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.
Wreck Takes Life
Ninety Six Man Dies
Of Accident Injuries
A Ninety Six man died two days after a crash in Saluda County, authorities report.
Lafayette Robinson, 73, died Wednesday after a motor vehicle collision on Monday, September 21st, according to Saluda County Coroner’s Office chief investigator Angie Rita.
The wreck happened at approximately 5:58 a.m. Monday along Old Charleston Road near Cliff Road, which is 8 miles west of Saluda.
According to SC Highway Patrol, a westbound 2015 Dodge Ram crossed the centerline, striking a 2017 Ford F-450 that was heading east. The Dodge Ram then went off the left side of the road and struck a tree.
Mr. Robinson, who was driving the Dodge Ram, was mechanically extricated from the vehicle, and taken to the hospital by Saluda County EMS, where he died two days later. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
An autopsy was performed with results pending. The SC Highway Patrol and Saluda County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate.
WE HAVE MOVED
With the sale of the building the Standard-Sentinel has occupied the last five years, our office has moved to a new location.
This move and COVID-19 is bringing about a major change in how the newspaper operates. The new location will be for inserting and mailing the paper only. The building is currently not open to the public. There will be no phone, fax or internet service. We are also changing our deadline for all items, including classifieds, to Friday.
Jackie Kidd and Ralph Shealy will do the newspaper work from their respective homes. A drop box for news, ads and renewals will be set up at a site, yet to be determined,
Please email information to sentinel@saludasc. com, or mail to Saluda Standard-Sentinel, P.O. 668, Saluda, SC 29138.
To contact by phone, call 864 445-8631.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We hope to be more organized in the days ahead.
Postponement of Gentry
Golf Tournament
The 2020 Larry E. Gentry Memorial Golf Tournament usually played the first Sunday in October, has been postponed for this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Matt Gentry stated that unfortunately, this is the first time in 23 years that the tournament has not been held, but we feel that the health and well-being of everyone associated with this event is most important. While the tournament may not be played this year, the Memorial Scholarship will still be awarded this spring. This is made possible due to the generosity of supporters over the last 23 years.
Thank you to the players, supporters and friends in Saluda that have helped make this so successful. We look forward to seeing everyone in the fall of 2021.
689 County COVID
Cases, 19 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 689, with 19 deaths.
The county is classified as low incidence with a rate of 83 per 100,000. Last week, the figure was 298 cases per 100,000 with a moderatel;y high incidence rating.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 3873; Edgefield - 791; Greenwood -2156; Lexington - 7019; Newberry -1210.
Sun., Sept. 27, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 569 new confirmed cases and 16 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 3 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 141,909, probable cases to 3,978, confirmed deaths to 3,144, and 182 probable deaths.
2020-2021 Millage
THE FARMERS TO FAMILIES PROGRAM was a tremendous experience for Saluda County Schools, when over 30,000 pounds of produce were delivered to all students and faculty of the district at no cost for two straight weeks. (District photos)
Council Approves Millage
Saluda County Council approved the school and county millage Mon., Sept 14.
The total county millage is 158.9, while Saluda County Schools millage is 194.3.
The consideration to accept a line of credit letter for American Land Holdings, LLC, in reference to Palmetto Pointe Subdivision and allow American Land Holdings, LLC, to release a $3 million bond died for lack of a second.
Council members were concerned that pavement in the new development was already cracking, and the roads would eventually be turned over to Saluda County.
Chairman Jerry Strawbridge’s appointment of Hugh Coates and reappointment of Jill Altman to the Library Board were approved.
Prayers For Our Nation
40 DAYS BEFORE THE ELECTION
A Saluda Community Prayer Event
Saturday, September 26, 10:00AM
Mount Pleasant grassed area under the pecan trees
101 N. Calhoun St,. Saluda
Bring your own chair
For the safety of all, please wear a face mask and maintain 6 feet between yourself and others not living in your household.
Area pastors will offer prayers for our nation. Others are invited to offer prayers as well.
No political speeches please.
669 County COVID
Cases, 18 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 669, with 18 deaths.
The county is classified as moderately high incidence with a rate of 298 per 100,000, Last week, the figure was 508 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 2414; Edgefield - 526; Greenwood - 2105; Lexington - 6511; Newberry -1144.
Sun., Sept. 20, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 420 new confirmed cases and 30 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 13 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 134,494, probable cases to 3,214, confirmed deaths to 3,028, and 171 probable deaths.
Virtual Court
County Holds
Virtual Court
Saluda County held it first General Sessions Court last week.
All activities were centered in the Courthouse, but the judge remained in his chambers, the probation personnel in their office, while the defendants came to the courtroom and reacted to proceedings on laptops.
Clerk of Court Sheri Coleman said the set-up worked, but she doesn’t know how the county can hold a jury trial in the near future, because of social distancing.
Following are the sentences on guilty pleas:
Oreakie Rashawn Dukes, drugs, manufacturing meth, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed six years, suspended to timed served and three years probation. Benjamin Arnold Stephen Dorn, adulterate urine or bodily fluid sample to default drug or alcohol test, 1st offense, 45 days.
Charles Lamount Long, assault & battery 2nd degree, two years, suspended to four days time served, six years probation; resisting arrest, four days. Brandi Shanea Bryson, unlawful carrying of a pistol, three days.
Willie Dewayne Dublin, use of a vehicle without owner’s permission for temporary purposes only, 69 days. Rebecca Deanne Garrett, possession of other controlled substances, five days.
Ubaldo Ramirez, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, time served. Seratone Leyoa Jr., use of a vehicle without owner’s permission for temporary purposes only, 84 days.
Mark Lane Mathias, DUI 1st, 30 days. Oscar Lee Daniels Jr., domestic violence 2nd degreee, three years, upon service of 13 days, suspended to two years probation.
Joseph Peter Harmon, domestic violence 1st degree, seven years, credit for 432 days times served. David Lawrence Coleman Jr., trespassing, 30 days. Mary Ann Tyler, possession of a controlled substance, one day.
Markavies Lintre Bonds, unlawful carrying of a pistol, three days. Phoebe Fayell Norris, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, three days.
Thomas Junior Tolen, possession of crack cocaine, 1st offense, two days. Shaquille Oneal Goodlett, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, three years, suspended to two days and three years probation.
David Deaun Smith, shoplifting $2000 or less, five years, suspended to 129 days time served and five years probation. Artis D’Lante A Jene McGraw Foster, simple possession of marijuana, 30 days, suspended to two days time served.
Brian Maxie Rhodes possession of controlled substance in Sched. I to V, 1st offense, 90 days, suspended to seven days times served. Albert Nole Mosley, failure to stop for a blue light, 90 days, suspended to one day times served. Taras Michael Parker, DUI 1st, 30 days.
Friends Continue Tradition
Jasper T. Moon Jr., Leroy Chapman, and Colie Long Jr. enjoying the nice weather on a charter boat in Maryland Chesapeake Bay. The Coronavirus pandemic severely hampered this year’s fishing, including their annual trip to Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, for seabass; however, they were able to get together last week to fellowship and do a litter fishing before the season’s end.
They all were reared in the Hollywood Community of Saluda, South Carolina, starting their education at Hollywood Elementary/Middle School. Chapman left Saluda in 1961 for Washington, DC, finding employment with the Department of the Navy. Moon went into the military in 1963, traveling to many states and foreign countries while serving in the United States Army, including the Republic of Vietnam, and ending his career in Washington, DC. Long left Saluda in 1964, joining Chapman at the Department of the Navy. Although Moon’s path took him in different directions, the trio stayed in contact with each other before reuniting in the Washington area.
Chapman and Moon still subscribe to the Saluda Standard Sentinel for hometown information. They all agree that the values they learned while growing up in Saluda propelled them to the pinnacle of life they now enjoy.