Saluda Recognized
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD - The Town of Saluda received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Solar Saluda project fromthe S.C. Municipal Association. Pictured, L to R, are Councilman Doug Butler, Mayor Amelia Herlong, Councilman Obie Combs and Administrator Tom Brooks.
Municipal Association of South Carolina
honors Saluda with Achievement Award
The Town of Saluda received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Solar Saluda project. Officials accepted the award during the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Annual Meeting on July 22. The city won in the 1,001 – 5,000 population category. Thirty-two cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives.
Saluda officials knew electric rates would keep going up, so they decided to undergo an energy audit and take control of their future power bills by installing solar panels. In fact, the town installed enough panels to completely offset energy consumption at Town Hall.
Officials got started on the project by first seeking guidance from the S.C. Energy Office. Through the Energy Office, the town received a ConserFund loan to pay for the project. This loan allowed the town to borrow at a very low interest rate to install the panels and to retrofit Town Hall with energy-efficient light bulbs. The town also worked closely with SCE&G and the company’s renewable energy team.
The town, one of the first municipalities in South Carolina to install solar panels, now receives a credit on each power bill for the energy it puts back on the power grid.
At the end of the year, the power company sends the town a check for any power it generated in excess of what it consumed. The town has a 10-year contract to sell power generated at Saluda Town Hall to SCE&G. But since the project will pay for itself after 3 ½ years, town officials expect to be making money for 6 ½ years.
Looking to the future, Saluda officials plan to monitor funds generated by the project and decide whether to install additional solar panels at the police department and other town facilities.
Several businesses in Saluda are watching the town’s solar success to see if they, too, should install solar panels. And town officials are working with schools to teach students about the benefits of alternative energy.
“Other cities and towns can analyze the Saluda Solar project to determine if they should construct a similar project to lower costs,” said Miriam Hair, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. More information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website www.masc.sc (keyword: Achievement Awards).
The Municipal Association of South Carolina initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
BOOK DONATION - Mrs. Joan Talley of Columbia, SC (center) donated over 3,000 used children’s books to Saluda County Schools. Mrs. Talley has been collecting children’s books for over a year and donates them to rural school districts where she feels there is a need. Through her generous gift and time spent, she truly demonstrates her commitment to the importance of students and to the field of education. Saluda County Schools extends a sincere thank you to Mrs. Talley for her generous gift and to Dr. Randall Gary, Superintendent of Lexington 3 for recommending us. Pictured left to right: Superintendent Dr. David Mathis, Mrs. Talley, and Dr. Abbey Duggins, Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
NOTICE
One of the main computers at the newspaper crashed last week, and becasue of this, several items, like the “Ridge Spring News,” some ads and stories, and the below announcement from the Saluda CPW did not get in the paper. We apologize to all concerned.
Hydrant Testing In Saluda Could
Cause Temporarily Discolored Water
The Saluda Commission of Public Works is currently in the process of testing and flushing fire hydrants in the Town Water System.
There is a possibility that the flushing will cause discoloration in the water in the areas adjacent to where the hydrants are being tested. lt is unlikely that the tap water would become unsafe for consumption, but if the possibility arises, customers in the affected area will be notified immediately.
The hydrant flushing and testing is required by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Please contact the Saluda CPW at 864-445-2090 if any discolored wateris noticed at your residence.
Macy Wins
Macy Crawford Wins Showcase
When 10 year old Macy Crawford visited Z-1 Models and Talent 6 years ago, she knew she wanted to sing. Well, sing she did!
Agency Director Donna Ehrlich was beyond impressed with Macy’s vocal skills, but also her passion and her dedication.
Modeling, commercial, film were not something that Macy had planned to pursue. Ms. Ehrlich knew Macy could do it all.
Macy was never afraid of a challenge. She actually embraced it. She began attending the American Talent Showcase/Model Jam America, which is the premier Modeling and Talent Showcase. She very quickly became a singer in the ATS Legends Live Show.
Although not a dancer, she also became a dancer in the show and is now the female lead singer in the show.
Macy’s parents Jimmy and Elaine Crawford made if possible for Macy to spend part of the summer of 2015 in NYC. She was represented by Funnyface Today, a top NYC Agency. She took acting classes and also trained with one of the cities most well know accredited vocal coaches Bob Marks. It was an amazing opportunity for this small town girl. Fast forward to June 2017; Macy now 15 (She turns sweet 16 on July 25th) attended the summer ATS Showcase. She was again the overall winner. The contest was judged by some of the biggest names in the Entertainment industry. Scouts were from So you think you can Dance, Little Big Shots, America’s Got Talent, just to name a few.
This was the time that the hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off. Macy has signed an exclusive NYC contract with MMG. She flies to NY at the end of July for a high fashion Model shoot. She will be recording three songs on this trip as well.
She has signed with BMG Atlanta, Chicago, NY, Orlando, Miami and LA. BMG is a top agency for print, film, and commercial. Macy’s number one agency is still Z-1 Models and Talent. They will navigate Macy’s career and keep things moving in a positive direction.
The big hero’s on Macy’s team are her parents. They are supportive, but never pushy. They are down to earth, loyal, and keep her grounded and focused, which is a pretty easy job. They work together to make things happen, balancing work, real life and travel.
Next up for this talented teen is her American Idol walk in audition, and, of course, NY.
MacKenzie Riley Is 4-H
Presidential Tray Winner
4-H was a family tradition to MacKenzie Riley. MacKenzie was honored during the State 4-H Congress at Clemson as the 4-H Presidential Tray Winner. This award is South Carolina’s top 4-H award. Along with a silver tray and a $1500 scholarship from the Coopertive Council of South Carolina.
MacKenzie is a third generation 4-H’er and child of two award winning 4-H Alumni. She enrolled in 4-H at the age of five and started in summer programs that included cooking and sewing. For seven years, she participated in the “Kids in the Kitchen” program. This program helped her realize her love for cooking. One of her favorite project areas is Healthy Lifestyles. For seven years, her team has participated in this competition. A few years ago, her team won first place in the state competition and earned the opportunity to compete in the Great American Seafood Competition – 4-H Edition. They placed third. This was the first time South Carolina had ever placed in the national contest. Now, she teaches young children how to eat healthier and how to be active.
MacKenzie had the opportunity to represent South Carolina at the National 4-H Center. This was her most memorable trip. The Youth Voice-Youth Choice trip was an opportunity for her to present what South Carolina was doing in teaching nutrition. This resulted in South Carolina receiving a $50,000 Youth Voice-Youth Choice grant being renewed for the four years. A part of the grant was to fund nutritional videos that MacKenzie lead exercises for and is currently being featured in elementary schools statewide.
Her other memorable trip was 4-H Citizenship Washington Focus-Presidential Inauguration. This week long trip included education workshops, tours and the inauguration. Her community service includes picking up litter in the Adopt-A-Highway Program, entertaining at a nursing home, political campaigning, assisting with the Saluda County Taste & See, organizing a book drive and engaging in international projects in China and Ireland.
Mackenzie plans to attend Midlands Technical College this fall to study nursing. Her goal is to receive her Registered Nursing Degree and work on the labor and delivery floor of Lexington Medical Center.
Mackenzie is the daughter of Buck and Beverley Riley of Johnson and a 13 year 4-H member in Saluda County.
Three additional youth were honored as fellow 4-H Presidential Tray Winners. They were Carey Herndon of Bamberg, Morgan McManus of Darlington and Geneffer Sweatman of Colleton.
Carrie Trotter of Saluda was a finalist and were also interviewed for this prestigious award. Thanks to Dr. Bela Herlong in assisting her in preparations for this competitions.
Ridge Spring Movie
Dr. Duggins Named Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Abbey Duggins assumed the role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction on July 1, 2017 for Saluda County Schools.
Duggins began her teaching career at Saluda Middle School in 2002 as a English Language Arts teacher. In addition to teaching, Dr. Duggins has served as middle school literacy coach and high school assistant principal for instruction.
In 2017, Duggins was named the South Carolina Assistant Principal of the Year.
She earned a Master’s Degrees in Language and Literacy and Educational Administration, as well as a PhD in Language and Literacy, from the University of South Carolina. This broad educational background has prepared Dr. Duggins well for her new role with Saluda County Schools.
Wins State Essay Contest
Allison DeVore, 17, of Saluda High School has won the S.C. Department of American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay contest. The rising 12th grader will now have her essay entered in the national contest. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
July 2017 Council
Council Gives Second Reading
To Solar Farm Ordinance
At Monday’s July meeting County Council gave second reading to an ordinance that will allow a large solar farm to pay a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes.
The Beulah Project will be a solar farm encompassing 650-acres in the Beulah Road area of the county, near Batesburg-Leesville.
County Economic Development Director Ed Parler said the $115 million investment will be the largest made in the county in recent history.
Construction will employ 1300 workers over the course of six months. It is estimated the construction period will pump an additional $90 million into the economy. Once completed the site will employ five to six full-time workers.
Parler said the project will pay Saluda County a flat fee of $150,000 per year for the next 40 years, under the terms of the ordinance. He said the exact location will be revealed at the third reading of the ordinance.
Council approved awarding an RFP to Condrey and Associates from Athens, Ga., to conduct a classification and compensation study for county employees. The cost will be $29,000.
Council Vice-Chairman Gwen Shealy, who presided at the meeting in the absence of Chairman Don Hancock, said the county has not had an employee study done since 1990. The study will involve Saluda County and employees in developing a new personnel system.
The County Ag Building and Annex will get new roofs.
The Ag Building will be a standing seam metal roof with new gutters. The $76,790 cost will include a five year contractor warranty and 40 year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Annex building will be get am EDPM roof with new gutters and downspouts. Included is a five year contractor warranty and 20 year membrane warranty.
Lamar Lake of the Saluda County Historical Society asked the county’s helping in meeting a $45,000 match for a $45,000 grant from the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
Lake said the Heritage Corridor funds and match will complete with renovation of the Saluda Theater that began in the late 1980’s.
A concern of the Historical Society has been the rain damaged acoustical tiles inside the theater. Repairs have never been attempted for fear the outstanding acoustics would damaged.
Lake said a paint now exists that will not only cover the stains, but will improve the acoustics.
“Now, the Theater can look like it did in 1936 when it opened,” Lake said.
Other plans include repairs of the seats, refinishing the stage, cleaning the floors, and renovating the restrooms.
Mrs. Shealy recommended Council take Lake’s request as information, and schedule a work session with the Historical Society as quickly as possible
She said the county had certain policies when it comes to grants, and many grants have caveats that need to be studied.
Council approved Jack Atkinson’s request for the county to approve Enabling Technologies Associates being able to purchase from State Surplus.
The non-profit company, which builds equipment to help the handicapped, has been purchasing from state surplus for some time. The last approval was granted by former Chairman Hardee Horne, and Atkinson said state surplus wanted an up-to-date approval.
He said Enabletech is far down in the pecking order to buy from state surplus, coming behind government and schools, etc.
Atkinson said after a year non-profits are allowed to sell items purchased from the surplus. These funds go back into the non-profit, which provides equipment at no cost to the handicapped recipients.
The re-appointment of Gerry Spragg to the Airport Commission was approved. Also approved was the appoint of Ted Hite of the Circle VFD to the Fire Board, and Donnie Black as the alternate.
Saluda County Schools Plans
for the Total Solar Eclipse
On August 21, 2017, America will fall under the path of a total solar eclipse. During the eclipse, the sun will disappear behind the moon, which will turn daylight into twilight, cause the temperature to drop rapidly, and reveal massive streamers of light streaking through the sky around the silhouette of the moon.
The Great American Total Solar Eclipse will darken skies all the way from Oregon to South Carolina, along a stretch of land about 70 miles wide. This will be the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. in 38 years. Saluda has been noted to be an excellent view point of the eclipse on August 21, 2017 that will occur around 2:30 p.m.
Saluda County Schools will be in session for half a day on August 21st. We will have early dismissal on this day in order for students to arrive home safely and have the opportunity to view the eclipse with their families. Early dismissal will be 11:30 a.m. for Saluda Primary, Saluda Elementary, and Hollywood Elementary. Saluda Middle School and Saluda High School will dismiss at 12:00.
It is the District’s desire to ensure that all our students and faculty are protected during the eclipse. Please keep in mind that looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, could cause eye damage. It is suggested to never look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection.