his one hundred second birthday, family and friends gathered to honor him on September 25, 2021, at Bethany United Methodist Church; and
  Whereas, birthdays provide a special time and opportunity to celebrate and honor those of great importance in our lives. As such,
  the VFW Post 6740 will host a drop-in on Sunday, March 13, 2022, for those who would like to honor John and his legacy; and
  Whereas, at age one hundred two, John still takes care of himself and is most admired for his spunky, positive attitude toward life, as well as his quick wit and willingness to help those in need. He maintained a small herd of cattle and a vegetable garden until his late 90s. These days, you can find him around his home admiring all that nature has to offer; and
    Whereas, the Senate takes much pleasure in honoring this son of South Carolina on the celebration of his one hundred second birthday and joins with his family and friends in congratulating him on reaching this important life milestone. Now, therefore,
  Be it resolved by the Senate:
  That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate John Daniel Harmon, Sr., of Saluda County on the occasion of his one hundred second birthday and wish him much happiness in the days ahead.
  Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to John Daniel Harmon, Sr.

Narcotics Arrest

  Corey Doyle has been arrested for Trafficking a Schedule I Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana.
  This arrest resulted from a Traffic Stop on Spann Road near Samuel Padgett Road for speeding.
  When deputies approached the vehicle, there was a strong odor of Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
  After a search of the vehicle, deputies located 100 Ecstasy pills along with Marijuana.

Tribute

REMEMBRANCE - Saluda County Council Vice-Chairman Justin Anderson, center, presented a special memorial plaque to the family of the late Council Chairman Jerry Strawbridge.pictured left is Strawbirdge’s daughter Ashley Rose,and right is his widow Denise.

Council Remembers
Late Chairman

  Saluda County Council paid special tribute to late Chairman Jerry Strawbridge at the Mon., March 14, meeting.
  Vice-Chairman Justin Anderson read a resolution highlighting Strawbridge’s service to the county, then presented a special plaque to Strawbridge’s wife, Denise, and daughter, Ashley.
  In the new business portion of the meeting, Council gave first reading approval to an ordinance that will provide for the recovery of costs for service charges from users of fire protection and emergency services.
  Fire Board coordinator Luke Downing and Emergency Management Director Josh Morton explained this would allow fire departments to file a claim for answering calls to homes and vehicle accidents. This would offset the costs of answering calls.
  Morton said most homeowners and vehicle insurance policies cover calls by fire departments. Morton said money collected will go into a pool that will be used to buy equipment for the departments.
  Both emphasized that if insurance doesn’t cover the costs, there will be no charge to the citizens. An ordinance is needed before the process can begin.
  Council passed a resolution removing Strawbridge from the Tri-County Waste Authority Board of  Commissioners and replacing him with Anderson.
  The county’s antiquated radio system will soon get an upgrade.
  Morton said the current radio system does not have a strong signal to all areas of the county, necessitating a new system.
  The new system will allow all emergency agencies in the county to speak to each other over the air, something that is currently not possible.
  The total cost of the project is $399,486, with $380,000 coming from American Recovery Act Funds, and the remaining $19,486 from other accounts, so no taxpayer money needed. All was needed was approval from Council, and that happened.
  Grant coordinator Jill Warren sought approval for a $32,000 Justice Assistant Grant for the Sheriff’s Office. If approved, the money will be used for the purchase of two canines, training of handlers, and purchasing of equipment. The ten percent match of $3200 would come from contingency. Council approved the request.
  The replacement of the fire alarm system at the American Legion Building was approved. Morton said the current alarm system was so old, parts were not available to make repairs. The new system cost $9035 and will be funded from the building repair account.
  Council corrected earlier appointments to the GLEAMS board. James Coleman will represent the private sector and Betty Kenner will represent low income.

Body Discovered In Camper Identified

  The Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner has positively identified the body recovered from a camper in the Town of Saluda last week through DNA analysis as Terry Maxfield, age 61.  
  The cause and manner of death are still under investigation by Saluda County Coroner’s Office and the Saluda Police Department.

WILDER RECOGNIZED - Saluda High Athletic Director Jeanette Ergle Wilder was recently named the S.C. 2-A Athletic Director of the Year by the S.C. Athletic Administrators Association. She was also named the Region 2-2A  Athletic Director of the year.

March 8 Arrests

Two Arrested On
Multiple Charges

  Two Ward residents have been arrested on multiple charges by the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
  Mar. 8, deputies went to a residence in the Town of Ward in reference to serving an arrest warrant.
  While deputies were outside of the home, they could smell a strong odor of marijuana. Once the door was opened, deputies observed narcotics and drug paraphernalia on a table in plain sight.
  Deputies arrested William Rushton for an outstanding warrant for the crime of larceny and detained Yolanda Reed.   A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence. A large amount of methamphetamine was seized along with marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a handgun. All of which was laid out on the kitchen table.
  William Rushton and Yolanda Reed have been charged for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Both are currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center.
  Sheriff Josh Price praises the proactive hard work of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office.

Body Found In Camper

  A body was found in camper last week, according to Saluda Sheriff Josh Price.

  According to Price the body was found inside of an old camper behind Star Motors on Travis Ave. in Saluda.
  The person, according to deputies, has been dead for at least two months.
  The victim is yet to be identified and the case is still under investigation.

RECOGNITION - Corporal Kattie Hallman pictured with her shift Captain Scotty Carroll, left, and EMS Director Jacob Starnes, right.

County EMS Employee
Wins State Award

Saluda County EMS proud to announce  Corporal Kattie Hallman has been named the 2021 South Carolina EMS PIER award winner.   
  PIER stands for public information education and relations. She was presented the award  at the SC EMS Symposium in Myrtle Beach over the weekend.  
  Hallman has worked tirelessly trying to improve relations and outreach within the community of Saluda County by instructing CPR classes, coming up with plans to combat healthcare problems in certain populations, participating in festivals and sharing crucial medical information with the community.  
  “Join us in congratulating Kattie on this huge achievement,” County EMS Director Jacob Starney said.  “Kattie, we are so very proud of you and are honored to have you as part of our family here at Saluda County EMS.”