Strawbridge Wins

NEW CHAIRMAN - Democratic County Council Chnairman candidate Darren Horne, left, congratulated Republican candidate Jerry Strawbridge, right, after Strawbridge’s victory in the July 14 special election. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Strawbridge Wins
Chairman Race

  Republican Jerry Strawbridge defeated Democrat Darren Horne for Saluda County Council Chairman Tues., July 14.
  The final tally was 1169-521 in Strawbridge’s favor. Strawbridge was sworn into office Thursday.
  Approximately 15 percent of the county’s registered voters cast ballots.

County Council

Closes Offices

  With the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in the county, Saluda County Council announced it was closing all county offices to the public.
  At the Mon., July 13, Council meeting, Vice-Chairman Frank Daniel announced the offices will be available by appointment only.
  In other action at the meeting, Council approved the School Resource Officer Agreement between the county and Saluda School District One.
  Council voted to allow a building maintenance position to be filled by Aug. 31.
  Tony Lake (Hollywood) and Brent Addy (Mayson) were reappointed to the Fire Board.
  Jack Nichols was appointed to the Airport Commission.
  Daniel urged citizens to send in their Census form.

Notice for 2021 Reassessment

  The Saluda County As-sessor’s Office will be conducting the every five year reassessment as mandated by the state of South Carolina.    The implementation is 2021 so if any changes were made you will receive a notice around July of 2021. 
  We will be driving a white pickup with Saluda County emblem on the side.  We also realize these are trying times and your safety as well as ours is very important to us so we will conduct as many window checks as possible but if we have to measure any new structures we will wear mask due to Covid 19.  If you have any questions you may contact our office.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation 

Second COVID Death

County Has Second COVID-19 Death

  Saluda County recorded its second  COVID-19 death last week.
  The victim was an elderly patient.
  Sun., July 12, word was released that the disease had been detected on one wing at Saluda Nursing Center.
  Saluda County’s total cases has risen to 281,
  The latest DHEC report says the county had 1726 estimated cases, and 207 possible cases. Of the county’s cases, 252 are in the are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 124; Aiken - 695; Greenwood - 798; Lexington - 2919; Newberry - 419.
  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,952 new confirmed cases and no new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 10 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths. There are currently 1,472 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19, and 188 of those patients are on ventilators.
 This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 56,485, probable cases to 163, confirmed deaths to 950 and 11 probable deaths.
  Sun., July 12, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed the state’s first cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.
  Two children are the first in the state with a confirmed diagnosis of MIS-C, a rare health condition recently recognized to occur in some children and teenagers who have contracted COVID-19 or been in contact with someone infected with the virus. One child is from the Midlands region and one is from the PeeDee region. Both are under the age of 10. To protect the privacy of the children and their families, no other information will be disclosed at this time.
 “We continue to see more and more young people, especially those under 20, contracting and spreading COVID-19, and we know MIS-C is a threat to our youngest South Carolinians,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “MIS-C is a serious health complication linked to COVID-19 and is all the more reason why we must stop the spread of this virus. Anyone and everyone is susceptible to COVID-19 as well as additional health risks associated with it, which is why all of us must stop the virus by wearing a mask and stay six feet away from others. These simple actions are how we protect ourselves and others, including our children.”
  The first reports of this syndrome came from the United Kingdom in late April. Cases in the United States were first reported in New York City in early May.
  On May 15, 2020, DHEC sent a health alert informing healthcare providers and facilities of the condition and requesting that all providers report suspected cases of MIS-C to the agency. Symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, and feeling tired.
  DHEC recommends parents and caregivers learn and watch for the signs for MIS-C in their children. Emergency warning signs of MIS-C include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that does not go away, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, and severe abdominal pain.

Students Recognized
For Kindness

In order to recognize kindness in this world, retired Saluda educator Dibbie Shealy  established the D.E.M. Kindness Awards, and the recipients have been announced.
  The award is named in honor of her grandchildren Deacon, Emoree, and Madden Donlon, and her children
Morgan Jones and Mayson Donlon.
  She gave five $200 awards to Saluda High School graduates, Class of 2020, who exhibit kindness and compassion through their actions.
  “Congratulations to these five outstanding Saluda High graduates who received the D.E.M. Kindness Award. The award was based on the applicants’ kindness, compassion, and volunteerism. This group had done so many good things for others, it brought me to tears. Believe in this generation. They are going to make a difference,: Ms. Shealy said.
  Alaiza Abney - Alaiza said her favorite quote is 1 Corinthians 13:4. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” She said, “This scripture reminds me to be patient, show kindness and that there is no room for jealousy. We have to take some time to understand others, empathize with others and love others without looking for an award or an entourage.”
  Kathryn Castro (not pictured) - Kathryn said, “The quote that pertains to my actions is by Aesop. It says, ‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’ A simple smile or holding the door for someone can make someone’s day so much better. There’s no reason not to be kind to someone.”
  LeeAnna Fingerlin - Lee Anna said the quote that pertains to her actions is, “No joy can equal the joy of serving others,” by Sai Baba. She said, “Of all the times I have helped others with remodeling their houses or by visiting a shut in, the joy I received was immeasurable and immensely rewarding, more so than any payment I could have received.”
  Kaylee Long - Kaylee said, “One of my most favorite volunteer experiences is the animal foster program my family is a part of. The program is sponsored by Pawmetto Lifeline in Columbia. We take in one or two dogs at a time and keep them until they are ready to be adopted.”
  Jacob McCary - Jacob chose the quote, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one,” by John Lennon. Jacob said, “If everyone were to take a little bit of time out of their day and be kind to someone, help the elderly across the street, ask someone how they are doing, hold the door for someone, then the world will be as ONE and will change.”

Chairman Election July 14

Chairman Election July 14

  The third time will be the charm as the election for Saluda County Council Chairman will be finally be held.  on July 14.
  Originally scheduled for March 24, the election was postponed until May  by the pandermic. That month did not work out either, so the election date was finally set for Tues., July 14.
  Polls open at 7a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
  Seeking the posiotion are Democrat Darren Horne and Republican Jerry Strawbridge.
  Both candidates are retired.
  “I am currently own businesses/properties in four separate counties,’’ Horne said. “My work ethic that I have built throughout my life will be an asset you can rely on to keep Saluda County moving in the right direction.
  I will work very hard to promote business and economic development for Saluda, Ridge Spring, and Ward. I am aware of the current financial challenges but I’m willing to work very hard to address the current and all future concerns. Being a super conservative, I am a firm believer in being debt free and will be a watchdog for the County finances and spending. I will be grateful to work beside all county employees to Move Saluda County Forward. I will fight to keep lower tax rates and eliminate current and future unnecessary fees.”
  “Saluda County is in a difficult position,” Strawbridge said.  “It wasn’t any one person’s fault.  It is a systemic problem and a challenge that was made more pronounced by the State’s requirement for a new jail.  Saluda County employees want to help!  They have provided a great number of documents that have helped me evaluate the County’s position in the last few weeks.  Their helpfulness it to be commended!  The good news is I believe this financial problem can be fixed.  However, the hard truth is it won’t be easy.
“The position of Chairman requires someone that can face the hard reality of the situation and provide unwavering optimism that Saluda County will come out of this fine.  Luckily, I’ve been part of a similar mission with Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority (SCWSA).  SCWSA has been a part of a 20-year odyssey to build its own Water Treatment Plant.  I was honored to be selected by the Legislative Delegation nine years ago to be on SCWSA’s Board and to serve as its Chairman for the last seven years.
  Horne and his wife have two daughters and two granddaughters. As a kid around the age of  eight,he worked in our family owned business, Horne’s Convenience Store. At 15, he started work at Adams Red & White while attending school. He then worked at Cromley Ford in Saluda and Newberry for 30 years as a manager.
  Strawbirdge is a retired as a Sargent Major in the South Carolina National Guard with 40 years of service.  He is married, with four children and seven grandchildren that we adore.   He is a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church and serves as the Chairman of its Administrative Council.  He  I also served six  years as Chairman of the Saluda Republican Party.
  With the COVID-19 social distancing requirements some precincts will be combined to allow for bigger spaces, and one will move to a larger location
  Richland, Ridge Spring-Monetta and Ward precincts will vote at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.
  Saluda No. 1 and No. 2 will both vote at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
  Higgins-Zoar will vote at Zoar United Methodist Church.

County COVID-19
Cases Reach 219

  Saluda County’s COVID-19 case total has grown to 219.
  The latest DHEC report says the county had 1345 estimated cases, and 1564 possible cases. Of the county’s cases, 197 are in the are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 86; Aiken - 434; Greenwood - 526; Lexington - 2224; Newberry - 270.
   The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Thurs., July 2, announced 1,629 new confirmed cases and 3 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 19 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths. There are currently 1,125 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 39,587, probable cases to 114, confirmed deaths to 777, and 7 probable deaths.
  Testing in South Carolina
  As of July 2, a total of 442,263 tests have been conducted in the state. See a detailed breakdown of tests in South Carolina on the Data and Projections webpage. DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory is operating extended hours and is testing specimens seven days a week, and the Public Health Laboratory’s current timeframe for providing results to health care providers is 24-48 hours.
  Percent Positive Test Trends among Reported COVID-19 Cases
  The total number of individuals tested yesterday statewide was 9,634 (not including antibody tests) and the percent positive was 16.9%.
  50 Mobile Testing Clinics Scheduled Statewide
  As part of our ongoing efforts to increase testing in underserved and rural communities across the state, DHEC is working with community partners to set up mobile testing clinics that bring testing to these communities. Currently, there are 50  mobile testing events scheduled through August 1 with new testing events added regularly. Find a mobile testing clinic event near you at scdhec.gov/covid19mobileclinics.
  Residents can also get tested at one of 172 permanent COVID-19 testing facilities across the state. Visit scdhec.gov/covid19testing for more information.
Hospital Bed Occupancy
  As of Thursday morning, 2,836 inpatient hospital beds are available and 7,830 are in use, which is a 73.41% statewide hospital bed utilization rate. Of the 7,830 inpatient beds currently used, 1,125 are occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.