Jones Ellected

(Saluda’s very own Santa!)

Merry Christmas from the Standard-Sentinel staff!

Jones Elected Council Chairman

Republican  Derrick Jones,  962 votes, defeated Democrat Frank Daniel, 575, to win the Saluda County Council Chairman special election. Daniel remains on Council as well.

GOVERNOR’S MANSION VISIT - Roy and Carol Vandegrift attended the Christmas Open House at the Governor’s Mansion on Dec. 4 and had the opportunity to meet First Lady Peggy McMaster. Mrs. McMaster asked Roy and Carol to wish everyone in Saluda County a Merry Christmas on her behalf.

Riley Recognized By National Weather Service

Edwin Riley, left,  of the Saluda Commission  of Public Works has been recognized for providing 30 years of weather observations in cooperation with the National Weather Service. “Your observations make a significant contribution to improving National Weather Service field operations and our knowledge of the climate of the United States. The success of our climatological program is due in great measure to conscientious citizens like you,” said Richard J. Okulski, meteorologist-in-charge. More than 11,000 volunteers like Riley take observations on farms, in urban and suburban areas, National Parks, seashores, and mountaintops. Riley has actually kept the weather records at the Saluda CPW for 44 years.

Burial Vault Donated
For Cpl. Chapman

  Columbia, SC: Columbia Wilbert Vault Co., a local woman-owned business founded in 1940, was proud to donate the burial vault for Johnston officer Corporal James Eric Chapman who died in the line of duty on Friday, December 8, 2017.
  Columbia Wilbert Vault is part of the Wilbert Funeral Services (WFSI) network and sponsor of the 1st Responders Program, which honors fallen first responders with a free stainless steel burial vault or pewter urn and stainless steel urn burial vault.   Chapman’s family chose traditional burial and  received the premium Wilbertè Veteranè burial vault with a custom full color Legacy print highlighting Chapman’s service as a police officer and Marine. It also include his portrait.
  Ramey Funeral Homehanded the arrangements and burial was  Wednesday, December 13th.
  This is the second time local firm Columbia Wilbert Vault has participated in the first responders program. In 2015, they were honored to provide a Stainless Steel Triune for fallen Forest Acres Officer Greg Alia.

Johnston Officer

ERIC CHAPMAN rode in the truck pulling his brother-in-law Sheriff John Perry’s float in the Saluda Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Johnston Officer Dies
In One Car Accident

  A Johnston police officer from Saluda died in a single vehicle accident while on duty Fri., Dec. 8.
  James Eric Chapman, 30,  died at 11:48 p.m. at the Augusta University Medical Center from a head injury, according to the Edgefield County Coroner’s office.
  Cpl. Bill Rhyne with the Highway Patrol said Chapman’s Ford Explorer was traveling south along S.C. Highway 23 when it ran off the left side of the road near JET Middle School at about 10:15 p.m. Friday.
  Rhyne said the vehicle rolled over and ejected Chapman before he was taken to a hospital. It was unknown if Chapman was wearing a seatbelt.
  Cpl. Chapman had worked with the Johnston Police Department since July 2015.
  Before working with the Johnston police, Cpl Chapman was a  machine gunner with the United States Marine Corp.  He served in the Marines from 2010-2014, including a stint in Afghanistan.
  He was the brother-in-law of Saluda County Sheriff John Perry.

Council Chairman
Election December 19

  Saluda County voters will go to the polls Tues., Dec. 19, to elect the Saluda County Council Chairman.
  Democrat Frank Daniel and Republic Derrick Jones are vying to fill the unexpired term of the chairman, Don Hancock, who died Aug. 2, after a battle with cancer.
  Daniel has been a member of County Council since 2006. He defeated political newcomer Darren Horne in the Democratic Primary.
  Jones is pastor of Saluda Church of God and is running for office in Saluda County for the first time. He defeated Council Vice-Chairman Gwen Shealy in the Republican Primary run-off, after those two led a three-way ticket that also included former Councilman Jacob Schumpert.
  Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Turn-out was light in the primaries, with less than 15 percent of Saluda County’s eligible voters casting ballots.

Ergle Named Farm Bureau Talent Winner

Sophie Ergle (left) daughter of Jonathan and April Ergle of Saluda County, won top honors in the SC Farm Bureau Talent Contest Junior Division, held recently in Myrtle Beach during the organization’s 74th Annual Meeting. Kursten Long (middle) of Newberry County took first runner-up, while Anna Tomlinson (right) of Greenville County was named second runner-up.

New Ridge Spring Bank

Security Federal Coming to Ridge Spring

Security Federal announced the future opening of their Bank in Ridge Spring.  What perfect weather for such a delightful announcement. Mayor Asbill along with  Sen. Setzler welcomed them and all received applause from the community.  Then we all adjourned to the Ridge Spring Library where corn chowder and sandwiches were served by Chef Brandon Velie of Juniper Restaurant. Pictured, left to right: Roy Lindburg, Frank Thomas, Chris Verenes, Thomas Moore, Timothy Simmons, G.L. Toole, Tony Ateca, Richard Harmon, Dr. Sean Alford, Mayor Pat Asbill, Dr. Robert Alexander and Senator Nikki Setzler. (Submitted by Harriet Householder)

LOTT HONORED - Sherman Lott was honored by Board Members and Administrative staff at the November 28th Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center Board dinner for his 2+ years of service. (Pictured, left - right)  Steven Spire, CFO; Keith Paul, Administrator; Sherman Lott; Dr. Sam Wheeler, Board Chairman; Dr. Bill Sawyer & Courtney Priester, Board Members.

STUDENTS DECORATE TREE - Students from Saluda Primary School walked to the Courthouse today to decorate the Saluda Primary Tree with ornaments they made. The courthouse lobby also has trees from Hollywood Elemetary, Ridge Spring-Monetta Elementary, and King Academy decorated. To be decorated soon are trees for Saluda Elementary and Butler Pre-School.

Sheriff’s Office
Food Drive

  The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office is having a food drive to help those in need this holiday season. Donations will go to Christ Central Ministries to be distributed to those in need. Please help those who are less fortunate.
  Please bring your canned goods or non-perishable food items to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office located at 100 Law Enforcment Drive,Saluda, December 11th, 2017 - December 18th, 2017. We appreciate your support!!!!