Homicide
SUSPECTS SOUGHT
Supposed Vehicle Death
Now Ruled a Homicide
A death that was originally thought to be a vehicle accident fatality has now been ruled a homicide.
On the late evening of Friday, January 20th, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one vehicle crash on May Branch Road in Saluda County. Minutes prior to receiving a 911 call related to the crash, the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to shots fired in the area of May Branch Road.
The occupant of the passenger car involved in the crash died on the scene and was identified identified by the Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner as Alex K. Donaldson, age 26, of Orangeburg. An autopsy was performed on the following Monday and revealed Donaldson died of a gunshot wound.
Through the course of this investigation, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office has identified and obtained arrest warrants for Bernard Gilliam Jr. and Tridarin Weaver. Both are charged with the offenses of Murder and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office is working with the US Marshall’s Fugitive Task Force and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Fugitive Task Force to assist in locating both Gilliam and Weaver.
If you have any information relating to the whereabouts of Bernard Gilliam Jr. and Tridarin Weaver, please contact the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office appreciates the response and assistance of Saluda County EMS and the other responding agencies. We extend our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Mr. Donaldson.
SLED Charges County Woman
Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Sherry Rodgers Kirkland, 61, of Saluda, SC, on January 12, 2023, with Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent.
According to the warrant, Mrs. Kirkland “did knowingly, willingly, and without the lawful authority to do so, take, steal, or convert to her ownership, more than $1 0,000,00 from her employer, the Amick Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church, where she held a position of trust. This offense occurred between January l, 201l, and December 12, 2018 at 2090 Batesburg Highway, Batesburg, SC, which is located within the legally recognized boundaries of Saluda County, South Carolina.”
Kirkland was booked at the Saluda County Detention Center. The case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
Big Rainfall Makes It Soggy
No one needs to be told January 2023 was a wet month.
In fact, the 7.54 inches of rain during the month was the largest January total in recent history.
This compares to the 3.82 inches that fell during the same time last year.
Rain fell on 14 days during the month.
January had some some mild temperatures.
The temperatures ranged from a high of 46 on Jan. 23 to 71 on Jan. 4. The lowest morning temperature, 23, was recorded on Jan. 16 and 17.
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
77 County COVID
Cases In January
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases total 77 from Jan. 1-28. There is a positivity percent of 15.9.
Saluda County has 14 completed vaccinations and ranks 46th in the state.
The number of tests given in Saluda County is 272.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following cases during the week: Aiken - 700 (20.1% positivity; Edgefield - 74 (10.3%); Greenwood -239 (25.59%); Lexington - 1445 (17.27%); Newberry - 177 (12.1%).
Positive tests were 17.3% in the state.
The state total is 19,707 and 127 deaths.
Be Positive You’re Negative
DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. DHEC's testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations.
The local sites giving vaccinations are Emmanuel Family Clinic - Saluda (Public health provider – Rural Health Clinic), 501 West Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138., the Saluda County Health Department, Mondays and Wednesdays,445-2141, and CVS, appointment, walk-in.
January Court Cases
Forty-Three Sentenced
Forty-three defendants were sentenced on guilty plays during the last session of Saluda County General Sessions Court.
Sentence were:
Joel Weston Dowd, malicious injury to property, more than $10,000, ten years, suspended to nine days and five years probation. Brian Timothy Long, assault and battery 3rd, 30 days.
Julio Humino Melendez-Soto, malicious injury to property, more than $2000 but less than $10,000, three years, suspended to 298 days, five years probation; possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine base - 1st offense, 29 days.
Allison Paige McEl-veen, possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine base - 1st offense, 2 years, suspended to 18 days, 30 months probation; possession of Sched 1 - V drugs, 1st, 2 years, suspended to 18 days, 30 months probation.
Cedric Lamond Herrin, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, $200 fine. Scott Harold Schader, possession of other controlled substances 1st, two days.
Jasmine Quontera Ethredge, failure to stop for blue light, two days. Cerome Emelio Cart-ledge, possession of less than one ounce marijuana, one day.
Justin Adam Risinger, possession of controlled substance, 45 days. Antonio Alexander Scott, possession of controlled substance, one day.
Malik Jamal Dirton, possession of controlled substance, one day. Benito Juan, assault and battery 1st, three years. Lance Edmond, failure to stop for blue light, one year, suspended to one day, 6 months probation.
Tammy Turner, burglary 3rd degree 1st offense, one year, suspended to seven days, 6 months probation. Da’-Montavis Antonio Graham, assault and battery 2nd, three days, 18 months probation.
Breanna Marie Dyer, possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine base - 1st offense, 2 years, suspended to 10 days, two years probation. Elysha Dawn Castilow, breach of trust w/fraudulent intent, more than $2000 but less than $10,000, three years, suspended to 21 days, three years probation.
Tyler Michael Gilliland, unlawful carrying a pistol, two days; resisting arrest, two days. Laprintise Antravious Williams, DUI 1st, three days.
Harold Cooper Nut-hall., possession of less than one gram of meth or cocaine base - 1st offense, one year, suspended to one day, one year probation. Hunter Jay Tardiff, failure to comply with lawful direction of police, etc., three days.
Anthony McCloud Abney, use of vehicle without permission, 52 days. Brenner Labraun McGrath, assault & battery 3rd, one day.
Lauren Hannah Each, unlawful carrying a pistol, two days. James Patrick Padgett, use of 911 unlawfully, one day. Dalton Layen Senn, assault & battery 3rd, one day.
Logan Todd Sulton, assault & battery 2nd, one year, suspended to two days and one year probation. Aaron Horger, assault & battery 2nd, three years, suspended to time served and one year probation; resisting arrest, one year, suspended to one day.
Danilo Garedo Rodriguez, possession of cocaine 1st, time served. Julian Torres, domestic violence 2nd, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to 18 months probation.
Terrance Delano Gilchrist Jr., accessory after the fact of a felony, 14 days. Denzel Young. assault & battery 1st, 8 years, after service of nine months, suspended to five years probation.
Quenesha Macole Burley, cruelty to children, time served. Shay Lynn Nichole Lagons, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, one year, concurrent with current sentence. Rebecca Peposa Kelly, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, five years, suspended to 265 days, three years probation.
Seth Allen Johnston, possession with intent to distribute controlled substance, five years, suspended to 265 days, three years probation. Kendrick Cortez Debris Daniel, unlawful carrying a pistol, 90 days.
Walter Lee Keith Shans, unlawful carrying a pistol, 18 days. Allison C. Davis, unlawful neglect of an adult, two years, suspended to ten days, 18 months probation.
Antonio Aqueleo Martinez, failure to comply, two days. Pier Lashun Nixon, possession of crack cocaine, four years, suspended to one day, one year probation. Killijah Her-bert, assault & battery 2nd, 90 days.
Civil Rights Leader
Charlie Sam Daniel Dies
Saluda County civil rights leader, Charlie Sam Daniel Sr. (center in above photo) died Jan. 22 at the age of 93.
Daniel was known in Saluda County and throughout the State for his work toward the integration of the public schools in the late 60s and early 70s. His community accomplishments were numerous and included serving as President of the NAACP for over a decade, co-founding a community action group called Concerned Citizens of Saluda County, testifying at U.S. Congressional hearings in Washington, DC for the integration of Saluda County Schools, organizing and leading, for many decades, voter registration and redistricting efforts for fair and effective community representation, serving on the Board of Riverside Community Development Center,
He operated Daniel’s Barber Shop on Bouknight Ferry Road for over 60 years.
Daniel was also known as the father of and grandfather of outstanding athletes. The above photo was taken at the Saluda-Southside Christian game in Simpsonville in 2019. Pictured with him, L to R, are his grandson Myles, his son Al, his daughter Kenyatta and his son Mel. Myles, Mel’s son, was an All-State basketball player at Greenville’s Wade Hampton High School. Al was a star basketball player at Saluda High, Anderson College and Furman University and is in the Hall of Fame at all three schools. Kenyatta was an all-state basketball player at Saluda High. Mel led the Saluda boys basketball team to back to back state championships in 1977 and 1978, and is in the Saluda and Furman Halls of Fame.
They were all there to see Kenyatta’s son Dallan Wright play for the Tigers. Dallan would later in the season catch four touchdown passes in Saluda’s State Championship win over Barnwell. He is currently a member of the Virginia Tech football team. His brother Zion was a top receiver for this year’s Saluda football squad, and currently is a star player on the basketball team.
Funeral services for Daniel were held on Saturday, January 28th at the Saluda High School Gymnasium (Standard-Sentinel photo)
2023 Miss 4-H
Miya Chapman Crowned
S.C. Miss 4-H Queen
On Saturday, Jan. 14, Mya Chapman of Saluda participated in the 2023 SC 4-H Showcase held at Clinton High School, and was crowned as the 2023 Miss 4-H Queen.
The Showcase (formerly the Miss 4-H Pageant) is a great way to highlight the accomplishments and love for 4-H shared by the youth of South Carolina. Mya is an extremely active member of the Saluda County 4-H Program and she has participated in various activities on the state and national level as well.
Among her achievements, she is the state winner of the SC 4-H Honey Bee Project, and the state portfolio winner for 4-H National Congress. Besides 4-H, Mya is a member of the National Honor Society and is the sophomore class Vice President at Saluda High School.
Her future plans are to attend Clemson University and pursue a career as a physicians assistant. Mya is the daughter of Jan and Garry Chapman.
Photo courtesy of Alexis Lyda.
MCEC Pays County Taxes
MCEC trustee, Carey Bedenbaugh, presents Saluda County Treasurer, Tiffany Shaw, a check for the current taxes for Saluda County.”
ATTENTION MAIL SUBSCRIBERS
We have received many complaints about the expiration date being wrong on the mailing labels.
This is due to an old label printer that is slipping. Your expiration date is supposed to be above your name, but due to the slippage the expiration date on labels often belong to the subscriber on the label below you.
The expiration date is correct in our computer.
If anyone has a good used Okidata Microline 321 Turbo Dot Matrix printer, please let us know. New machines are currently cost prohibitive because of their rarity.
Hopefully, business will improve and we can get a new or good used machine.
In the meantime, please bear with us.
THANKS
Guest Speaker To Discuss Ukraine
On Sunday evening, January 29,2023, at six o'clock P.M. Dr. Robbie McAlister with the SEND Team at the South Carolina Baptist convention will be the guest speaker at Ridge Spring Baptist Church.
Dr. McAlister has returned recently from a trip to Ukraine, and he will share his experiences while in that country.
Even though it will be two o'clock A. M. in Ukraine, a Pastor in Kyiv has agreed to join the meeting in a Zoom Call. The Pastor will entertain questions from the Congregation, and he will provide a firsthand report of conditions that exist currently in Ukraine.
The zoom call is conditioned on there being electricity in Kyiv at the time of our call.
At the conclusion of the service, an offering will be taken for our Friends in Ukraine who are suffering so terribly.
The Community is invited to join with the Members of Ridge Spring Baptist for this very informative and unique service.
First 2023 Council Meeting
SWEARING IN - Pictured above is a screen capture of the swearing in ceremony for Saluda County officers, Council Chairman Jim Moore, Councilman Justin Anderson, Treasurer Tiffany Shaw, and Auditor Memmus Forrest. Councilman Frank Daniel was also sworn in, but was standing out of range of the camera. Michelle Daniels conducted the swearing in.
Council Holds First
Meeting Of New Year
Saluda County Council held its first meeting of the new year on Mon., Jan. 9.
Jim Moore began his first full term as chairman. He was previously elected to fill the unexpired term of the late Jerry Strawbridge, who died while in office.
Councilmen Frank Daniel and Justin Anderson were re-elected and began new four-year terms.
In the first action of the new year, Councilman Jack Atkinson was elected vice chairman.
In his report, Moore said he had included in the council members packet proposed fees for animal control from Edgefield County, and advised the members to study them and contact him if the had any problems with the proposal.
He let Council know in the first six months of the fiscal year, the county had collected 55 per cent of the budget and expended 49 percent.
Moore said he had met with department heads and asked them to submit strategic plans for their departments. He encouraged them to all work together as “one Saluda County.”
He proposed a retreat with the S.C. Association of Counties to discuss strategic planning, the administrator form of government, budgeting and zoning. The retreat will be Mar. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Moore said the pet neutering project was going well. So far 64 cats and 56 dogs had been neutered, and 40 more pets are scheduled for this week. The project has cost the county $3000 so far.
Saluda’s new Mayor Miliken Matthews, accompanied by Town Council and administrator, pledged cooperation with the county. Matthews said he had heard the County and the Town have not worked well in the past, but said the two governments should use the “one Saluda” theme Moore mentioned earlier.
He concluded by quoting Thomas Jefferson, “I like dreams of the future better than history of the past.”
In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance that will allow the county to sale property located at 117 and 119 North Main Street in Saluda. Anderson voted against the reading.
Moore announced the committee appointments, which were the same as last year.
Council approved and signed an agreement with Safebuilt Carolinas, LLC, for continuing to provide building code services for Saluda County.
Also approved were engagement letters with Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A. and First-Tryon Advisors for the Detention Center Project.
Atkinson questioned if Council was moving too soon on this, but Moore said, “we have been kicking this can too long.”
Atkinson agreed and voted for the letters.
Council voted to transfer funds, not to exceed $115,000, from Contingency for increase in insurance premiums.
They also approved transfer from Contingency for administrative salaries, as approved at a prior council meeting.
County Has State’s 9th
Longest Life Expectancy
Saluda County is tied for the ninth longest life expectancy in South Carolina, accosding to Slacker.
These are the Top 10 counties in South Carolina with the longest life expectancy: 1. Beaufort County 2. Edgefield County 3. Charleston County 4. Berkeley County 5. Greenville County 6. York County 7. Dorchester County 8. Lexington County 9. TIED: Saluda County, Jasper County
#9. Saluda County - Average life expectancy: 77.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average) - Health outcomes statewide rank: #18 --- Length of life rank: #11 --- Quality of life rank: #23
Life expectancy in the United States has generally been on the rise, with rare exceptions for certain segments of the population. Between 1960 and 2019, the life expectancy of Americans rose by roughly a decade to the age of 79.
Greater longevity can be attributed to improved health care such as diagnostic and medical advancements, as well as shifting lifestyle choices including healthier diets and a reduction in rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.
While no one single factor determines the overall health of an entire community, certain socioeconomic and environmental factors such as access to health care, clean air, clean water, and affordable housing, contribute significantly to the general health and wellbeing of the entire population.
Using 2022 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Stacker identified counties with the longest life expectancy in South Carolina. Life expectancy measures the average number of years from birth a person can expect to live, and is calculated based on the number of deaths in a given time period and the average number of people at risk of dying during that period. Counties with unreliable or insufficient data were excluded from the analysis. Mortality data came from the National Vital Statistics System.
© Stacker 2023. All rights reserved.
Saluda County is tied for the ninth longest life expectancy in South Carolina, accosding to Slacker.
These are the Top 10 counties in South Carolina with the longest life expectancy: 1. Beaufort County 2. Edgefield County 3. Charleston County 4. Berkeley County 5. Greenville County 6. York County 7. Dorchester County 8. Lexington County 9. TIED: Saluda County, Jasper County
#9. Saluda County - Average life expectancy: 77.2 years (0.8 more than the statewide average) - Health outcomes statewide rank: #18 --- Length of life rank: #11 --- Quality of life rank: #23
Life expectancy in the United States has generally been on the rise, with rare exceptions for certain segments of the population. Between 1960 and 2019, the life expectancy of Americans rose by roughly a decade to the age of 79.
Greater longevity can be attributed to improved health care such as diagnostic and medical advancements, as well as shifting lifestyle choices including healthier diets and a reduction in rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.
While no one single factor determines the overall health of an entire community, certain socioeconomic and environmental factors such as access to health care, clean air, clean water, and affordable housing, contribute significantly to the general health and wellbeing of the entire population.
Using 2022 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Stacker identified counties with the longest life expectancy in South Carolina. Life expectancy measures the average number of years from birth a person can expect to live, and is calculated based on the number of deaths in a given time period and the average number of people at risk of dying during that period. Counties with unreliable or insufficient data were excluded from the analysis. Mortality data came from the National Vital Statistics System.
© Stacker 2023. All rights reserved.