Bridge Naming Proposed
General Assembly Seeks
Naming Bridge For
Deputy Dale Hallman
The South Carolina General Asememby has requested the S.C. Department of Transportation name a bridge in Saluda County for fallen Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman.
Following is the resolution:
TO REQUEST THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NAME THE BRIDGE LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 39l IN SALUDA COUNTY OVER THE LITTLE SALUDA RIVER AT MILE MARKER 9.30 “CORPORAL DALE HALL-MAN MEMORIAL BRIDGE” AND ERECT APPROPRIATE MARKERS OR SIGNS AT THIS LOCATION CONTAINING THE DESIGNATION.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly were deeply saddened to learn of the untimely and tragic death of CorporaI Dale Hallman on April 6. 2018 at the age of twenty- nine and wish to honor and remember his supreme sacrifice in the line of duty; and
Whereas, Corporal Hall-man, who was a member of’ the Bloodhound Tracking Team, was called to the scene of a crime in order to pursue a suspect. He began responding to the scene with lights and sirens activated but crashed at a location on Pencreek Road. He later died of` his injuries; and
Whereas, a deputy of high character. Corporal Hallman had been with the Saluda County Sheriff‘s Office for five years, and he loved what he did. A close friend to his fellow officers and hard worker, he will be remembered as an extraordinary deputy. He also served as a lieutenant with the county’s fire service; and
Whereas, in 2016, Corporal Hallman was awarded the Medal of Valor for his outstanding service to Saluda County; and
Whereas, Corporal Hall-man had recently gotten married and also had a baby on the way. He leaves behind his wife, unborn child, and two beloved stepsons. In addition, he is survived by his mother, father, and sister; and Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to pay tribute to the life, service, and courageous sacrifice of this son of South Carolina by naming a bridge in Saluda County in his honor.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, request that the Department of Transportation name the bridge located on Highway 391 in Saluda County over the Little Saluda River at mile marker 9.30 “Corporal Dale Hallman Memorial Bridge” and erect appropriate markers or signs at this location containing the designation.
Pictured L to R: Susan Cathey, Co-President; Shelby Yonce, President; Betty Ann Cone, Charter Member & Secretary; and Converse Cone, Vice President.
Garden Club Celebrates 65th Anniversary
The Green Thumb Garden Club of Ridge Spring celebrated their 65th Anniversary and were honored by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. They were presented a NGC Certificate of Merit by Donna Donnelly, President of The Garden Club of South Carolina on behalf of the National President, Nancy L. Hargroves. Mrs. Hargroves who resides in Manakin Sabot, Virginia signed the certificate.
The Green Thumb Garden Club was formed in 1953 in the James Paul Murphey Home on Boatwright Street in Ridge Spring. Mrs. Mattie Lee Bonnette and Mrs. Ethel Connelly Murphey were members of The Ridge Garden Club and wished to form a new club for the younger ones in town. Two names were suggested by the 13 charter members and “The Green Thumb” won the vote. Betty Ann Cone, a charter member, served as the first President and is still active in the club today. She was awarded a Life Membership by the club in 2016.
Shelby Jean Yonce is presently serving as President with Susan McGee Cathey serving as Co-President of the club. Mrs. Cathey is a second generation member following her mother, Pauline McGee. Converse Bomar Cone, Vice-President, is also a second generation member. The club was deeded the historic lmmanuel Lutheran Church at 206 Boatwright Street in Ridge Spring in 1986 which is located just a half a block from where the club was organized. Over the years the members have been busy restoring and maintaining the church and grounds as funds are available. Money is raised by their annual Christmas Tour of Homes and through donations. Presently, they are working to add a much needed restroom onto the back of the sanctuary, Other club projects include maintaining a By-Way Blue Star Marker on the church property, a Blue Star Memorial Marker on Highway #1, and a Healing Garden Dream Stop west of town. All members are certified as having Backyard Habitats.
To celebrate their anniversary, the club attended The Camellia Tea of Edgefield at Magnolia Dale on February 14 where they enjoyed the spectacular display of camellias and the delicious refreshments! Each member purchased a copy of the newly released book, “Nothing Could Be Finer”, a history of the Camellia Tea of Edgefield, SC. They also toured the historic Oakley Park House in Edgefield where the above photo was taken.
County Safety Recognized
SAFETY AWARD PRESENTED - Robert Benfield, S.C. Association of Counties Director of Risk Management, presented Saluda County the Outstanding Achievement Award Mon., Feb. 11, at the Council meeting. Accepting was Council Chairman Derrick Jones, Council members, Risk Management Director Hardee Horne, Sheriff John Perry, and the other members of the staff who worked to enhance the safety and security of the county employees. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
County Safety Record Recognized
Saluda County Council took less than 20 minutes to take care of business at the Mon., Feb. 11, meeting.
A public hearing was held and final reading was given to an ordinance authorizing a joint venture with Edgefield County for an industrial and business park in Edgefield County.
Robert Benfield, S.C. Association of Counties Director of Risk Management, presented Saluda County the Outstanding Achievement Award. The award recognizes all the county departments who worked together to enhance the safety and securityof the county employees,
Council accepted Emergency Management Director Josh Morton suggestion to transfer licenses the county already owns at the Courthouse and use them for the surveillance system at the Sheriff’s CID building. Morton said the licenses are a major expense and this will save the county money. The three licenses are no longer needed at the Courthouse with its new surveillance system. The $2567.16 cost will be paid from the Public Building Repair Reserve account.
Council gave Assistant Emergency Management Director Jill Warren permission to apply for a $25,644 Justice Assistance Grant. The funds will go to new body armor for the SWAT team. The county’s match if approved will be $2564.40.
Davy Hite Named To
Fishing Hall of Fame
Saluda Countiy native Davy Hite has been selected for induction into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
The Class of 2019, with formal induction ceremonies taking place at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield on Thursday, September 19, 2019, includes three stars of professional bass fishing — Mark Davis of Mt. Ida, Ark., David Fritts of Lexington, N.C., and Davy Hite of Ninety Six, S.C. – along with noted artist/illustrator, the late Chris Armstrong, and the founder of Zoom Bait Company, the late Ed Chambers.
Davy Hite – Davy Hite took a risk, giving up a rock-solid career in the SC National Guard to pursue his dream of becoming a professional angler. Over the course of twenty-four seasons he excelled, winning two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, the 1999 Bassmaster Classic and the 1998 FLW Forrest Wood Cup. His ledger includes eight Bassmaster victories along with the FLW Championship.
After retiring from competition upon the conclusion of the 2016 Bassmaster Elite Series season, Hite slid seamlessly into a new role as a co-host on Bassmaster LIVE and The Bassmasters TV show. Davy serves on the Board of Trustees for the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, a charitable organization whose mission is to provide the means for fathers to be great dads. He also donates his time to a number of other worthy organizations. Without a doubt, Davy considers his greatest accomplishment in life to be the two remarkable sons, Parker and Peyton, he and Natalie have been blessed to call their own.
His wife, the former Natalie Smith, is also a native of Saluda.
Hite is a 1983 graduate of Saluda High School.
FEMA Funds Awarded
Saluda County has been awarded $8205.00 Federal Funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board program. Saluda County has been chosen to receive $8205.00 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from the Salvation Army, American Red Cross; Jewish Federations of North America; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and United Way worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A Local Board made up of local government officials, agencies, church officials, and a homeless advocate will determine how the funds awarded to Saluda County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organization in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non - profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal Funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Saluda County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Saluda County DSS, Saluda County Helping Hands, GLEAMNS, COA and the Salvation Army. These agencies were responsible for providing meals and utility assistance. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Fabrienni Chaplin 864-803-1023, or Becky McDowell at 864-445-2139 for an application. The deadline for application is March 13, 2019.
100 Year Old Legionnaire
Legionnaire Honored
On 100th Birthday
Cayce Memorial American Legion recently honored post member Ellis F. Temples of Saluda County on his 100th birtday. He was presented the Quilt of Valor, a 100 Year Centennial Legion Coin and a WWII Cap. Saluda native Duane Johnson is also a menber of the post.
SUPERINTENDENT SPEAKS - Pictured left to right: Post Commander John Hood, Saluda District 1 Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston, Legionaries Captain Mary Andrews, USAF Nurse 1961-1966, Commander (Ret) Jim Moore, US Navy, and SFC (Ret) Grady Clark, US Army. Dr. Livingston, was the keynote speaker at the February American Legion Post 65 meeting. He began his educational career in 1977 as a history teacher, continuing as a head football coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal. Dr. Livingston has been in Saluda School District 1 for 22 years. He is innovative in his leadership in moving programs forward for greater educational opportunities for our students. No longer will school district lines stand in the way of student education. There is collaboration with Batesburg-Leesville, being first in the state, to offer welding in one district and fire fighting in another. Dr. Livingston, entertained questions from the Legionaries and Ladies Auxiliary following his presentation. Post 65 thanks Dr. Livingston for the great job he does in leading Saluda School District 1.
Quilting on the Ridge
Quilting on the Ridge - March 8 and 9. The Town of Ridge Spring will have lots of quilts on display. You may start at the Art Center, 108 Maintenance Building Circle (behind the Civic Center). Purchase a bag of Goodies for $5.00. View the painting of a guilt block. Visit the Civic Center where Creative Sewing Machine Center will have a long arm machine with sewing and quilting machines on display and a sewing machine as a door prize. The shops downtown will have more quilts on display. Enjoy the walk, visit the antique shops and boutiques. There are three restaurants in town, Juniper Restaurant, Migulitos, and Rikard’s Roadside BBQ. Additional raffle tickets will be available for our featured quilt for $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00. Raffle tickets are available at most stores. The beautiful quilt made by Anne Curley is on display at the Security Federal Bank. The bank is located at 636 E. Main Street. Their phone number is 803-674-1165. If the bank happens to be closed when you want to view the quilt, it is in plain sight for all to see.
Mansalughter Suspect Sentenced
SHANNON
Allendale Man Sentenced In
Ridge Spring Homicide
Lamar Maurice Shannon, a 34 year old from Allendale, was sentenced to 18 years without parole for the homicide of Schanen T. Samuels, age 34.
On Labor Day in 2016, Shannon intentionally drove his vehicle at a high rate of speed into a crowd of people at the Circle K in Ridge Spring in Saluda County. Shannon pled guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter earlier today and the sentence was imposed by Circuit Court Judge Walton J. McLeod, IV. This case was investigated by the Ridge Spring Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Sutania A. Fuller.
On September 5, 2016, around 8:00 p.m., Samuels and his family went to the Circle K where a friend Shannon engaged in a verbal altercation with one of Samuels’ family members. Samuels reportedly was trying to stop the altercation. Multiple witnesses reported that Shannon backs up his compact SUV on the side of the Circle K just prior to accelerating into the crowd at an extremely high rate of speed. He struck one other individual prior to striking Samuels. Samuels’ body ended up in the roadway over fifteen (15) feet away. Several witnesses report that Shannon then turns up the road and comes back intentionally running over the body again. Shannon’s friend then jumps in the car and they flee the scene. Several witnesses were able to describe Shannon as the driver of the vehicle. Samuels was pronounced dead at the scene.
A volunteer fireman who witnessed some of the incident pursued Shannon. He and his sons were able to set up a perimeter around the woods where Shannon and his friend were hiding until law enforcement arrived. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted and the bloodhounds were able to successfully locate Shannon and his friend hiding in the woods.
The vehicle was abandoned near the woods and later processed by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Crime Scene agents. Samuels’ blood and hair were recovered from the undercarriage of the trunk area of the vehicle and DNA analysis confirmed that the blood and hair belonged to Samuels.
An autopsy conducted by Dr. Janice Ross in Newberry determined that Samuels sustained multiple blunt force injuries to include a fractured skull with lacerated brain, fractured ribs, fractured pelvis, and multiple abrasions, contusions, and lacerations about his body abrasions, contusions, and lacerations about his body.
MITCHELL REMEMBERED - Gov. Henry McMaster ordered that the flags atop the State Capitol Building be flowered to half-staff on Fri., Feb. 1, in honor of Rudolph Mitchell and in recognition of his service to the State as a member of the House of Representatives and the Public Service Commission. (Photo by Renee Lipson)
RUDOLPH MITCHELL
County ComunityLeader,
Entertainer Rudoph Mitchell Dies
Rudolph Mitchell, who served Saluda County and the of South Carolina in many capacities, and entertained thousands through the years with piano playiin died Tues.., Jan. 29, at his home.
He was 92.
The youngest of four sons of Sue Bledsoe and Thomas Spearman Mitchell, Ru-dolph spent his entire life on their family farm in Saluda County. A graduate of Hollywood High School, and Veteran of WW II, he married his next-door neighbor Lenora Werts in 1949. Together, and with his brother Frank, they established Rudanks Farms – a prize-winning Guernsey Dairy herd.
He began his public service by serving as Master of the Higgins Grange. Under his leadership, Higgins was awarded Top Ten Grange Community Clubs in the United States. In 1962, he was elected to the SC House of Repre-sentatives introducing legislation to establish the Saluda County Nursing Home, a fee to support the SC Dept of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and advancement for agriculture and rural communities in SC.
In 1973, he was elected to the SC Public Service Commission, served twice as Chairman. He retired in 1998.
He loved Saluda County and worked to improve the quality of life for his neighbors. He chaired the Saluda Pull-It Festival, faithfully volunteered his musical talents to the Saluda Nursing Home patients, and worked to establish the Saluda Dialysis Center.
A self-taught musician, he first played the mandolin as a member of the Silver Dew Boys. For 50 years, he and his late friend, Holly Price, entertained as “The Ivory Keys” – a piano and organ duo. They brought beauty and joy with their opening number - “Down Yonder”, waltzes, country classics, gospel favorites, and Rudolph’s jokes and recitations.
He was a life-long member of Hickory Grove Advent Christian Church and served as Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the choir. His strong voice could be heard each Sunday praising God in song and resounding “Amens”.
He received the “Order of the Palmetto” from Governor David Beasley, was named Saluda County Citizen of the Year, and was inducted into the SC Dairy Hall of Fame at Clemson University.
His two children following him in community service.
His son Randy, who died a a tragic farm accident a few years ago, served Saluda County as a member of County Council and as Judge of Probate, before becoming a member of the S.C. Public Service Commission, like his father..
His daughter Molly Mitchell Spearman, like her father, was elected to the S.C. House of Represen-tatives, and is currently the S.C. Superintendent of Education.
See the complete obituary elsewhere in today’s paper.