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.

Ridge Spring Grant

Ridge Spring Recieves Grant

Ridge Spring Moves Forward
with downtown revitalization

  Senator Nikki Setzler presented the Town of Ridge Spring with a $50,000 check from Parks Recreation and Tourism to be used in building an open air farmers’ market in the new plaza which will begin construction in October.
  The Downtown parking lot will be completely resurfaced with 24 additional parking spaces.  This project is being funded by a CDBG grant from Upper Savannah Council of Governments.
  Once phase one (parking plaza) is finished, we will move directly into phase two which will be the garden area beside the parking lot. We will be enlarging the garden area, adding the open air farmer’s market, a Veteran’s Memorial and a children’s splash park.  Saluda County Capital Project Tax has set aside $175,000 and Parks, Recreation and Tourism has presented us with $50,000 to begin work on the park.
Pictured above are. from right to left, Senator Nikki Setzler, Councilman Capers Asbill, Councilman Richard Christi, Councilman Cyrs Lybrand, and Mayor Pat Asbill.

School, County Budgets
Get Second Readings

  Saluda County Council gave second readings to the school and county budgets Mon., May 13.
  A public hearing was held on the school budget. No one spoke. A public hearing was scheduled on the county budget, but it was deferred to a later date.
  The local support portion of the school district’s $19,664,537 budget is $7551,956, 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 $4,867,802  from ad valorem taxes.
  The county budget currently stands at $13,365,734.50. The difference between revenue and expenditures is $1,483,622.00.
  Piedmont Technical College is requesting $225,178. They are funded through millage and this request is not included in the above figures.
  Council approved the hiring of Holt Consulting Company for engineering and consulting services at the Saluda County Airport.
  At the recommendation of Financial Services Coordinator Regina Turner, Council voted to hire Briten Janitorial of Edgefield for janitorial services. Six businesses submitted quotes for the job. The contract includes cleaning and floor care.
  Council gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing the transfer of funds from reserve fund  to balance the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. This is not to exceed $1,483,622.
  The hiring of a summer intern for the Saluda County Library was approved.
  Interim Library Director Russell Altman said this position would be paid through a First Steps grant, and would require no county funding.
  Council approved a departmental freeze on spending until the next fiscal year begins July 1. Only normal bills and necessary purchases to perform the job and safely operate equipment and vehicles will be allowed.

Piedmont Tech Graduate from Saluda Receives Countywide Award for Academic Achievement - At Piedmont Technical College’s recent spring commencement exercises, outstanding students from each of the college’s seven supporting counties were honored for academic achievement. Adam Matthews, who graduated with an associate in science degree, was the honoree from Saluda County. He is pictured here with PTC Area Commission Chairman George Piersol, right.