18 Year Sentence

Leesville Man Sentenced To
18 Years In Prison For
Trafficking Methamphetamine

  Brandy O’Neal Harris, a 32-year-old Leesville man, pled guilty to two counts of trafficking methamphetamine recently, for charges in Lexington County and Saluda County.  
  Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod, IV, accepted the guilty plea and sentenced Harris to eighteen (18) years on both trafficking charges to be served concurrently.  Under South Carolina law, trafficking methamphetamine is classified as a violent, serious, and “no parole” offense.  
  This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Kelly Oppenheimer and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Enforcement Team.
  On October 13, 2022, an officer with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department was running routine patrol on Lee Street in the Leesville area of Lexington County when he observed Harris driving his vehicle with an expired tag. A traffic stop was conducted and Harris gave consent to search his vehicle. During the search of his vehicle, the officer found 137 grams of methamphetamine concealed in a bag of barbeque chips in the passenger area of the vehicle. Defendant was the sole occupant of the vehicle. After Harris was provided with his Miranda warnings, he did admit to the substance found in his car as being methamphetamine and admitted that it was his.
  Agents with Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Enforcement Team became involved in this case. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Harris was a key player in illegal narcotics ending up in the streets of Lexington County, Saluda County, and other surrounding counties. The investigation also revealed that Harris would acquire his drugs from out of state.
  Harris resided in the Leesville area of Saluda County at the time of his arrest. Agents worked with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office to execute a lawful search warrant on Harris’ home. During the search, officers found the remainder of Harris’s stash of methamphetamine as well as several grams of fentanyl and various weapons.  
  In South Carolina, any quantity over 100 grams of methamphetamine is classified as trafficking. Harris has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to serve his prison sentence.

Saturday, May 6
Ridge Spring Fire Station
Food being served at 5 and auction at 6:30

Saluda County Churches Holding

Fundraiser for Local Needs

  Matthew 25: 40 - And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.
  Operation-in-as Much focuses on local needs.
  It is a fact that the students at Hollywood Elementary School need to have an up-to-date library.   The current collection has an average date of 2001.
  This school year the library in this rural Saluda school received a mere $1800 to update their collection of books.  With an enrollment of around 420 students that rounds out to roughly $4.40 per student.  One library book can easily cost 3 to 4 times that much.  
  If you visit Christ Central in downtown Saluda, you will find many of our local families looking for food assistance. The numbers have increased by 15% because of a reduction in federal assistance since the end of the COVID crisis.
  One of our own county residents is fighting for her life because of the colon cancer that has invaded her body. Jana Abney has great medical needs that are not covered by insurance. Her go fund me page indicates a need for $50,000. She has had four major surgeries as well as chemo and radiation treatments.
  The parish of Corinth and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is sponsoring a hamburger lunch sale and rummage sale to raise funds for the Hollywood Library, Christ Central and Jana Abney.
  The sale will be held at the Hollywood Ruritan on Saturday, May 6, 2022 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 pm. The hamburger meal, which includes a charcoal grilled burger, chips and a soft drink begins at 10:00 a.m. and will also run until 1:00 p.m. The meal is $10.00.
  If your tastes run more to the sweet side, there will be baked goods for sale as well as, a raffle for some of the parish member’s famous cakes.
  The Hollywood Ruritan is located at 1274 Hollywood Road in Saluda County.
  All proceeds will go to the selected charities.
  For additional information contact Ron White 803 5328216

Donation to SNC

Charlie Foundation Contribution

On April 18th, representatives from The Charlie Foundation, Ann Coker and Charlyn Staubes, presented a check to Saluda Nursing and Rehab Center. Dayna Bledsoe (Administrator), and Chris Braswell (Director of IT) were present to accept the check. This donation will purchase a new security camera system for the facility, helping Saluda Nursing and Rehab provide peace of mind to residents and their families.  Pictured, left to right: Chris Braswell, Ann Hancock Coker, Charlyn Hancock Staubes, Dayna Bledsoe(Photo by Kerri Ridlehoover)

School Board Summary

 The Saluda County School District Board of Trustees met at Hollywood Elementary School Cafeteria April 17, 2023.
  Dr. Kathy Coleman called the meeting to order. Mr. James Holloway gave the invocation. The agenda was approved. The minutes from March 21 and March 30, 2023 were approved. Dr. Kathy Coleman, Chairperson; Dr. Arlene S. Puryear, Secretary; Ms. Sharon Williams Holloway, Mr. Jeffrey Jordan, Mr. James Holloway, Ms. Cecelia Yonce, and Dr. Harvey H. Livingston III, Superintendent were all in attendance.
  Student Recognitions - Dr. Livingston and the School Board recognized the following HOSA Convention Winners: 1st Place in Health Education – Zyannah Adams, Mya Chapman and Carmellia Matthews. 4th Place in Creative Problem Solving – Aidaris castro, Isabel Garcia, Asusena Montes, Nirel Rodriguez.
  Dr. Livingston and the School Board, along with Principal Thomas recognized Hunter Price for 1st Place in the Sophomore Division of the Braille Challenge.
  Dr. Livingston and the School Board, along with Principal Deloach and Principal Thomas recognized the District Spelling Bee Winners: 3rd Grade - Natalie Jordan, 4th Grade – Paisley Clayton, 5th Grade – Ja’Marion Williams, District Runner Up – Emma Dorn, District Overall Winner – Booklyn Lewis.
  Naming of the new Elementary School - Mr. Holloway gave comments on the history of Riverside Middle School then made a motion for the new Elementary School to be named Riverside Elementary School. The motion failed by a vote of 2-4.
  Mr. Jordan made a motion for the new Elementary School to be named Saluda Elementary School. The motion passed to a 4-1 vote, with 1 member abstaining.
  1st Reading of SCSBA Policies - The Board approved the 1st Reading of the following policies:
  •30-Minute Unencumbered Break for Teachers
  •JQ: Student Fees, Fines, and Charges
Dr. Livingston informed the Board of the Administrative Rule of EF-R: Food Service Student Accounts.
  Field Trips - The following field trips were approved:
  •SHS HOSA Overnight Field Trip
  •SMS Band Field Trip to Carowinds
  •SHS Band Field trip to Carowinds
  2nd Reading of Budget - The 2nd Reading of the Budget is postponed to a Special
Called Board meeting to allow Dr. Livingston and Ms. Setzer to make to necessary changes to balance the Budget.
  Teacher Contracts- The Board approved 4 Teacher Contracts and 13 Administrative Contracts.
  Budget Update- Mrs. Setzer informed the Board we have received around $228,000 in interest on our investment accounts this year.
  Superintendent’s Update
  •We had a great first day back from Spring Break and we are now in the 33 day sprint to the end of the year finish line.
  •Special Olympics was awesome. Thank you to all those involved making it happen.
  •Our spring sports team are finishing up region competition, then on to prepare for the state play-offs.
  •Congratulations to Saluda High School’s Katie Altman for being named a Boeing Scholarship recipient. The state winners will be honored at the State House tomorrow by the governor.
  •Graduation is Saturday, June 3 at 9:00 A.M. at Herlong Stadium. We are proud to announce that former Saluda High School graduate United States Marine Corps 1st lieutenant Curt Berry will be our guest speaker. Lieutenant Berry currently serves in Beaufort as a Naval pilot.

First Farm Festival

Farmers Festival This Weekend

  The 1st Annual Saluda County Farmers Festival will be held April 20-23rd, 2023 Saluda Young Farmers Tractor Pull site on the Batesburg Hwy.
  Featured will be a car show, rides, vendors, music, and more!
  The Festival ageant was held on April 8, 2023
The dates & Times are as follows:
  20 - 5:00 pm-10:00 pm
  21 - 5:00pm-11:00 pm
  22 - 10:00am-11:00 pm
  23 - 1:00 pm-8:00 pm
  Entertainers include: Emma Rodgers; Justin Proctor and Zac Thomas; Bluegrass and Company; Brendon Robert Band; Trevor Hewitt Band.
  A benefit concert on Saturday will run from 10 a..m,-11 p.m., featuring Trevor Hewitt, Bluegrass & Company, Robbie Cockrell, Southern Properly, and Randy Caudle.
  Chad’s Custom Dreams car and bike show will be held on Saturday.
  Got to the Saluda County Chamber of Commerce and Saluda CountyFarmers Festival Facebook pages for more information.

Come join us from 10-3 on April 22!

  Our gathering is a fun, family farm event with local artisans, crafts, and items made from scratch.
  Pick strawberries. Bring your cooler to take home fresh produce, meats, eggs, and milk.
  Get a head start on your spring planting with herbs, flowers, and vegetable plants. Enjoy lunch at the farm, music on the grounds, and demonstrations.
  Activities for the kids, visit the barnyard animals. Please, no pets allowed.
  This is an outside event. Please dress accordingly for weather conditions. Hand sanitizer, restrooms, and washing stations are available at the farm and vendor tables.
  Parking is $5. Most vendors accept debit and credit cards, but be prepared to have cash for some vendors, including food.
  Patchwork Farm LLC, 110 Dairy Lane, Saluda.

Council Solving Infrastructure Problems

  Saluda County Council took steps April 10 to solve an infrastructure problem at the commerce park on the Columbia Highway.
  First reading was given to an ordinance that will allow the reduction of the boundaries of the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority. This will allow the Saluda Commission of Public Works to provide water and sewer to the site.
  The county’s over 100-acre commerce park has no infrastructure at the location and for the county to provide water and sewer it would cost over $1 million. The lack of infrastructure and the SCWASA boundary cost the county a Tractor Supply Store that was going to purchase land in the park.
  The Saluda CPW already provides water to Palmetto Foods, the old Milliken Plant, which is adjacent to the park.
  County Attorney Virginia Boazman said for the action to be completed, a resolution must be passed,  two more readings of the ordinance accomplished and a public hearing advertised and held.
  After approving the first reading, by a vote of 4-1 (Councilman Jack Atkinson opposed), Council approved the required resolution.
  The meeting began with third reading of an ordinance to add animals to the code of ordinances.
  Chairman Jim Moore said the Edgefield animal shelter should be operational by July.
  Council gave first readings to the 2023-22 school and county  budgets.
  The local support portion of the school district’s $25,640,819 budget, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier is $5,500,000  from ad valorem taxes.
  The county’s budget currently stands at $16,462,801, $1,015,030 over projected revenue. Two more readings are required for both budgets.
  Council passed the annual Fair Housing Resolution, and a resolution appointing  Moore to the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority Board.
 The cancellation of a lease/purchase agreement between the County and the Town of Saluda was approved. This dates back to when a call center was supposed to be coming to  a building at 119 N. Main Street. The County bought the building and the Town was going to lease/purchase it. The business fell through, however. The County recently sold the building.
  The $10,900 bid to repair the Courthouse roof was given to Escola Roofing.
  Council approved the transfer of funds from the contingency to balance accounts.
  Michael Manell was appointed to the Economic Development Partnership board of Aiken, Edgefield and Saluda counties.
  At the beginning of the meeting, Moore said the county is attempting to purchase the old Jaycee ballfield on Wheeler Circle, which will allow expansion of the recreation facilities.
  EMS Director Jacob Starnes urged the Council to promote the Prom Promise, which encourages prom attenders not to drink, Moore said.
  He added the county wants to re-establish the Planning Commission.