Arrest Made In Lake Case

Arrest Made In
Strong Armed Robbery

  An arrest was made last week in a strong armed robbery at a resident near Lake Murry.
  April 26, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Windwood Acres Road in reference to a robbery involving a handgun.
  Upon arriving on scene, deputies learned that Justin Whitt had assaulted the victim while robbing him. Whitt then fled into the woods on foot.
  The Bloodhound Tracking Team and Special Operations Teams responded to the scene. A perimeter was established and the bloodhounds began tracking.
  Whitt was located off of Cold Harbor Road after he stole a kayak and attempted to flee into Lake Murray.   Whitt has been arrested by the Sheriff’s Office and charged with Strong Armed Robbery, two counts of Larceny, and Trespassing. He is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center.

AMERICAN LEGION MEETING - Pictured left to right: Post 65 Legionnaires  James Etheredge, Mary Andrews, Emergency Management Director Josh Morton, Post 65 Commander John Hood, and Past Commander Al Butler. Josh Morton, Saluda County’s Emergency Management Director was the key note speaker at the April Post 65 American Legion meeting and delivered a very interesting presentation.   Emergency Services  is composed of five distinct disciplines covering Emergency Management, Public Works, Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services. Morton stated  “that on a day to day basis EMD tries to prevent  disasters from happening. “  But in time of need, EMD rolls out the emergency management services whether they are short term or long term disasters.

Industry Expanding

$11.6 Million Investment
To Create 73 New Jobs

  Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. (Palmetto Gourmet Foods), a producer of innovative, sustainable ramen noodles, today announced plans to expand its operations in Saluda County. The company is continuing its growth by investing $11.6 million and creating 73 new jobs to add to the approximately 200 positions that it has already created.
  Founded in 2019 and headquartered at 782 Columbia Highway in Saluda County, Palmetto Gourmet Foods is the innovator and producer of the world’s first high protein organic ramen noodle, sold under the Chef Woo brand and the popular Ramen Express brand. Both products are available nationwide in over 11,000 stores, including major retailers such as Walmart and Costco. These products are also being exported coast-to-coast in Canada, with growing international demand. 
  With a focus on sus-tainability, the company strives to partner with local and environmentally friendly suppliers and use recyclable packaging. With its Chef Woo product, Palmetto Gourmet Foods has created an affordable, convenient, shelf-stable and planet-friendly instant protein meal that can help in the fight against protein malnutrition both domestically and on a world scale.
  The expansion is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Gourmet Foods team should visit the com-pany’s careers page.
  The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The council has also awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to Saluda County to assist with the cost of building renovations.
QUOTES
  “We are thrilled to be in South Carolina and part of a community that has been involved in farming and food production for generations. True to our core values, we take pride in developing and mass producing affordable, quality food – particularly now – at a time when food inflation is the cause of distress in so many families nationwide. In addition to our investment of $45 million to date, we are undertaking a further investment of $11.6 million to meet the growing demand for our products.” -Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. CEO Dr. Reza Soltan-zadeh
  “When a homegrown company like Palmetto Gourmet Foods experiences success within our borders, all of South Carolina wins. These 73 new jobs the company is creating will make a big difference in Saluda County, and we’re excited to celebrate Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
  “Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ latest expansion in Saluda County further proves that South Carolina has the recipe for success for companies. We congratulate Palmetto Gourmet Foods on this $11.6 million investment and the 73 new jobs they are creating, and we value our strong business relationship.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
  “We are excited to see one of our existing industries growing here in Saluda County. I am thankful for these new job opportunities for our citizens and the capital investment that will help strengthen our tax base.” -Saluda County Council Vice Chairman Justin Anderson
  “It’s exciting to see an existing industry in our region grow with new capital investment and jobs, and for that we are grateful. Congratulations to Palmetto Gourmet Foods and Saluda County on today’s news.” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

Body Discovered

  The Saluda County Cor-oner’s Office was called to the scene on Monday, April 18, 2022 of a body being found on the side of Prosperity Hwy / Hwy 391 near The Circle.  
  The person was later identified as Keyvon Anderson, age 21 of Lexington, SC.  After preliminary investigation and autopsy no foul play is suspected at this time.  The death is still under investigation by the Saluda Sheriff’s Office and the Saluda County Coroner’s Office.
  The Coroner’s Office would like to thank Saluda County EMS and Saluda Sheriff’s County Office, along with several citizens of the area for their assistance in this case.  Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Anderson.

 

Special Burial
Service Held

  The Saluda County Coroner’s Office held a special burial service early Monday morning (April 11, 2022) at Trinity Cemetery, where three individuals were given their final resting place.
  The service was dedicated to individuals who lived in Saluda County at the time of their death and whose remains were unclaimed, according to Coroner Keith Turner.  Rev. Doris Hicks shared a message of love and family for these three individuals in words and scripture.  Mrs. Sheila Shealy sang a beautiful “a cappella rendition” of Amazing Grace.
  Those decedents buried were: Ms. Bernice S. Huckabee, Ms. Mary A. Gibson and Mr. Carroll Ellis.
  The Coroner’s Office would like to share special thanks to the following for their assistance in making this service possible: Rev. Doris Hicks, Mrs. Sheila Shealy, Trinity Cemetery Group, Saluda County Administrator - Mrs. Sandra Padget, Mrs. Regina Turner, Saluda County Council and staff of the Coroner’s Office

April 2022 Council

Council Begins
Budget Process

 
  Saluda County Council gave first readings to the 2022-23 school and county  budgets at the April 11 meeting.
  The local support portion of the school district’s $23,159,456 budget is $8,476,594, 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 $5,343,556  from ad valorem taxes.
  The county’s budget currently stands at $14,995,066, $785,209 over projected revenue. Two more readings are required for both budgets.
  A public hearing was held on an ordinance authorizing the expansion of the boundaries of a multi-county business park. No one spoke at the public hearing. In the old business portion of the meeting, third reading approval was given to the ordinance.
  Council gave second reading approval to an ordinance that will provide for the recovery of costs for service charges from users of fire protection and emergency services through a citizen’sinsurance. Councilman Jack Atkinson said he had a problem with fees being collected by a third party. He said he thought the county should do its own collecting. Atkinson voted against second reading approval.
  In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance permitting Saluda County to enter into a lease agreement with Southeast Aviation, LLC.  The lease would allow the establishment of a flight school at the airport, assistant Emergency Management Director Jill Warren said.
  The annual Fair Housing Resolution was approved, as was a resolution saluting Bonnie Forrest on her retirement after 21 years of service to the county.
  Fire Service coordinator Luke Downing asked Council to consider purchasing to a mini-pump truck for the Circle Fire Department, replacing a 1997 ambulance used as a squad truck. The truck under consideration is a 2006 model with a 250 gallon water tank, 15 gallons for foam and a light tower for night duty.
  The truck has 15,000 miles on the odometer and cost $99,900. Downing said Circle fire chief Donnie Longshore approved the purchase, as does the Fire Board.
  The truck is located in Pennsylvania, and fire officials will travel there and thoroughly inspect the vehicle. If it is found acceptable, it will be driven home. Coincil approved the purchase.
  Council approved an Economic Development Set-aside Grant. Will Williams from the Economic Development Partnership, said the grant funds will  be issued by the state to the county, and the county would disburse the funds to an industry, which will pledge to further develop its location and hire more employees.

King Academy To
Celebrate 50 Years

  W. Wyman King Academy’s will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on April 30, 2022, with a special observance at the school.
  Alumnus Jonathan Rush will serve  as the emcee, and alumnus Matt Carson with the East Wind Band will be providing entertainment. Memorabilia rooms from all 50 years and special speakers and honorees will also  be featured
  Open house begins at 5 p.m. and dinner will be catered by Shealy’s BBQ at 6:30. Cost is $25 for one person and $45 for a couple.
  This event is open to all alumni and WKA Parents. They must RSVP by contacting the office at (803) 532-6682 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..