SNC Number 5
Saluda Nursing & Rehab
Fifth Best In State
Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center mangement and staff are excited to announce that once again Saluda Nursing Center has been named as one of the Top 5 Nursing Homes in SC by Newsweek Magazine for 2023.
Below is the official email sent to SNC
I am reaching out on behalf of Newsweek and Statista to notify you that Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center has been recognized as one of the Best Nursing Homes of 2023. Congratulations on the achievement!
The Best Nursing Homes of 2023 ranking lists the best nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities according to The United States Census Bureau. These states include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The list evaluates the best nursing homes according to key performance data, peer recommendations, accreditation, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newsweek and Statista designed a rigorous methodology that provided a score for every evaluated nursing home, and the scores were based on four key indicators:
· Performance Data: The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides monthly performance data for each nursing home according to health inspections, quality measures, and staffing.
· Reputation Survey: In cooperation with Newsweek, Statista invited over 10,000 medical experts—including registered nurses, nursing home managers and administrators, nursing assistants, therapists, and physicians—to complete an online survey that assessed nursing homes.
·COVID-19 Response: Each nursing home’s response to the pandemic was evaluated according to its Resident Impact, Facility Capacity, Staff & Personnel, Supplies & Personal Protective Equipment, Ventilator Capacity, and Vaccination Rates.
· Accreditations: For the first time, nursing homes accreditations from the JCI (Joint Commission International) have been added to the scoring model (if applicable). Accreditations reflect a range of structural and/or quality requirement which are now relevant to the nursing homes rankings.
The title Best Nursing Homes 2023 serves to reinforce your reputation as a facility that offers excellent and reliable quality of care. To promote your achievement, Newsweek and Statista have created licensing packages that include a special award logo, available only to winners, allowing your nursing home to leverage this success in print and digital marketing initiatives.”
Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in
County; One Pet Exposed
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a raccoon found near Ridge Spring Highway and Hope Hl Lane in Ward, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
The raccoon was submitted to DHEC's laboratory for testing on October 31, 2022, and was confirmed to have rabies on November 1, 2022.
“Rabies is usually transmitted through a bite or scratch which allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a person or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program Team Leader. “To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DHEC.”
If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this raccoon. or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC's Environmental Affairs Aiken office at (803) 642-1637 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This raccoon is the third animal in Saluda County to test positive for rabies in 2022. There have been 73 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. In 2021, none of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Saluda County.
Contact information for local Environmental Affairs offices is available at www. scdhec.gov/EAoffices. For more information on rabies visit www.scdhec.gov/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Gerry M. Spragg, Sr. will be the keynote speaker at the Annual Veterans Day Program, sponsored by American Legion Post 65, Saluda, SC.
The venue will be held at the Saluda Theater, adjacent to the Saluda County Historical Society Museum, 105 Law Range Street, Saluda, SC, Friday, November 11, at 2 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is cordially invited to attend.
Spragg is a United States Army veteran: assignments included Korea, Temporary Duty (TDY) in Vietnam, with the 121st Evacuation Hospital, 1st Calvary Air Evacuation and Clinical Chemistry Laboratory in Ft Sam Houston, Texas.
Spragg attended Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemical Engineering and Zoology from Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
His working career includes Dow Chemical Company, Midlands, Michigan; Baxter Laboratories, Michigan and Auratech International, South Carolina (Hemo Cue). Spragg’s current community services include: Vice Chairperson of Saluda County Airport Authority, Faithful Navigator of Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus, Mid Carolina Electric Cooperative Foundation Board, and Volunteer at the Saluda County Historical Society Museum. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, antiquing and golfing.
Spragg’s wife, Judith, is a retired Nurse and previous Director of Community Education at Providence Hospital. She also is past Adjunct Faculty in the Nursing Program at Piedmont Tech.
Children include Michael, retired Lieutenant Colonel, US Army; 82nd Airborne Division, Signal Corp; Operation Desert Storm Vet-eran. Cynthia, former US Navy Chief; Enduring Freedom veteran. Major, 106th Air Rescue Wing, Air National Guard; PA, PhD. Angela, graduate Pharmacist from University South Carolina, currently at Walgreens. Erich, retired Colonel, Military Intelligence, several combat tours; Garrison Commander, Fort Meade, Maryland; Army Liaision, Marine War College, VA. Grandson, Brennen Spragg, former US Army, 5th Ranger batta-lion, Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia.
November 8 Election
General Election November 8
Voters will go to the polls Tues., Nov. 8, to participate in the General Elections.
In Saluda County there are few contested races for office.
County Council Chairman Jim Moore is the only candidate on the ballot for his position, but former Recreation Director Paul Ergle has launched a wirite-in campaign for the job.
The Town of Saluda will feature three candidates running for the office of mayor, including current Mayor Amelia Herlong, current Town Councilman Milliken Matthews and retired transportation policeman Wayne Bryan.
All citizens in the county will be allowed to vote on whether Saluda County should change its form of government from its current form to an Administrator-Council form.
Residents in School District One will vote on a school building referendum.
The total cost for the school building projects is $93 million, but the district has received $42 million from the state and $2 million from the district for capital pojects, making the referendum cost $49 million.
The building project includes:
Saluda Elementary: New pre-k-5 grade school; remove old elementary building; open community/stadium spaces
Hollywood Elementary: Add new classrooms; renovate existing school and gym
Add a new driveway system (safety related); upgrade safety and technology throughout campus
Middle/High Complex: Add classrooms to the middle school; add career center classrooms to the high school; upgrade safety and technology throughout campus
Football Stadium: New field house with restrooms & concessions.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Following are the local candidates:
LOCAL ELECTIONS
U.S. House of Representatives District 03 - Jeff Duncan ( Republican)
State House of Representatives District 39 - Cal Forrest ( Republican )
Auditor -Memmus H Forrest (Republican )
County Treas- Tiffany R Shaw (Republican)
County Council Chair -Jim Moore ( Republican )
Soil and Water District Commission. You may vote for Two, less then Two, but not more than Two. Carey E Frick ( Nonpartisan ) James R Nichols ( Nonpartisan )
Lexongton School Board District 3 - Frances K. Bouknight, Cheryl A. Burgess
Saluda County School Boadrd Distict 1 - Seat 2 - Kathy Coleman; Seat 4 - Cecelia Yonce; Seat 6 - Christy Corley Nichols
Town of Saluda -
Mayor - Wayne Bryan, Amelia Herlong, Milliken Mathews
Ward 1 - Milliken Matthews; Ward 3 - Lauren Younce
Commissioner of Public Works - Miriam Adams
(See the complete list of statewide candidates, and state and local questions in the print edition of the November 3 newspaper.)
Berry Earns
‘Wings of Gold’
Saluda native Curtis “Curt” Berry has earned the Navy and Marine Corps “Wings of Gold.”
Berry was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps March 16, 2019. From there he went on to Naval Air Station Pensacola to complete introductory flight school, Aviation Pre-Indoctrination, and swim survival and physiology.
Berry then went to Primary flight training at NAS Whiting Field (Milton, FL) to fly the T-6BII Texan. After completion of Primary he was selected to fly strike, where he attended Intermediate and advanced flight training in the T-45C Goshawk at NAS Meridian (Meridian, MS).
Berry completed his advanced flight training on June 24, 2022 where he earned the coveted, Navy and Marine Corps, "Wings of Gold". Berry was selected to fly the F-35B, attending the Fleet Replacement Squadron at VMFAT-501, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
Berry is a graduate of Saluda High School class of 2011 and Clemson University 2015, 2018, where he achieved a bachelor's in Pre-Veterinary medicine and Master's in Agricultural Education.
Richland Creek Antique
Fall Festival November 4-6
The Richland Creek Antique Fall Festival/ Tractor/Engine Show and Pull will be held Nov. 4-67 at 542 Richland Creek Rd. Ward, SC 29166 in Saluda County. This location is off of Hwy 178 between Saluda and Batesburg and off of Hwy 39 between Ridge Spring and Saluda. Large signs will be posted for specific directions. The gates open at 8:00am each day.
There will be activities for the entire family with demonstrations of old farm machinery, exhibits , food vendors, crafts, wagon rides, corn grinding station and petting zoo for kids, etc. There will be an antique tractor fun pull Friday night at 7:00pm and a main event pull at 1:00pm on Saturday and also a pedal pull and race for the children on Saturday at 2:30pm.
The weekend will conclude with a visit to Richland Springs Baptist Church for the Old Fashion Day service beginning at 10:00am on Sunday with those wanting to drive tractors and wagons, etc leaving the farm at 9:15 am for the parade to the church. The church is located at 1895 Duncan Rd. Ward, SC 29166 about 1 mile from the farm.
Admission is $5.00 per a day on Friday and Sunday and $10.00 a day on Saturday for adults and children under 12 are free. RV/camper hookups are available by reservation ONLY for water and electricity only.
THIS IS AN EDUCATIONAL/FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT AND NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR OTHER CONTROL SUBSTANCES WILL BE PERMITTED.
For additional information see our website at www.richlandcreekantiques.com OR contact Chad Berry (803)730-0702 or Alex Berry (803) 834-9076.
Berry Center
DEDICATION - David Sawyer,Jr., right, and David Owner, left, of the Foresty Commission, spoke at the dedication of The C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry
Center Dedicated
The C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill was dedicated Thurs., Oct. 13, at the Padgett Pond location in Saluda County.
The renovated Padgett’s Pond Mill, the modern lodge and acreage were left to the S.C. Forestry Commission by the late Carl Eugene “Gene’ Berry, Jr.
David Sawyer, Jr., personal representative and successor trustee of the Berry estate, served as master of ceremonies at the dedication event.
After the introduction of guests, Sawyer told of being called to the hospital where
Berry was a patient, and being asked by his longtime friend to help in carrying out his wishes of leaving his property to the Forestry Commission.
Sawyer said he felt Berry knew the end was near, and wanted to make sure everything was in order.
Berry who died July 21, 2020, was a longtime conservationist and philanthropist. He used the Padgett Pond and neighboring acreage to sponsor yearly duck and deer hunts, with proceeds going to the Saluda County Historical Society, of which he was a former president and board member. The lodge was used during these hunts for the Historical Society members to serve breakfast to the hunters.
Berry was honored posthumously by the Upper Savannah Land Trust as the 2021 Peggy Adams Conservation Award winner. The plaque was inscribed, “Carl Eugene “Gene” Berry, Jr. 1941-2020: In Appreciation for His Outstanding Stewardship and Generosity in Protecting and Sharing the Conservation Values of the Padgett Pond Conservation Easement 567 Acres Saluda County, SC.”
Sawyer told of other acts of Berry’s generosity, then introduced Rep. Cal Forrest.
Forrest had Berry was a school teacher at Batesburg-Leesville High School.
‘Not only was he a great teacher, but he was one of the most charitable people I’ve ever known,” Forrest said.
After remarks by Scott Phillips, S.C. State Forester, the entrance sign to the property was unveiled by the Windy Hill Rod & Gun Club members.
David Owen, S.C. Forestry Commission Construction and Property Manager, told how the property will now be used as the office for the Saluda County branch of the Forestry Commission, and will also be open to schools, scouting organizations, etc., for teaching conservation and hunter safety.
Owens then delivered the blessing.
Attendees were given the opportunity to tour the museum and cabin.
This was followed by a buffet lunch, catered by Juniper of Ridge Spring, Gene’s favorite restaurant.
115-YEAR-OLD CASH REGISTER IN 100-YEAR-OLD STORE - Left to right, Brad and Lynette Forrest, Sandy Lovell and Caitlyn Powell pose with the National Cash Register in their store, C.B. Forrest & Son, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this month. The cash register has been in continuous operation in Saluda for 115 years. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
C.B. Forrest & Son
Celebrates Birthday 100
Saluda’s C.B. Forrest & Son clothing store is celebrating its 100th birthday this month.
Before he went into service in WWI, Cally B. Forrest had worked in the store of Lycurgus Forrest, and used that experience to open the new store in October of 1922.
Cally began the business with Tally Fulmer in the building across the street from where the store is today.
The two men stayed in the partnership for five or six years, when they came to an understanding.
They said, “No need in both of us starving to death,” according to Cally’s grandson, Brad.
Cally stayed in the store, and Tally went on to become Saluda County treasurer.
Cally’s sons Harold and Earl grew up in the store. Harold died in 1962, but Earl continued work in the store up until a few months before the passed away in 2019 at the age of 90.
C.B. Forrest moved to its current North Main Street location in the 1930’s. In the 1970’s, the store next door, Luke’s, moved across the street where Forrest’s use to be, and the Forrests bought that store and expanded.
Today the store continues to offer a large line for clothing for men, women and children.
Other than the clothes and popular staff, the store’s biggest attraction is its 115 year-old cash register that is still uses.
Brad Forrest knows the exact date of the cash register’s arrival in Saluda, because the original bill of lading is glued under the top drawer of the massive cash register.
The National Cash Register was delivered to Smith Brother’s Store in Saluda on Oct. 11, 1907.
When Smith Brother’s went out of business in the mid-1920’s, Cally bought it and put it to work in his clothing store.
While the Forrests still use the same cash register, they have seen many changes to Saluda through the years.
When the store celebrated it’s 90th birthday, Earl said, “I remember when everybody came to town on Saturday. The streets and the stores were full.”
Things have changed. Saluda, like many small towns, is struggling in today’s economy.
“It’s a hard place to make a living,” Brad said, “but a great place to live.”
Despite today’s tough times, Brad and staff will continue to work to bring quality, affordable clothing to the people of the county they love.
It’s a family tradition!
Tractor Supply Not Coming
Near the beginning of the Oct. 10 meeting, County Council Chairman Jim Moore announced the anticipated Tractor Supply store will no be coming to Saluda for “various reasons.”
In the public presentation portion of the meeting, Jim Bowie expressed his concerns about conflicting information he had gotten about his Guppie Lane property development.
Bowie said he purchased property in 2019 near Lake Murray Shores with the hope of putting Park Model homes (400 square feet or less) on the land. He called the Saluda County building codes office and was told those type buildings were not allowed.
A few years later, he called back to be told they were now allowed. Since the project began, he has spent over $800,000 purchasing 27 lots in Saluda County, including three lakefront lots.
The next time he called the building office, he was told the Park Models, again, were not allowed. He said the homes were attractive and he has development of the homes in West Columbia.
He asked Council to help solve his predicament.
Moore said Council could not take action at the meeting, but Bowie must first appear before the Mobile Home Appeals Board.
Miriam Atria, president/CEO of the Capitol City/Lake Murray Country recreation and tourism board., told of plans for the four county Lake Murray area (Newberry, Saluda, Lexington, Richland) to participate in the upcoming 250th American Revolutionary War nationwide observance. She said Jason Barrett has visited the Saluda County Museum to get information about the county’s participation in the war.
She also told of an upcoming worldwide bass fishing tournament on the lake, and showed two videos, including a commercial promoting the Lake Murray area that will be broadcast nationwide.
Council approved a resolution with the Cherokee Nation, in which the cooperation in the historic past (Saluda Old Town Treaty of 1755) was emphasized, as well as a pledge for working together in the future.
The bid for painting the airport building was awarded to First Class Construction for $24,150, which will come fromthe building repair reserve account.
The request for quote for fire service billing was awarded to EF Recovery, LLC.
The request to purchase two bush trucks for the Fire Departments, using ARPA funds, was approved.
A additional School Resource officer position was approved. This will be funded by a state grant.
The bid for renovation of the new library building was awarded to First Class Construction, with certain conditions attached.
2022 Induction
Hall of Fame Inductees
Saluda County Schools held induction ceremonies for the 2022 Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor classes at halftime of the Strom Thurmond-Saluda football game Fri., Oct. 7.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame were Trevor Deloach, Byron Hilley, Phyllis New-man and George Padgett. Evelyn Powell was inducted into the Ring of Honor, which recognizes longtime volunteer and employment service.
Following are the accomplishments:
TREVOR DELOACH - Graduated SHS in 2007; current all-time leading scorer in Boys’ Basketball at SHS with 2,182 points; 2007 SC Gatorade Player of the Year; 2007 AA Player of the Year; 2007 Carolinas Classic All-Star Game Participant; All-State 2005, 2006, 2007; All - Conference Player of the Year 2006, 2007; All - Lakelands Player of the Year 2006, 2007; lettered in football, basketball and track; received All - State, All - Conference, All - Lakelands, and High School Sports Report Honors in 2006 during his senior season of football.
BYRON HILLEY - Lander University 1982; Northeast Louisiana University 1984; SHS Assistant Band Director 1985-1994; SHS Band Director 1994-1998; AA Upper State Marching Champions 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997; AA State Marching Champions 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994; Consistently placed students in All-Region and All-State Bands; Consistently earned superior ratings at Concert Festival, Marching Festival, Marching Competitions, Solo and Ensemble Festival and Jazz Festivals.
“The high point of my 30 year career was working with Steve O’Kelley and my wonderful students and their parents here at Saluda High.”
PHYLLIS MORRIS NEW-MAN - 1981 Saluda High School graduate volleyball, basketball, softball letter-man; varsity softball- favorite sport 3 year record 29-15; played shortstop; 1978-1979 record 8-5; batting average .571; all-conference; 1979-1980 record 12-0; conference champions; state playoffs; overall record 13-2; stolen base record - 8 in one game; batting average .439; all-conference; 1980-1981 record 8-8; batting average ,579; all- conference; mvp; career high school stats: Singles 40, doubles 15, triples 4, home runs 18, base on balls 30, sacrifice flies 2, strike outs 5, runs scored 74, assisted and unassisted total put outs 88, overall batting average ,57 national high school all-american athlete women’s sports foundation award.
“I loved to hit home runs, because every home run meant a free hamburger from ann’s dairy bar.
Received scholarship from Francis Marion College for volleyball and softball volleyball 2 years softball 4 years career college softball; record 96-52; 1982-1985 4 year letterman award;; 1982 SCAIAW District II Runner-Ups; 1983, 1984, 1985 NAIA District Six Runner-Ups; 1984 All-District (Outfield); 1985 110% Award.
GEORGE PADGETT - graduated SHS in 1957; lettered in baseball and football; played defensive and offensive tackle in 1955 and 1956; named to Upper State first team as a tackle in 1956; member of a SHS defense that held opposing teams to only 20 points in the 1956 regular season; Saluda Tigers played for the state championship in 1955 and 1956; Saluda team played 14 games during each of the 1955 and 1956 seasons; played in Palmetto Shriners all-star football game in August 1957; defensive and offensive tackle at Gordon Military College 1957; recognized as outstanding football guard 1958 and 1959, as well as outstanding tackle 1960 and 1961 at Wofford College; graduated with A.B.A. from Wofford College in 1963; contacted by San Diego Chargers in 1960 to play professional football; worked for Canal Wood, LLC 1963-2005.
“I’m grateful to have been chosen to participate in a great sport and to have formed lifelong friendships with teammates and coaches.”
Ring of Honor inductee EVELYN POWELL was recognized for 32 years of loyal service - 1984-2016 positions and duties: Substitute teacher; special education assistant; in school suspension/ facilitator/ secretary; building manager for Saluda Middle School; building manager for Saluda High School; managed all duties for custodians; bus driver for special education students; bus driver for Saluda Athletic Department; Saluda High JV cheerleader coach; Saluda High varsity cheerleader coach; Saluda High competition cheer team coach; 1999-2000 competition cheer team went to state playoffs; 2000 Saluda School District presented certificate for outstanding achievement to coach and competition cheer team; 2002-2005 South Carolina Cheerlead-ing Coaches Association executive board member; Saluda High varsity boys’ soccer coach; longtime supporter and volunteer for Saluda High athletics; retired 2016 and currently working for Saluda District Athletic Department.
FACILITY DEDICATED - Saluda County’s C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill was dedicated Thurs., Oct. 13. The former Padgett’s Mill Pond and acreage was left to the Forestry Commission by the late C.E. “Gene” Berry. Details in next week’s paper. (Standard-Sentinel photo)