Greenwood Hwy. Fatality

Ninety Six Woman
Dies in Accident

  A Ninety Six woman became Saluda County’s third highway fatality on the Greenwood Hwy. (U.S. 178 West) in the last three weeks, when she died in a single vehicle accident Thurs., May 18.
  At approximately 8:25 a.m. the accident occurred at 1984 Greenwood Highway. A 2014 Nissan Altima driven by Jacqualine Amanda McCarthy, 22, of Ninety Six, was west bound toward Saluda when it left the road for an unknown reason and struck a tree.
  Miss McCarthy was wearing a seat belt, but was heavily entrapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Chief Deputy Coroner Randy Simmons.   There was an autopsy scheduled for Friday, May 19. The accident remains under investigation by the Saluda County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol. 
  Simmons and Investigator Beverly Simmons would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, Mayson Fire Department, Saluda County EMS and the South Carolina Highway Patrol for all the assistance and help on the scene.
  On April 30, Evan Blair Campbell, 18, of Greenwood, and Lexie Rodgers, 66, of Ninety Six died in  a head-on collision near Fruit Hill Road. Campbell was a high school senior about to graduate, Mrs. Rodgers was a former employee at Saluda Nursing Center, and Ms. McCarthy was to begin work Mon., May 22, as a pharmacy tech at the Saluda CVS.

National EMS Week, May 22-27

  EMS week for the nation is set for May 22- May 27.
  We would like to thank all of the EMS Personnel who have worked extraordinarily hard to ensure the success of the County EMS Service. Due to their diligent efforts, Saluda County EMS is ranked number one over all other Emergency Medical Services in the state by the EMS Association of South Carolina over the last year due to efforts of the EMS Team. 
  To say this was a very complex undertaking is an understatement. Efforts have been made, not only to improve the overall care and treatment of the citizens they serve, but to develop a community involvement program that improves the health and well-being of Saluda County citizens.
  EMS Director Jacob Starnes would like to thank all of the Saluda County EMS Staff, Saluda County Council, citizens, other public safety services, including fire and law enforcement, for their unwavering support. Director Starnes wants to assure that Saluda County EMS will continue to strive for excellence in emergency health care. Please, take a moment to thank the EMS staff for their service.

Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is
Friday and Saturday, June 2-3

  Believe it or not the Peach Tree 23 Yard Sale is only days away.
  Nine 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.
  The yard sale has grown each year and brings lots of folks from everywhere. If you can think of an item, my bet is that it can be found somewhere along the route. We have vendors from as far away as Florida and New York and as close as down the street. The Farmer’s Market kicks off on the same weekend, and the first of the peaches have come in, so we know there will be peaches along the way.
  Make your plans for Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3, 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.

Movie Night May 19

LIBRARY CONTRIBUTION - American Legion Post 65 Commander Al Butler presents a check to Saluda County Library Director Lisa Lyon to help the Saluda County Library meet mission goals by providing:    1. Equal access to technology and informational materials to all citizens of Saluda County.   2. Encouraging lifelong interest in learning and reading.  3. Working with other agencies to promote a strong community.  The Library Staff can help connect its patrons with so many benefits, such as: literacy, information, technology and learning. If the library had more space they could do so much more for our community. Friends of the Library are conducting a fund raiser for expanding the building.   Visit the Library at 101 South Main Street, Saluda, SC  29138. Or go on line to learn more:   http://www.youseemore.com/saluda/.  Pictured left to right:  American Legion Post 65 Commander Al Butler and Saluda County Library Director Lisa Lyon, Librarian.

William Holecek

New Veterans Officer Named

William Holecek (Will) is the new Saluda County Veterans Officer and is looking forward to serving the veterans of the area and wanted to share a bit about himself and his family.
  He is currently engaged to Christina, they have known each other for over 10 years and have two sweet children, a 7-year-old girl and a 7-month old boy. Will served in the United States Marine Corps from 1994 to 2000 and in 2007 received a B.S. Degree from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in International Business.   He has over 10 years’ experience working in the government contracting arena with a majority on that time focused on project management.
  Will was born in Saluda and lived in the area throughout his childhood, his grandfather (mother’s father) was a former deputy and sheriff of Saluda County. His father worked in and still lives in the area, and is also a Marine Corps veteran.   Will likes to watch and play sports and spend time with his family in his off hours and has traveled outside of the country to over 40 destinations since his time in the Marine Corps.
  He currently resides in Ward, SC with his family and started his appointment as veterans’ officer on April 3rd 2017.

County Council May Meeting

Park, Lawsuit Settlement
Highlight Council Meeting

  The Brooks and Roston Park and the settlement of a lawsuit brought by some elected officials highlighted Monday’s Saluda County Council meeting.
  Discussion of the Brooks and Roston Park started the proceedings, which featured an overflow audience of park supporters.
  Rev. Annette Mathis, representing the Concerned Citizens, read the following:
  1. Did the County Council consult with the community concerning the Brooks and Roston Park?
  2. Who does the County Council believe owns the Brooks and Roston park?
  3. Instead of a lease agreement, why did the County Council insist on a quick claim deed to give the Brooks and Roston Park to the County?
  4. Is the County Council responsible for cutting the timber of the brooks and Roston park property, and if so who authorized it?
  5. What future plans does the County Council have for the Brooks and Roston Park?
  6. Why did the County close the Brooks and Roston park and tear down the concession stand and the restrooms and remove some of the play ground equipment and it has no water/electric and it has now reopened to the public.
  7. When will the new concession stand, restrooms, water and electric be back up and running for the community?
  8. The Concerned Citizens developed the Brooks and Roston Park and some things are sentimental value and needs to stay as is the community have no desire to move the adult softball field and that is the reason it was developed to play softball.
  9. Is the County funding the Ward’s park and do they own that park?
  10. We are requesting a response in writing in a timely manner please and we thank all of the Councilmen in advance for your cooperation.
  Council Chairman Don Hancock said many of these questions could not be answered immediately, since some funds to build the park came from S.C. Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the U.S. Department of the Interior.
  County is waiting to hear from both of those agencies to help determine the ownership of the park.
  Councilwoman Gwen Shealy said the lumber was not cut but the county, but the landowners, and the buildings on the park were condemned and torn down at the advice of the county’s insurance carriers.
  County Attorney Chis Spradley said the county cannot deed property to an organization that is not incorporated.
  This similar to the situation with the Emory School last month. County granted the school to the Emory Community Club years ago, but learned this was not legal. The club recently became incorporated as a non-profit organization and Council gave the building to the club.
  James Holloway and Obie Combs addressed ownership and safety concerns.
  Hancock said Council will answer all of Rev. Mathis’ questions as soon as possible.
  At the beginning of the new business section, Hancock read the following:
  “In October 2015, former Saluda County Auditor Jane Guy, current Saluda County Auditor Memmus Forrest, and current Saluda County Treasurer Tina Shealy filed a lawsuit against Saluda County that challenged a provision of Saluda County’s ordinance governing salaries of elected officials as contrary to state law. In the interest of working together for the good of the County, the parties sought to resolve the dispute out of court.
  In April 2017, Saluda County, Jane Guy, Memmus Forrest and Tina Shealy entered into a written settlement agreement that resolves the dispute without any admission of unlawful action or intent by any party. The Saluda County Council believes that incomplete implementation in the past of a comprehensive pay scale system for county employees in part contributed to low salaries for the elected positions of County Treasurer and Auditor,   While Ms. Guy, Mr. Forrest and Ms. Shealy lack personal knowledge of Council’s past intent, they do agree with the County that initiation of a new salary study for all county positions is in the best interest of the County.”
  After this council discussed three related items.
  First reading was given to an ordinance repealing the ordinance establishing minimum base salaries of certain elected/appointed officials.
  First reading was then given to an ordinance that will pay Guy, Forrest and Shealy $120,000 from the reserve fund in accordance to the settlement agreement.
  Council then repealed the longevity plan.
  Councilwoman Shealy said all this action will benefit the county employees in the long run.
  First reading was given to an ordinance that will transfer not more than $100,000 from the reserve fund to balance the General Operating budget for 2016-17.
  Approved was $6100 to A&W Glass Services to install a bullet/blast resistant security glass at the Department of Social Services. Council also gave Grants Coordinator Jill Warren permission to apply for a grant for the victims’ advocate. The grant would be sued to purchase a SUV that would be use to transport victims and their children. Total cost is $27,240 with the county match of $5448.
  Councilman D.J. Miller’s appointed of Bryan W. Rushton to the Tax Appeals Board.
  At the  beginning of the meeting, third and final reading was given to an ordinance lowering hangar lease rates at the Saluda County Airport.
  Jack Atkinson was the only person to speak at the public hearing. He said he had no problems with the ordinance, but as a pilot he would never house a plane in S.C.
  Atkinson said planes are taxed at 10 percent in S.C., so property taxes on a $100,000 plane would run $3200 a year.
  Second reading was given to an ordinance allowing the coroner to charge a fee for cremation services.
  Second readings were given to the county and school  budgets.
The local portion of the Saluda County School’s $17,642,762 budget is $4,227,646.
 The county budget currently stands at $12,677,963. The difference between revenue and expenditures is $1530,263.
  Council approved awarding the contract to conducting annual physicals for firefighters and EMS employees to Site Med at a cost of $270 each.

SALUDA DUCK UNLIMITED CHAPTER RECOGNIZED - The Saluda County Chapter of Duck’s Unlimited received recognition  at the State Convention recently. The chapter was awarded  the Gold National Chapter Excellence Award, and the SCDU State Efficiency Award. Jesse Quattlebaum, Saluda County Chairman, was recognized for his leadership within SCDU and the Saluda County Chapter. Jesse was one of six SCDU members to receive the SCDU Leadership Award. Pictured L to R, are Tanner Quattlebaum of Saluda, Regional Director, Jess Quattlebaum. Josh Price, chapter committee member, and Dave Hemmingsen, SCDU state chairman.