July 2018 Council Meeting
Final Reading On Sales
Tax Ordinance Postponed
The biggest item on the Saluda County Council agenda at Monday’s meeting was deferred to a later date.
Council was scheduled to hold a public hearing and give third and final reading to an ordinance that would put a referendum on the November ballot to allow citizens to vote on a one percent capital project sales tax.
The ordinance title reads as follows:
“An ordinance to levy and impose a one percent sales and use tax, subject to a referendum in Saluda County pursuant to the Capital Project Sales Tax Act, South Carolina Code annotated section 4-10-300, et seq.; to define the specific purposes and designate the projects for which the proceeds of the tax may be used; to provide the maximum time for the imposition and collection of the tax and the maximum amount of net proceeds to be raised by the tax; to provide for a county-wide referendum and to prescribe the contents of the ballot question in the referendum; to provide conditions precedent to the imposition of the tax and conditions or restrictions on the use of the tax revenue; to establish the priority in which the net proceeds of the tax are to be expended for the purposes and projects stated; to provide for the conduct of the referendum by the Saluda County Voter Registration and Election Commission; to provide for the payment of the tax; to provide for the issuance of bonds, in one or more series, tax-exempt or taxable, in an amount not to exceed the aggregate of $10,900,000; authorizing the county administrator to prescribe the form and details of the bonds; providing for the payment of the bonds and pledge of revenues related to the bonds; providing otherwise for the disposition of the proceeds of the bonds; providing for borrowing in anticipation of the issuance of the bonds; providing for the disposition of property related to the bonds; and other related matters.”
Council chairman Derrick Jones asked for the reading to be deferred due to further discussions on capital projects. The rest of the council agreed.
Council awarded the request for proposal for updated security monitoring and maintenance to Adroit Systems Co.
Emergency Management Director Josh Morton, said the system would cost $62,375 if the county purchased it straight out, and $33,971 a year if the county went with a three-year lease.
Morton said by going with the three-year lease, Council could use what it already budgeted for security systems.
The security systems covers the Multi-complex, Sheriff’s Office, Annex, Library, Courthouse, Voter Registration, American Legion, DSS/Health Department, Administration and Administration 2.
Council voted to go with the three-year lease. After the lease is complete, the county can purchase the system to for one dollar.
Repair to the Sheriff’s CID Building (former home of the Highway Patrol) was approved.
Risk manager Hardee Horne recommended the following repairs: Concrete pad & steps (T&T Construction) -$3223.00; Acoustic panels - 36”X24”X2” Acoustic Panels 36"X24"X2” (ordered from Acousmatic) - 6 @ $50.39 each $302.34; 18 decking boards 12 ft. long- 13.99 each (Local purchase) = $251.32; 10 decking boards 16 ft. long 15.49 each (Local purchase) = $278.82; 4 boxes of crews for decking installation 27.69 per box (Local purchase) - $110.76; Victims Advocate 1 way mirror (A&W Glass) = $502.50; Interview Room 1 way mirror (A&W Glass) : $542.50; Door weather stripping for 2 doors (Local purchase) = $35.00; Shelf under Interview Room window (Local purchase) = $15.00; Door handle for data closet (Local purchase) = $6.00; 6 Door locks for offices $12.00 (Local purchase) = $72.00; Install a short section of gutter and 1 downspout over the door nearest the Sheriffs Office (Local purchase) = $50.00.
Horne said he also added an additional $500.00 for unseen problems with the wood structure on and under the porches.
Two ordinances involving building permits were given first readings.
Council approved repairs to the fence and wall on the side of the American Legion Building recently damaged by a storm. Cost for the project will be $1,815. Horne said insurance will cover the repairs but there is a $1000 deductible. The $815 difference will be returned to the county.
EAGLE SCOUT AWARD - William Yonce of Troop 31 Saluda obtained the rank of Eagle Scout on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church. William is the son of Lauren and Cecelia Yonce. To earn the Eagle Scout rank, a Scout must develop, plan, and execute a service project in addition to countless service hours and merit badges. William’s project was the beautification of Trinity Church Cemetery. William would like to thank the Scout leaders for their influence on his life and for the many Scout trips around the Southeast. William is a recent graduate of Saluda High School and will attend Lander University in the fall.
Saluda County
Historical Society Picnic
The Saluda County Historical Society will have its annual picnic on Saturday, July 14, at 12:00 noon at the home of Gene Berry (803-685-5020), 500 Samuel Padgett Road, between Saluda and Ridge Spring. All members are invited, as well as any others who are interested in the Historical Society and local history. Bring picnic foods; tea will be furnished.
Court Sentences
Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years
On Voluntary Manslaughter Charge
A defendant was sentenced to 20 years on a charge of voluntary manslaughter during the two week term of Saluda County General Sessions.
Kincaid Bobby Mitchell pled guilty to the charge that his actions contributed to the death on Nancy Caughman Lott in 2016, and was sentenced by Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr.
Mrs. Caughman was last seen around Ridge Spring on June 17, 2016.
Her body was discovered on Aug,. 12, 2016, when a Tri-County trash truck picked up the body from a trash bin at a Saluda County location.
The body was later identified as Mrs. Lott.
The only trial during the term was featured in last week’s paper. Albin Lee Lowman was found guilty on all charges, and was sentenced to life without parole and the home invasion of Danny and Lynda Tidwell in March 2017.
Judge Griffith issued the following sentences on guilty pleas:
Melissa Ann Adams-Craig, possession of meth, 24 months, suspended to 19 days and 24 months probation. Robert Andrew Black, grand larceny $2000-$10,000, five years, suspended to 231 days and 48 months probation.
Colby Matanner Broadwater, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, nine years. James Wilke Butler, failure to stop for a blue light, $500; resisting arrest, $500.
Labaron M. Byrd, unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served. Jennifer Lynn Corley, forgery, less than $10,000, 90 days.
Randy Eugene Crow, assault and battery 2nd degree, 12 months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Shanna Marie Daigle, possession of meth, 12 months, suspended to time served and 30 months probation.
Telimonthy Breon Daniels Jr., possession of cocaine 1st, time served. Walynne Shealy Davis, use of vehicle without permission with intent to deprive, time served.
Marie Taylor Deloache, breach of trust, 36 months, suspended to time served and six months probation. Terry Dozier Jr., assault & battery 2nd degree, 12 months, suspended to time served and 30 months probation.
Kimberly Renee Herbert, failure to stop for blue light, 18 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation; DUI 1st, time served. Cedric Lamond Herrin, assault and battery 2nd degree, $100; assault and battery, time served.
Mark William Honbaker, DUI 1st, refused test, two days and $200. Brandon Michael Kaloplastos, possession of stolen pistol, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceeded five years, suspended to 30 months probation.
Kimica Lashay Long, unlawful neglect, YOA not to exceed six years, suspended to 24 months probation. Jonathan Brian Marshall, simple possession of marijuana 1st, $100.
Justa Donnette Matthews, instigating a riot/act of violence, 12 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation. Robert Nathan McDaniel, distribution of marijuana within proximity, time served.
Brittany Yvonne Metze, possession of stolen vehicle, $2000 or less, time served. Jacoby Abraham Moon, assault and battery 3rd degree, 17 days.
Tyrone Ouzts, assault and battery 3rd degree, four days. Kendrick Lamont Padgett Jr., assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, ten years.
Dante Joaquin Palmore, assault and battery 2nd degree, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to 30 months probation. Lideveas Zebray Payne, possession of one ounce of marijuana, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to 12 months probation.
Ashley Louise Perry, DUI 1st, two days and $500. Ny’kel Rashaad Rolland, burglary 3rd, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to 30 months probation.
Francisco Gonzalez Romero, assault and battery 1st degree, 366 days. Ashley Marie Sample, forgery, 12 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation.
Nicholas Uzziah Simpkins, unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served. David Gordon Shealy, possession of crack cocaine, six months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation.
Susie Loretta Thomas, forgery, 2 years, concurrent with current sentence. Chakeya Brown Tolen, assault and battery 2nd degree, time served.
Dyan Cornelius Tripe, breaking into motor vehicle or tanks, pumps, where fuel, lubricants stored, 12 months. Tyrone Valentine, assault and battery 2nd degree, 18 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation.
Cesar Antonio Perez-Vasquez, domestic violence 2nd, time served. Francisco Perez Vasques, making/selling false ID to unlawful alien, time served.
Ricky Stanley Wade, failure to stop for blue light, $500. Benjamin Matthew Wallace, possession of firearm by convicted felon, 24 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation; assault and battery 3rd degree, time served.
Jahkuille Nyisahmel Jahre Wannamaker, failure to stop for blue light, 24 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation. Quincy Odell Walker, burglary 3rd, 18 months, concurrent with current sentence.
World War II Exhibit
The Saluda County Museum is featuring an exhibit on World War II.
Stop by the museum and check out this exhibit. Also, if you have an WWII items that you would like to share, please do. You can contact the museum at 445-8550 and a volunteer will be glad to assist you.
Hours are as follows: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m to 1 p.m.
The museum will be closed July 4-7 for celebration of Independence Day.
Life Sentence
Abin Lee Lowman
Saluda County Home Invasion
Results In Life Sentence
Abin Lee Lowman, age 40, of Edgefield, was found guilty Fri., June 22, by a Saluda County Jury after a week-long trial for the home invasion of the owners of Tidwell Jewelers, Danny and Lynda Tidwell.
The jury deliberated for about 35 minutes before convicting Lowman of Burglary First Degree, Armed Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole due to the violent nature of this offense as well as his prior record for violent and serious crimes.
This case was tried by Solicitor Rick Hubbard and Assistant Solicitor Sutania Fuller. Solicitor Hubbard commented that “this was a horrific crime that took place in such a close knit community. The Tidwells lost a sense of peace and safety at the hands of Lowman that could never be restored. This life sentence will hopefully bring the Tidwells the closure that they need.”
On March 8, 2017, Lowman orchestrated a plan to break into the home of the Tidwells during the middle of the night. On March 1st, Lowman brought three individuals from Maryland down to Saluda, with the intention of robbing the Tidwells. The Tidwells are a Saluda couple who own and operate three jewelry stores in the area.
When they all arrived in South Carolina, they spent a week preparing to carry out this home invasion. Shortly after midnight, Lowman and his co-defendants approached the Tidwells’ residence. When they entered the residence they yelled they were ATF Agents. This startled the Tidwells and, they walked out of their bedroom to find men wearing dark outfits, armed with pistols, and yelling for him to get to the ground. The Tidwells were tied up while the men brandished pistols and led them to separate rooms.
The three co-defendants all eventually made it back to Maryland where they were arrested and brought back to South Carolina. Their charges are still pending. Lowman was arrested the night of the incident during an unrelated traffic stop in Johnston near Tidwell Jewelers.
Several agencies assisted in the investigation and trial of this case. We are grateful to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Greenville Department of Public Safety, Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnston Police Department.
Air Force One flies over Vacation Bible School at Nazareth United Methodist Church Monday. (Nazareth UMC photo)
Air Force One Flies Over
Some Saluda County citizens got a shock Mon., June 25,when Air Force One flew over.
President Trump flew to Columbia Monday to campaign for Gov. Henry McMaster, but a storm at the airport forced the plane to circle for about an hour.
Theplane was very low when it flew over the county, allowing photographers to get some good pictures.
2018 Young Farmer Scholarship Recipients
The Saluda Young Farmers recently awarded three scholarships for 2018. These students, along with their parents, were recognized on Friday night, June 8th, just before the annual Truck and Tractor Pull began.
This year’s recipients are: Texanna Miller, Sarah Shore, and McKenzie Maffett. Texanna is the daughter of Russell & Candice Miller. She will be attending Clemson University this fall, majoring in Agricultural Biotechnology. Sarah is the daughter of John & Tammie Shore. She also will be attending Clemson University this fall, majoring in Animal Agribusiness. McKenzie is the daughter of Randall & Nicole Maffett. She will be attending Tri-County Technical College this fall with hopes of transferring to Clemson University and majoring in Animal Agribusiness. Congratulations to each of these students!
Pictured above are the scholarship recipients with their parents and Saluda Young Farmer vice-president, Daniel Patterson (far right)
2018 Primary Results
Tiffany Shaw Elected Treasurer
Saluda County Tax Collector Tiffany Shaw was elected Saluda County Treasurer in the Republican Primary on June 12.
Mrs. Shaw defeated Deputy Probate Judge Melinda Kneece 1475-882 to win the Republican nomination.
Since she faces no Democratic challenger in the fall, she will assume the Treasurer’s office on July 1, 2019.
The Treasurer’s race was the only local election in either primary.
James Smith led the Democratic ticket for Governor in the county, getting 398 votes to Marguerite Willis’ 230, and Phil Noble’s 56. Smith won the nomination statewide.
In the race for the Democratic nomination for Third District U.S. Congress, Mary Green got 406 votes, and Hosea Cleveland 210.
On the Republican side, Gov. Henry McMaster led the ticket in Saluda County with 1268 votes. Finishing second was John Warren 551. Catherine Templeton finished third with 462. Rounding out the totals were Kevin Bryant 106, and Yancey McGill 15. McMaster and Warren will meet in the statewide run-off on June 26.
Mark Hammond easily won the nomination for Secretary of State in Saluda County with 74.96 percent of the vote. The incumbent got 1711 votes. Others receiving votes were Nelson Faerber 266, Kerry Wood 154 and Joshua Putnam 152.
Saluda County native William Herlong carried the county in the race of Attorney General. Herlong got 1136 votes to incumbent Alan Wilson’s 868, and Todd Atwater’s 363. Statewide, Herlong finished third. Wilson and Atwater will meet in the run-off.
Saluda Man Dies In
Newberry County Wreck
A 24-year-old Saluda man died in car crash in Newberry County Fri., June 15.
Newberry Coroner Laura Kneece identified the victim as Thomas Young Coleman of Saluda.
The accident occured around 11 a.m. on SC 34 two miles east of Silverstreet Road in Newberry County.
An autopsy was performed Saturday morning and determined Coleman died of multiple blunt force injuries he received.
According to the Coroner, there was no evidence that Coleman was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Coleman was married to the former Kristen Fields, and the father of a son, Weyman Anthony Coleman.
His was the son of Greg and Dr. Kathy Coleman. Dr. Coleman is a longtime member of the the Saluda District One School Board.
School Budget Passes
Saluda County Council gave third and final reading to the 2018-2019 Saluda County School District One budget on Mon., June 11.
The local support portion of the school district’s $18,293,713 budget is $7,064,400, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier for a net amount of $4,529,700 from ad valorem taxes.
In another major development, Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would allow imposing a one percent sales tax subject to a referendum within Saluda County pursuant to the Capital Projects Sales Tax Act.