King Names New Official

Zach Matthews Named New
Head Of School at King Academy

  The W. W. King Academy Board of Directors is pleased to announce Zach Matthews as the new Head of School.
  Coach Matthews is a graduate of WKA and has been a teacher and coach for the past 12 years. He will manage the students and faculty and oversee academic planning, while continuing to be the head coach of varsity football and baseball.
  He is married to Bonnie Sawyer Matthews and has two children Lillian Claire (7) and Cabaniss (4), and is the son of Jody and Sharon Matthews.
   Coach Matthews states, “King Academy has been my home for the last 20 years, and I look forward to continuing to see it grow and prosper. The King family is a close group to be a part of, and I’m thankful and humble for the opportunity of this role.”
  Mr. Dennis Gibson will remain at King Academy as Assistant Head of School and Chief Business Officer. Mr. Gibson will continue to oversee budgeting and financial management, accreditation, buildings and grounds, and risk management. He will also help teach, coach, and work alongside Coach Matthews in an advisory role to help facilitate the transition.
  Mrs. Bobbye Buzhardt will also continue in her role as Assistant Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Her role will remain the same as it has in previous years as she continues to work closely with Mr. Gibson and Coach Matthews.

Outstanding Members - Left to right,   Cody Clary, Alexis Gunter, Kelly Wertz, Quinten Miller

Honorary Degree Recipients - Left to right, Kim Porter, Dr Joel Riley, Tammie Shore

Saluda FFA Celebrates Successful Year

  The Saluda High School FFA Chapter held its annual Awards and Recognition Banquet on May 23rd  to celebrate a successful year in Agricultural Education.
  Chapter President Cody Clary presided at the event which was highlighted by dinner catered by Riley’s on Main/Asbills Catering. 
  State FFA Vice President Jessie Comer from York was the keynote speaker for the occasion.
  Other special guests in attendance included State Superintendent of Education Mrs. Molly M. Spearman, Senator Shane Massey, Representative Cal Forest, Saluda District School Board members Dr Kathy Coleman and Sharon Holloway and Mrs. Sarah Longshore, principal at Saluda High School.
  Honorary FFA Chapter Degrees were awarded to Dr. Joel Riley, HES Principal Mrs. Tammie Shore, and FFA parent Mrs. Kim Porter.  This is the highest honor a local chapter can bestow upon a friend or supporter of the FFA.
  First Year Agricultural Education student Quinten Miller was recipient of the Star Greenhand Award. Kelly Wertz was recognized as the Outstanding Sophomore member. Alexis Gunter was named the Outstanding Junior member and Cody Clary received the Outstanding Senior Award.
  New officers elected for the 2019-20 school year include: Alexis Gunter, president; Ximena Sorcia, vice president; Kelly Wertz, secretary; Quinten Miller, treasurer; Harley Cochran, reporter; and Mason Haynie, sentinel.
  Amanda N. Crouch, Agricultural Education instructor at Saluda High School, serves as the FFA advisor.
  The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education.

Saluda Included
In RIA Grants

 COLUMBIA, S.C.- The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant assistance for 26 communities, totaling more than $12 million, to strengthen water, sewer and storm water infrastructure.
  This brings the number of projects awarded to 54 in Fiscal Year 2019, totaling $25.7 million.
  Included in the grant is $500,000 for the Saluda Commission of Public Works for sewer improvement.
  Access to adequate water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure is critical to supporting South Carolina’s quality of life, as well as opening doors for economic development. Our state is growing in population, business investment and jobs.
  RIA grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, and economic development.

2019 Graduates

Saluda High School Class of 2019

Richard Garnett Abney; Alondra Acevedo-Castillo; Alexandria Nicole Addy; Octavio Alcudia-Lara; Beatriz Alfaro; Lucas Young Allen; Jahdiel Anzaldo; Shakedra Carrianna Atchison; Matthew Theron Bailey; Braxtyn Leanne Bedenbaugh; Yissel Bello-Bravo; Samantha Benitez; Adam Michael Black; Maggie Lee Black; Charles Tyrese Bosket; Kaniya Aiyonna Bosket; Deondre Juian Breeden; Sean Blaize Bryan; Kentavious Deandre Burton; Austin William Byars; Cameron Scott Campbell; Alejandro Cardenas Perez; Mardajah Danijaih Carroll; Carlos Eduardo Castro-Gomez; Bailey Ann Chariker; Melissa Marie Charlton; Tyreke Jaquan Chinn; Cody Alex Clary; Danaria Isiahana Cleveland; Andrea Samantha Coates; Alexa Brielle Coleman; Jylir Naheim Coleman; Grace Delaney Collins; Laquanda Monique Cooper; Justin Warren Corley; Macy Rebecca Crawford; Ryan Cruz-Hernandez; Nyasia Keirra Culbreath; Tridarrious Dayquion Davis; Elizabeth Nicole Dickenson; Victoria Condra Dorsey; Elizabeth Sara Easler; Richard Cale Enlow; Tifany Montserrat Ensaldo-Martinez; Willisha Nechelle Etheredge; Reagan Nicole Fingerlin; Moises Joban Flores; Johnson David Forrest; Henri Garcia-Gonzalez; Davontai Kordell Geiger; David Coleman Gentry Jr.;  Laura Lilia Gonzalez; Kendaisha Ja’shae Graham; Kendarius Wycoby Graham; Marasia Daunia Graham; Tamia Brentisah Graham; Kristine Elizabeth Griffith; Savanna Bentleigh Grooms; Noah James Hallman; Simon Lavor Alexander Hammond Jr.; Raquon Denasja Hartley; Kaylyn Aliene Herlong; Machelle Herrera; Terriauna Sha’nia Hill; Corby Ted Hite; Kylee Breanna Howard; Cody Dalton Hyler; Miriam Shealy Joaquin; Ziah Nasia Johnson; Mark Jones Jr.; Rakeem Damarcus Jones; Jennifer Gisselle Jurado; Araceli; Lezama de Jesus; Arelly Licea; Shaquayla Kentaria Long; Tayuna Sharla Long; Clara Lopez; Francisco Lopez; Charissma Quen’taja Lott; Tyasia Cotia Deniquewa Lott; Anthony Tanner Maroney; Courtney-Anne Skye Martin; Joseph Isaiah McGrath; Trey Daniel McGraw; Luis Fernando Meza; Jalen Antwan Minick; Kinkayla Gloria Celic Mitchell; Izzabella Snow Molina; Tanner Wade Norris; Mario Alberto Ortiz; Charity JoNessa Ouzts; Uriel Pacheco-Contreras; Chandler Rylee Palmer; Austin Pegueros-Rosas; Kelvin Perez-Vasquez; Matthew David Perry; Edwin Porras-Zamorano; Makayla Paige Porter; Rachel Alice Porter; Alexandra Jasmin Portes; India Savannah Posey; Ethan Matthew Powell; Kiara Brooklyn Christella Pratt; Shawn Kahlil Pridgen; Mary Claire Pugh; Jose Ramos-Garcia; Cody Thomas Reames; Mardy Edward Reed Jr.; Johnathan Ernesto Riggs; Drake Davis Riley; Grey Duffie Riley; Ce’quorious Isharrd J Robinson; Curdarios Tiqun Robinson; Erin McKenzie Rodgers; Kelby Lane Rodgers; Johnathan Rodriguez; Andrea Rodriguez-Alonso; Ansley Michele Rollins; Brianna Lynn Rowe; Carlos Salazar-Juan; Jackson Frederick Sample; Natalie Alexis Sawyer; Tribaiouz Rentrell Scruggs; Jazus Tashea Shepherd; Jacob Lee Shore; Aniyah Deiondra Smith; James Coy Smith; Malik DeAndre Smith; O’Syruis Ra’kim Springs; Jeremiah Jarell Stevens; Ashley Faye Storey; Jorge Luis Tapia; James Forest Therrell; Elijah Solomon Turner; William Edward Turner; Martha Susanna Vasquez-Molina; Latavia Renay Watson; Kerry Amelia Way; Jessica Sierra Whitfield; Altrivis Taeshown Williams; Cordillia; Donesha Taylor Williams; Makayla Alivia Williams; Francisco Yepez.

W. Wyman King Academy Class of 2019

King Academy graduation was held May 24, 2019. Coach David Mote delivered the commencement address. The Baccalaureate Service was held May 19, 2019.  Pastor Dow Welsh delivered the message. Pictured top to bottom are *River Guy (Class Speaker), *Wilson Parrish (Salutatorian), Bryan Doolittle, *Reagan Pugh, Isaiah Brock, Grady Williamson, *Sydney Sanders, *Alex Mitchell, *Gracelyn Metts (Valedictorian), *Jodie Holsonback, and *Meredith Welsh. (*Indicates Honor Graduates)

American Land Holdings Announces New Lake
Murray Waterfront Community in Saluda County

  American Land Holdings (ALH), a leading wholesale recreational waterfront development company based out of Charlottesville, VA, is pleased to announce the acquisition and development of 125 acres of Lake Murray waterfront property in Saluda County, SC.
  Palmetto Pointe, the approved 120 lake lot community, provides approximately 2 miles of pristine waterfront shoreline and 70 approved docks, permitted by Dominion Energy (formerly SCE&G).
  The Palmetto Pointe real estate development plan as presented to Saluda County is a private amenities-based waterfront community. “Palmetto Pointe will be the first new substantial recreational waterfront development on Lake Murray in over a decade. ALH will supply new home inventory on Lake Murray with a full-service waterfront development for both primary residential customers, as well as second home recreational customers. We look forward to offering this new community to the public this fall of 2019,” said Dean Sinatra, Principal at American Land Holdings.
  Encompassing 50,000 acres across four counties in central South Carolina, Lake Murray is a very popular, recreational destination. Sinatra anticipates a quick sell out based on high demand for Lake Murray property. Sinatra further commented, “Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality waterfront communities that are highly unique, situated in a great location, and provide great value for our customers. The Palmetto Pointe property on Lake Murray exceeds all of our expectations. We’re very appreciative of Saluda County’s support and excited to work alongside Saluda County in our continued investment in its economic growth plan going forward.”
  “We’re definitely excited about it,” said Derrick Jones, council chairman for Saluda County. “Lake Murray is the jewel of Saluda County. It’s a great recreational lake, and the property along it is a quiet, relaxing place to live. We look forward to welcoming our new neighbors in the county.”
  Given the high demand, American Land Holdings will offer pre-sale reservations for this special property prior to the fall 2019 pre-construction grand opening. Those interested are encouraged to visit www.thepalmettopointe.com/pr for details as the project progresses.

May 2019 Court

Only One Jury Trial
In Recent Court Term

  Only one jury trial took play during the recent term of Saluda County General Sessions Court.
  Johnny Tyler Padgett was found guilt of failure to stop for a blue light, and was sentenced to six months.
  Judge Walton M. McLeod IV handed out the following sentences on guilty pleas:
  Michael Ryan Barr, assault and battery 3rd degree, three days and $100. Acey T. Beebe, possession of less than one gram of meth 1st, six months, concurrent with other sentence.
  Kayla Dawn Black, simple possession of marijuana, three days and $100. Donovan Tirrell Brannon, resisting arrest, one year, credit for time served; trafficking meth, five years; unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year.
  Quinton Vernard Brown, possession of controlled substance, two days and $100. Daniel Bryan Chapman, domestic violence 3rd degree, time served.
  Kristie Katrina Coleman, abandonment of animals, one day. Carlton Maurice Dicks, failure to stop for a blue light, three years, suspended to two days, and three years probation.
  Madison Elaine Dunbar, burglary 2nd degree, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed five years; burglary 3rd degree (two counts),  YOA not to exceed five years. Austin Cruz Farley, burglary 3rd, 10 years, upon service of 87 days, suspended to five years probation; burglary 2nd (non-violent), 10 years, upon service of 87 days, suspended to five years probation.
  Kwamez Fitzgerald Gilliam, shoplifting $2000 or less, time served. Andrew Thomas Goff, receiving stolen goods, three years, suspended to time served, and three years probation.
  Victor Guzman, possession of cocaine, time served. Manuel Herrera, possession with intent to distribute near a school, YOA not to exceed six years, suspended to four days, and three years probation.
  Craig Holland,  possession with intent to distribute cocaine 2nd offense, 10 years, suspended to three days, and  three years probation; DUI 1st, three days. Garrett Brooks Jones, simple possession of marijuana, three days and $100.
  Eric William Kirkland, breach of peace, aggravated in nature, 10 years, suspended to 614 days time served, four years probation. Robert Brandon Manus Knight, possession of over one ounces of marijuana, six moths, suspended to eight days, and one year probation.
  Thomas Alexander Layne, simple possession of marijuana, three days and $100. Troy Avery McKevie, failure to stop for a bluelight, $200, time served, two years probation.
  Robert Harry Martin, breach of trust with fraudulent intent $2000 or less, 30 days, suspended to time served,  and five years probation. Airston Josiah Mobley, failure to stop for a blue light, YOA  not to exceed three years, suspended to time served and three years probation.
  Emily Kristin Moore, possession of controlled substance, one day. Jeremy Devon  Rauch, public disorderly conduct, one day.
  James Randall Scott, domestic violence 3rd degree, time served. Earl Eugene Valentine Jr., pointing and presenting a firearm, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to two days, and four years probation.
  Martin Conteras Vasquez, domestic violence 3rd degree, 50 days time served. William Porter Vereen, assault & battery 3rd degree, three days.
  Adrain Jerome Washington II, possession of controlled substance, two days and $200. Daniel Paul Whitaker II, unlawful carrying of a pistol, one years, suspended to three days, and 18 months probation.
  Garricus Quintavius Williams, resisting arrest, one year, suspended to eight days, and one year probation; unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year, suspended to eight days, and one year probation.

2019 Palmetto Girls State Delegates and Alternate

  The Saluda Unit 65 of the American Legion Auxiliary is pleased to announce the delegates and alternate for the73rd session of the Palmetto Girls State to be held at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.  To be selected for Girls State each county reviews and sends outstanding high school juniors based on the following qualifications:  leadership, interest in government, character, honesty, scholarship, cooperativeness, and eagerness to participate in PGS.  
  We will again be well represented by the following:  From King Academy, Reaghan Turner, daughter of Anissa and Andy Turner; From Saluda High School, Jordan Black, daughter  of Susan and Brad Black; Zoe Horne, daughter of Bruce and Sheila Horne; and Kari Leigh Miller, daughter of Sherri and Scot Miller.  Trinity Logue, daughter of Sydney Forrest, is our alternate.
  Kari Leigh Miller is the winner of the Americanism essay contest.
  The Girls State program is one of the most vital programs for our youth as it provides young women the opportunity to learn and experience government in action.  It emphasizes the democratic process and the principles of God and country.  At Girls State our representatives will be challenged to return to their schools and community and exercise their leadership potentials. 
  The Saluda American Legion Auxiliary would like to thank the following donors who helped the Auxiliary to send these delegates:   Amick Farm; Gentry Poultry; C B Forrest and Sons;  Cromley Motor Co; Hollywood Ruritan Club; Representative Cal Forrest; Senator Shane Massey; South Carolina Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman;  Saluda County Retired Teachers; The Added Touch and other individual anonymous donors.

Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale Is
May 31-June 1

  Believe it or not the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is only days away.
  Twelve years ago all the small towns along Highway 23: Batesburg, Leesville, Monetta, Ridge Spring, Ward, Johnston, Edgefield, and Modoc got together to create a 44 mile yard sale that takes place in each of the towns and some areas along the  way on the first Friday and Saturday in June. This year, however, it starts the last day in May.
  The yard sale has grown each year and brings lots of folks from everywhere.
  Make your plans for Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, and join us in any of the towns along the Highway 23, or maybe, like some, start at the beginning and travel the 44 miles to its end. Join us in our annual fun event and “Rummage the Ridge”. For information, call 803 685-7810, 803 275-0010 or 803 532-4339.