2020 Tree Contest

Courthouse Tree Contest

The annual Courthouse Christmas Tree contest is underway. The public is invited to go by the Courthouse, see the trees, then vote for their favorites. (Photos by Tiffany Rodgers Shaw)

828 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths

  Saluda County’s COVID-19  cases have risen to 802 (788 actual, 40 probable), with 23 deaths.
  The county is classified as moderate incidence with a rate of 185.6 per 100,000.  Last week, the figure was also 166.11  cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6016,   Edgefield - 1180;  Greenwood -3102 Lexington - 11,067; Newberry - 1989.
  Sun., Dec. 6,  the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2583 new confirmed cases and 51 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 43 additional confirmed deaths and six new probable death. Positive tests at 21.2 percent.
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 216,378, probable cases to 15,721, confirmed deaths to 4,237, and 329 probable deaths.

 Good Rain Returns

  After a month’s absence, good rainfall returned to Saluda in November
  November’s rainfall total was 4.52, and big increase over October’s  1.12  inches, the lowest total since 0.76 inch of rain fell in Sept. 2019. The 4.52 brings the total for the year to 50.18  inches. This compares to 42.33 inches during the same time last year.
  November’s temperatures were almost spring-like  with 15 days with highs in the 80s and 70s. The temperatures  ranged from a high of 57 on Nov. 18,  to  83 on Nov. 12. The lowest morning temperature, 30, was recorded Nov. 3 and 19.
  This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.

Saluda Christmas Event

Cathy Etheredge

Lexington Deputy Dies Suddenly

   A Lexington County deputy with Saluda County connections died unexpectedly last week.
  According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Cathy Etheredge, 60, joined the department in 2003 and most recently served as a sergeant in the Professional Standards Division.
  According to the department, her passing is a 'tremendous loss.' She brought a 'maternal and folksy style' to her role, and connected with her deputies personally.
  She joined the department as a patrol deputy and worked as a school resource officer, victim assistance officer and investigator.
  She also served with the Cayce Department of Public Safety, the Lexington County Department of Public Safety and the Saluda County Sheriff's Office. Her career spanned more than four decades in law enforcement.
  According to LCSD, a celebration of life was held on Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. at Sam Etheredge Place, 304 Sam Etheredge Road in Saluda.

802 County COVID
Cases, 22 Deaths

  Saluda County’s COVID-19  cases have risen to 802 (765 actual, 37 probable), with 22 deaths.
  The county is classified as moderate incidence with a rate of 166.1 per 100,000.  Last week, the figure was also 122.1  cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 5589,   Edgefield - 1108;  Greenwood -2909 Lexington - 10,361; Newberry - 1888.
  Sun., Nov. 29,  the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 1053 new confirmed cases and eight new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and seven additional confirmed deaths and 0 new probable death. Positive tests at 12.7 percent/
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 202,422, probable cases to 13,707, confirmed deaths to 4050, and 307 probable deaths.

GriefShare

  “Are you finding it difficult to process the loss of a loved one? Do you feel like nobody understands what you are going through?
  Join GriefShare, a grief support group of friendly, caring people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. GriefShare will meet on Thursdays from December 3rd, 2020-March 4th, 2021 (except for Dec. 24th) from 7pm-8:30pm at the Family Life Center at St. Paul UMC (102 E Butler Ave, Saluda, SC  29138).
  This group is sponsored by Bethany, Zoar, and St. Paul United Methodist Chur-ches.”

Happy Thanksgiving 2020

Council  Hears Of
New EMT Class

A new program that will allow high school students and the general public to take EMT classes free of charge was announced at the Nov. 9 meeting of Saluda County Council.
  EMS Director Jacob Starnes said the program is a cooperative effort between the county EMS department, Piedmont Tech, Saluda High School and the Charlie Foundation.
  Students at Saluda High School can take the training through the dual enrollment program at Piedmont Tech. When successfully completing the training, students can get a job as an EMT after high school graduation. The program will also be offered to students at Batesburg-Leesville High School through at reciprocal agreement between B&L and Saluda High. SHS students can currently take the firefighter training offered at B&L.
  Members of the general public an also take the training free of charge at the Saluda campus of Piedmont Tech. Credits from the program can also be used for students seeking a R.N. degree.
  Starnes said the course will begin in the spring semester.
  Council members praised the program.
  At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman Jerry Strawbridge read a letter from Jason Price, chairman of the Saluda County Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Price wanted the Council to know that Saluda County, 39th in size in the state, ranked 4th in the state for environmental contracts. Price praised the work of the local staff, and thanked the county for its cooperation through the years.
  Public hearings were held on two ordinances associated with Mayson Solar, LLC, previously identified as Project Mayson. The first involves a fee in lieu of tax, and the second involves establishing a joint county industrial park concerning Mayson with Edgefield. Both ordinances passed on the second reading.
  Third reading approval was given to an ordinance on parliamentary procedures.
  A resolution recognizing Billie Corley on his retirement was approved. Corley began work as an operator with the Road and Bridge Department 21 years ago, and rose to become the department’s superintendent.
  Fire Service Coordinator Josh Morton was given permission to advertise a RFP for companies to conduct annual physicals for fire service and EMS personnel.
  Three employees were appointed to the Employee Grievance Committee.
  The second reading on the ordinance removing the vehicle fees will come up at the next meeting, following the days required between readings rule.

Body Indentified At Lake

  A body found in Lake Murray this weekend was identified as a Lexington County man, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office said Sunday.
  On Saturday afternoon, a passing boater saw Daniel G. Watts near his capsized kayak, Deputy Coroner Angie Rita said in a news release.
  The 79-year-old’s body was found on the shoreline of Lake Murray near Black’s Bridge in Saluda County, according to the release. That’s where the Saluda River passes under S.C. 391.
  A cause of death has not been determined, but an autopsy is scheduled for this week, Rita said. In addition to the coroner’s office, the death is being investigated by the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and the  South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
  The coroner’s office said it “extends its deepest sympathies” to Watts’ family.