2020 General Election
General Election November 3
The General Election will be held Tues., Nov. 3.
Of course, the biggest race is the Presidential election between Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden.
Saluda County has followed the national trend, with citizens voting early during the pandemic. As of midday Fri., Oct. 23, 1362 had voted, or nearly 12 percent of the registered voters.
Ruth Padgett of the Registration and Elections office said 709 citizens had voted at the office during the same period in 2016.
Saluda County voters will see several contested races.
Sheriff John Perry will face former deputy and current Saluda police officer Josh Price, a Republican.
In Saluda District One Seat Three, Trey Fingerlin and Jeffrey B. Jordan face off. Both are political newcomers.
Aiken District One has two nonpartisan candidates for the District 1 seat, Samuretta D. Muldrow and Sandra Shealy.
Four nonpartisan candidates are seeking the Saluda Lexington District 3 board member seat, Sinya Cary, Craig Caughman, Stacey Derrick and Moses Drafts.
All of the senators representing the county face opposition.
District 10 Sen. Floyd Nicholson will face Republican Billy Garrett
Sen. Shane Massey will meet Democrat Shirley A. Green in November.
Democratic District 26 Sen. Nikki Setzler will face Republican Chris Smith.
Third District U.S. Congressman Jeff Duncan, a Republican will face Democrat Hosea Cleveland.
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham meets Democrat Jaime Harrison, and Constitution candidate Bill Bledsoe.
Running without opposition are District 39 House Rep. Cal Forrest, District 82 House Rep. Bill Clyburn, 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, Probate Judge Brenda Griffith, Clerk of Court Sheri Coleman, Coroner Keith Turner, District One School Board members Sharon Williams-Holloway, James Hollo-way and Arlene Puryear, Saluda Town Councilmen Obie Combs and John Griffith, County Council Primary winners Jack Atkinson and Carey Bedenbaugh, Soil & Water District Commissioner Kevin Yon, Saluda Commissioner of Public Works Motte J. Yarbrough.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
GINNY AND JIMMY SMITH
Legacy of Lander University softball
player continues through scholarship
GREENWOOD, S.C. __ The question isn’t what Kariana Elise Smith accomplished in her 23 years of life. The question is: What didn’t she accomplish?
The Lander University alumna, whose memory lives through the Kariana Elise Smith Scholarship, had a record of impressive achievements before her death in 2007 from injuries sustained in a boating accident. Growing up and playing sports in McCormick, she was also a member of the Lady Bearcats Softball Team at Lander and an assistant coach of the Greenwood High School junior varsity softball team.
To all who knew her, Kariana was an All-American success story — an athlete who excelled in softball, volleyball and basketball; a lovely blonde selected by classmates to became Prom Queen, and an excellent student whose great wit, laughter, brilliant smile and charm was appreciated by many, not only those in her athletics circle, but also in the personal lives of her family and friends as well.
“She was a people person. She had friends galore, and we still receive cards and text messages and phone calls from many of her friends,” said Kariana’s mother, Virginia “Ginnie” Deason Smith. “She made people laugh, and everyone enjoyed being around her.”
Her father, Saluda native James Kirk “Jimmy” Smith said Kariana had an innate ability to make people feel comfortable. “Kariana was so well loved by everyone. She liked making others happy, and people loved her for that.”
It was their daughter’s love for sports and the family’s love for Lander University that led the Smiths and Kariana’s host of friends to establish the scholarship, now awarded to freshmen on the Lady Bearcats Softball Team.
Twelve Lander softball players from throughout the United States have received scholarships since the first award was made in 2012. This year’s recipients and their majors include Kalei Cline, biology, from Andover, Kan.; Haley Erwin, nursing, from Stanley, N.C.; Rylee Omahen, nursing, from Alpine, Calif., and Abigayle Stokes, exercise science, from Hartsville.
Three generations of the Smith family are Lander graduates. Their history begins with Kariana’s grandmother, “Lander Lily” Doshia Duffie of Saluda, who attended college during World War II while her sweetheart – and future husband — Norman C. Smith, also of Saluda, was serving his nation in battle. Jimmy Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in visual arts and a master’s degree in education, while Ginnie Smith was an elementary education major. Kariana earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2006, following in the footsteps of brother Kirk Smith, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 2000. He graduated the same year as his wife Michelle, who earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
“Many of our best memories are on this campus,” Mrs. Smith said on a recent fall day at Lander, “and many of our favorite times were spent watching Kariana play softball here and in high school.”
Kariana began playing varsity softball in the seventh grade. She was eligible to play on the McCormick High School varsity team because there was no junior varsity team. Kariana told her mom she wanted to play softball, so her mom mentioned it to the coach. The McCormick coach didn’t have great expectations, but after the first practice, the coach was sold on the young player, saying to Mrs. Smith, “You didn’t tell me this girl could play ball!” After that, Kariana played every inning of every softball game through her senior year of high school.
“Having known Kariana for several years as a young girl, she was one-of-a-kind. She was one of the best athletes I have coached,” said Gena Wideman, Kariana’s former coach in McCormick. “She possessed all of the qualities of a young lady and student-athlete that anyone would be drawn to —compassionate, dedicated, selfless, beautiful from the inside out, team player and a toughness that made her an awesome athlete.”
Mr. Smith said he realized the depth of his daughter’s commitment to sports when she rose to the challenge – literally from her sick bed – to play a double-header game in Woodruff. Despite her parents’ protests – “we thought she was crazy,” Mr. Smith remembered – Kariana went to school, pushed through her illness and played that double header, pitching every inning!
Mr. Smith said Kariana explained, “I am the only pitcher, and we would have had to forfeit the game if I didn’t play.”
He smiled. “She really earned my admiration. As sick as she was, she was determined to play. She did it for the team.”
That discipline was a hallmark of Kariana’s life. At McCormick High, she was a member of the school band, the National Honor Society and president of the Beta Club. She also earned numerous All-State Academic and Athletic awards, including sportsmanship honors and MVP for volleyball and softball. Kariana received South Carolina’s Life Scholarship during her entire education at Lander. At the time of her death, she was a personal trainer for the Body Shop in Lexington and was pursuing classes in physical therapy.
“Everything she tried, she loved it and could do it,” Mr. Smith said. “She put her whole heart into everything.”
Kariana’s heart was filled with great passion for animals, in general, and animal rescue, in particular. In her last conversation with her mother, Kariana asked her parents to help her find a home for a dog desperately in need of love. When Kariana died, the Smiths took her own dog Dorey to live with them.
Kariana’s dad said, “After the accident we found a simple note written on her calendar that led to a search for a paper she was to write for one of her classes at Midlands Tech.”
The search for the paper came up empty, but the note was, “a word I want on my headstone and why.”
The family later found the word on one of her friend’s laptop computer that she had borrowed. “The word was ‘loyal.’ This perfectly described Kariana, and it is now right where she wanted it,” Mr. Smith said.
When Kariana died, the Smiths said they chose to fund the scholarship to preserve their daughter’s memory and her love for sports. “If there is a young woman who loves playing softball and wants to play in college, we want to help her achieve that goal,” Mrs. Smith said.
Mike Worley, executive director of The Lander Foundation, said the establishment of Kariana’s scholarship is a tribute to her legacy on and off campus. “For Lander students and the Lander community, this is a wonderful way to honor Kariana and her commitment to success,” he said.
To receive information on contributing to this scholarship or establishing a scholarship, contact Mike Worley at The Lander Foundation: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
October 2020 Meeting
County Starts Process
For New Project
Saluda County Council got the ball rolling on a new project in the county at the Mon., Oct. 12, meeting.
The first step was a resolution authorizing the execution and deliver of a fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreement between Saluda County and a company identified for the time being as Project Mayson.
The second step was the first reading of the ordinance authorizing and approving the execution and deliver of a fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreement between Saluda County and a company identified for the time being as Project Mayson.
The third step was first reading of an ordinance authorizing and approving the establishment of a joint industrial park and business park with Edgefield County for Project Mayson.
Council also gave first reading of a ordinance to amend the code or ordinances Chapter 2, Administration, Article 2. County Council, Division 2, rule of parliamentary procedure, sections 2-55.1 through 2-70.
The request by Judge Joyce Shults to fill a vacant position in the Magistrate’s Office was approved.
Chairman Jerry Strawbridge’s appointment of Ricky Bailey to the Tax Appeals Board was approved.
Councilmen Justin Anderson’s appointment of Paul Bartley and Strawbridge’s appointment of Bruce Horne to the Westview Behavioral Health Services Board were approved.
In the old business portion, Council accepted a $250,000 letter of credit for American Land Holdings, LLC, in reference to Palmetto Pointe subdivision and allow American Land Holding, LLC, to release the $3 million letter of credit.
Council also approved entering into a road management agreement with American Land Holdings, LLC.
After an Executive Session, Council approved to hire an Assistant Fire Service Coordinator, Grade 16, effective January 11, 2021 and to advertise according to county policy.
Trump Administration Invests
$4.1 Million in Value Added
Producer Projects in South Carolina
Investments will Help 22 South Carolina Ag Producers Enter Into Value-Added Activities Related to the Processing and Marketing of New Products
Columbia, S.C., October 13, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for South Carolina Debbie Turbeville, today announced that the USDA is investing $4.1 million in Value Added Producer Projects throughout South Carolina. USDA is providing the funding through the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
“This investment will help South Carolina Ag Producers enter into Value-Added activities related to the processing and marketing of new products. In addition, it is expected that these projects will create many new jobs,” said Turbeville. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural South Carolina in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Background: USDA is funding 22 South Carolina projects through the VAPG program. Recipients of the VAPG can use funds for planning activities or for working capital expenses related to producing and marketing a value-added agricultural product. Examples of planning activities include conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for processing and marketing the proposed value-added product. Working capital expenses include processing costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and some inventory and salary expenses.
Here are local examples of projects announced in South Carolina:
Saluda County - SYLVAN FARMS - $250,000.00 Rural Development funds will be used to increase sales and marketing of fresh, organic leafy green produce in Saluda County and surrounding areas. Specifically, grant funds will be used to offset the cost of purchasing operational supplies, fund an improved marketing and promotional program and pay for labor expenses related to packaging and deliveries. It is expected that three new jobs will be created as a result of this project.
Edgefield County - TITAN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CO. INC. - $250,000.00 Rural development funds will be used to increase sales and marketing of locally grown peaches. Specifically, the main goal of the project is to increase value-added fresh peach packaging in a gusseted bag to increase sales and expand its market share. It is expected that as a result of this project, seven new seasonal jobs will be created and market will expand to new grocery store chains located in the geographic area of the Southeast.
Edgefield County - HICK-ORY HILL MILK LLC - Rural Development funds will be used to increase sales and distribution of the locally produced pasteurized milk to elementary, secondary , and higher education institutions in South Carolina. Specifically, funds will be used to launch processing of milk in five-gallon plastic bags, implement sales program and develop marketing material to grow Hickory Hill’s brand awareness in schools and institutions. It is expected that this project will create 1.5 new jobs and expend customers base from 121 to 198 institutional customers.
Saluda County – JER-ROLD A. AND SONS - $250,000.00 Rural Development funds will assist in funding various activities for the expansion of organic yellow straightneck squash to new customers in South Carolina. Grant funds will be used to offset the cost of packaging, supporting non-production labor expenses, and offsetting operational expenses only for the yellow squash. It is expected that this project will create one new job and save three existing jobs.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/sc.
Homecoming
LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW - Little Caylie Berry looks out the window as her family drives down Main Street.
Trotter Billboard on South Main Street (Photos by Tavy Thompson Bartley)
Caylie Comes Home
Family and friends joined together on Main Street, Saluda, Sat., Oct. 8, to welcome home 9-month-old Caylie Berry and her family. For the past five months Caylie has been receiving cancer treatment at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis. Last week, Caylie’s parents, Kayla Smith and Scott Berry, got the devastating news Caylie’s cancer had spread and there was nothing more the doctors could do. The family packed up and came home, where Caylie will be surounded by love and prayers.
M.S.M. Program
Catching on at Lander
Story by Jeff Lagrone
A year after the establishment of its new Master of Science in Management degree, Lander University’s College of Business has its first four graduates of the program.
The M.S.M is a specialized program offering in-depth managerial skills, unlike broader, more general master’s in business administration programs. It’s proving to be a popular degree at Lander.
Dr. Michael Brizek, interim dean of the College of Business, singled out several reasons for the popularity of the program. Students like the idea of being able to earn a quality master’s degree in management in a year, he said. He added, however, that students can also take up to six years to complete the program, if they wish.
The ability to enter the program despite having an undergraduate degree in a field other than business is also attractive to students. Only one prerequisite is required of such students, B.A. 600, which provides what Brizek calls an “advanced overview of business fundamentals.”
It’s also possible for students to gain admittance to the program despite not having taken the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). In such instances, as long as students earn at least a 3.2 grade point average on the first nine credit hours of required coursework, and complete those courses within their first two semesters in the program, the GMAT requirement is waived.
The fact that the program is fully online makes it an option for students who have already entered the work force, or who have other responsibilities and commitments, and students pay no more than they would to attend undergraduate classes at Lander.
“It’s quite affordable,” Brizek said, adding that Lander’s accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) confers additional value upon a business degree from Lander.
JUAN HERNANDEZ
The first recipients of the M.S.M. degree were united in their praise of the program. Juan Hernandez, of Saluda, called his experience “amazing. I learned so much in the space of a year, from the R & R Commander program to strategy formulation and implementation. The M.S.M degree also helped me expand my knowledge in quality and supply chain management.”
Meg LaCombe, of Beaufort, Sarah Prince, of Forsyth County, Ga.,Amanda Fallaw, of Ninety Six, were the other graduates.
Applications are still being accepted for Lander’s M.S.M. program. Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Application forms may be requested by writing the Office of Admissions, Lander University, Greenwood, SC 29649; by phoning 1-888-452-6337; or by emailing admissions@ lander.edu.
Extension Offices
Reopening Soon
Clemson, S.C. – The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service announced plans to reopen its county offices during a recent townhall meeting led by director Dr. Thomas Dobbins.
The plan calls for all Clemson Extension employees to be tested for COVID-19 and for county offices to be reopened based on weekly infection rates in each county as reported by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“Clemson Extension is in the business of imparting science-based information to the citizens of South Carolina, and science will determine our decisions on reopening offices. Our number one priority is to keep our clients and staff safe and healthy,” Dobbins emphasized.
Clemson Extension closed all 46 county offices on March 18 and agents were instructed to visit clients only on an as-needed basis and with supervisor approval. In-person visits followed all protocols set by public health officials, including social distancing and mask wearing. The modified operations also included virtual meetings and program delivery.
Offices will reopen in stages based on SCDHEC county-by-county data on two-week cumulative incidence rate, trend in incidence rate and two-week percent positive rate:
· High Disease Activity Level: Office will remain closed to staff, public and volunteers.
· Medium Disease Activity Level: Office will remain closed to public and volunteers; no in-person office meetings or program hosting; office will be staffed on a staggered rotation.
· Low Disease Activity Level: Office will reopen to the public with some constraints.
“Extension personnel have not stopped serving the citizens of South Carolina since we began modified operations back in March,” Dobbins said. “Our impact data shows that we have done an outstanding job of staying connected to our stakeholders to continue delivering vital information and education.”
Home Values
County’s Home
Values Rise
A new study from financial technology com-pany SmartAsset has found the places in South Carolina where home values have risen the most.
The home value rankings are one factor in a three part study on the places receiving the most value for their property taxes. The analysis measures the change in home values in each county throughout a five-year period.
For a look at the places in South Carolina where home values have risen the most, check out the table below:
For additional information on the rankings, including the methodology and interactive map, check here: https://smartasset.com/taxes/south-carolina-property-tax-calculator#us/growth
CARES Business Loans May Be Available
Businesses which were temporarily forced to close, experienced loss of revenue or were otherwise negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic might be eligible for business loans from the new Upper Savannah CARES Revolving Loan Fund (CARES RLF). Also, businesses whose products or services are in high demand due to the pandemic could be eligible.
The lending area includes Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided $1.5 billion to the EDA for economic development assistance programs to “help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” As part of the CARES Act, funding was provided to expand Upper Savannah’s RLF capacity.
The total available in the new CARES RLF is $760,000.
Working capital loans of up to $50,000 are available at terms of up to five years at a 1 percent fixed rate. Real estate and equipment loans of up to $100,000 are available at terms of up to 15 years at a 2.5 percent fixed rate. This is not a forgivable loan.
“We are very fortunate to be able to receive these new CARES Act RLF funds on behalf of our Upper Savannah region,” said Upper Savannah Assistant Director Sam Leaman, who administers the loans.
“These funds will not only help businesses survive the economic fallout from this pandemic but provide economic resiliency going forward,” he said.
Leaman has operated the original RLF since it was created 32 years ago to be an alternative funding source available to start-up and expanding businesses in the Upper Savannah Council of Governments region of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Saluda counties. In 2015, Newberry and Lexington counties were added to the eligible list of counties.
Generally, this program is designed to fill the gap between the financing available from traditional private sector sources (i.e. bank loans and equity) and the total financing need. To be eligible, these projects must result in the creation of permanent jobs and leverage private sector investment. This RLF continues to operate and has funds available but at less attractive terms.
The new CARES RLF is available to businesses partially or completely closed by local or state officials to stop the spread of the coronavirus such as restaurants, certain retail stores, personal services, etc.
Loans are also available to businesses forced to close or curtail operations due to employees testing positive for the coronavirus.
Businesses experiencing loss of revenue due to the general economic downturn or logistical problems are also eligible as well as those negatively impacted by other factors linked to the pandemic.
Businesses whose products or services are in high demand due to the virus will also be targeted for lending. For example, there are businesses in the Upper Savannah Region that manufacture medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, and components for medical equipment.
Borrowers, lenders and others interested in helping small businesses are encouraged to call Leaman at 864-941-8056 for more information.
Going The Distance For Caylie
5K, 10K, 13.1, & 26.2 event on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at the Saluda Park. Donate & run/walk! This is not an official race. It will not be timed. We are running/walking in honor of this sweet little girl, Caylie, who is fighting cancer. ALL PROCEEDS will go to help her & her family (Kayla Leigh Smith & Scott Berry). Caylie is 9 months old and has been fighting since she was 4 1/2 months old. She is an Embryonal Tumor Fighter!
Please contact Susan Stevens Berry or Debbie Kirkland for more information and to get an application/registered.