2019 July Council Meeting

Robert Etheredge Named
New SHS Principal

  The Saluda County School District is pleased to announce that Robert Etheredge has been selected as the new principal of Saluda High School.
  Etheredge is a 1999 graduate of Saluda High School and has served as assistant principal the past 3 years. Prior to serving as an administrator, Etheredge taught physical education and served as Head Boys’ Basketball Coach at Saluda High School and Swansea High School.
  Dr. Harvey Livingston, Superintendent, stated, “I am thrilled that Mr. Etheredge will be leading Saluda High. His knowledge of our community and students, commitment to student success, and willing to build true relationships makes him the perfect fit. I am excited to watch the growth of our students and staff under his leadership.”
  When asked about how he felt about his new role,  Etheredge stated, “It is an extreme honor that I assume the responsibility of Principal of Saluda High School. It also gives me great pride to serve in the community I grew up in. Saluda High is a special place with awesome people, and I am very happy to be a part of it.”

RETIRED TREASURER RECOGNIZED - Recently retired Saluda County Treasurer Tina Shealy, left, was recognizefd by County Council Mon., July 8, for her years of service to the County, including 17 in the Treasuer’s office. Presenting the resolution is County Council Chairman Derrick Jones. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

HORNE HONORED FOR BRAVERY - Chief Deputy Toby Horne, left, was recognized by County Council on July 8 for his brave act of entering a burning home, going upstairs and attempting to save the life of a child on April 5. Presenting the resolution is County Council Chairman Derrick Jones. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Council Puts Hiring
Policy Into Effect

  At its last meeting, County Council voted to implement a hiring freeze and instruct all department heads/elected and appointed officials to come before Council to request filling a vacant position.
  Mon., July 8, Council saw that action come to fruition.
  Chief Deputy Sheriff Toby Horne (three deputy positions and a temporary school resource office, while the regular SRO is deployed), Assistant Jail Administrator Lorine Kelly (three positions), EMS Director Jacob Starnes (two EMTs and one part-time EMT) and Solid Waste Coordinator Jacob Schumpert (two positions), all appeared before Council with their requests.
  All of the positions are included in the 2019-2020 budget and all were approved.
  Schumpert shared some interesting information about the convenience centers. During the July 4th week, 4300 vehicles came through the convenience centers, with 1500 of those coming to the Traffic Circle site.
  Schumpert said with new developments coming to the lake, the Circle Center may have to be expanded someday.
  Sandra Calliham, county manager for the Department of Juvenile Justice, discussed the new Raise the Age Law the went into effect July 1. Now, 17-year-olds are considered juveniles, where they were previously tried as adults.
  Ms. Calliham said this will cause more youth to come under the auspices of DJJ, and the her agency is running out of office space. She asked Council for use of any available county-owned office space.
  Council approved Starnes request to purchase a new Demers ambulance for $205,959.50. Financing would be $54,519.40 annually for four years. Starnes said the sale of an old ambulance may covered the cost of one year’s payment.
  The adoption and presentation of two resolutions began the new business portion of the meeting.
  Tina Shealy was recognized for his service as Saluda County Treasurer. After 17 years in the treasurer’s office, 11 as Treasurer, she retired on June 30.
  Toby Horne, then a Sheriff’s captain,  was recognized for his brave act of entering a burning home, going upstairs and attempting to save the life of a child on  April 5.
  First reading was given to an ordinance to renew the contract for fixed base operator, Saluda Sky Aviation, LLC, at the Saluda County Airport.
  An application for a FAA grant for improvement at the airport was approved.  Emergency   Management Assistant Director Jill Warren said the $126,760 grant would be used to develop plans reconstruct apron area at the from of the terminal building and reconstruct the taxiway. The state and county would pay a $6,338 match each.
  Council approved the purchasing card policy and forms, as recommended by Financial Service Coordinator Regina Turner.

District Recognized

SCHOOL DISTRICT RECOGNIZED - From left to right: Mr. Robert Etheredge, Dr. Lorin Anderson, Dr. Harvey Livingston, Dr. Abbey Duggins, and Mr. Brian Chatman.

School District Gets
Special Recognition

  On June 19, 2019, Saluda County Schools received the Lorin W. Anderson Award for Excellence at the 12th Annual Teaching Children of Poverty Summer Institute at Francis Marion University.   The Lorin W. Anderson Award for Excellence recognizes educational stakeholders who successfully implement strategies to reach under-resourced learners. Dr. Tammy Pawloski and Dr. Anderson presented the award and highlighted the exceptional work and dedication of the Saluda County Schools staff members.
  Accepting the award on behalf of the educators in Saluda County were District Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Abbey Dug-gins, Saluda High School Principal Robert Etheredge, and Director of Administration Brian Chatman.
  Dr. Lorin W. Anderson is an advocate for focused preparation and ongoing support for teachers in high poverty schools. Dr. Anderson was a co-founder of the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty at Francis Marion University in 2003.
  Read more about the award and the Center of Excellence at this link: https://www.fmucenterofexcellence.org/andersonaward/

NEW TREASURER - County Attorney Chris Spradley, right,  conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Saluda County’s new treasurer, Tiffany Rodgers Shaw, left, in the Courthouse Courtroom on Wed., July 3. Holding the Bible are Mrs. Shaw’s husband, Andrew, and their three children, L to R,  Reese, Corbin and Sidney.

NEW ON-CALL DEPUTY CORONER - Judge William Keesley conducted the swearing in ceremony for Angie Rita as Saluda County’s new On-call Deputy Coroner. The ceremony was held July 1 at Judge Keesley’s office in Edgefield. Coroner Keith Turner, said he, Chief Deputy Coroner Dudley Rushton and Deputy Coroner Rodney Minick, all welcome Mrs. Rita to the staff. They know she will do a good job for the citizens of Saluda County, he said. Pictured about are, L to R, Rushton, Mrs. Rita, Judge Keesley and Turner.

2019 Tractor Pull

41st Annual Truck
and Tractor Pull

  The Saluda Young Farmers 41st Annual Truck and Tractor Pull, “Hottest Pull in the South” will be held July 27th at the Young Farmer Stadium at the County Recreation Complex.  The Carolina Truck & Tractor Pullers / Southern Pullers Association professional pull will begin at 6pm.  Gates open at 4pm.  There will be 19 classes featured this year.
  Ticket prices are as follows:  Adults - $15, Children 6 to 12 - $10, under 5 – Free, and cooler/bulk beverage - $5.00 (no glass containers).  Credit and debit card ticket purchases will be available at the gate.  Concessions will also be available.
  To purchase trackside parking, contact Scott Wertz at 803-924-3124. All trackside parking spots are $50 and go on sale July 8th.  Please call after 5pm.
  The Saluda Young Farmer Scholarship winners will be recognized as well.  The 2019 winners are Megan Corley, Texanna Miller, Sarah Shore, Cody Clary, Makayla Porter, Zac Berry, Kelson Palmer, and Benjamin Buzhardt.   Proceeds from the pull go towards the scholarship program.
  Bring a chair – stand seating is limited. Also, visit the Young Farmer merchandise table to purchase your official tractor pull shirt.
  Come and enjoy a weekend of high-powered action!
  Check out www.SaludaYoungFarmer.org or syftp.us for the latest information. Like us on Facebook at Saluda SC Tractor Pull.

AGCO Delivers Massey Ferguson Tractor  to Southeastern
Farmer of the Year Winner Yon

Kevin Yon, left, Receives One Year’s Use of Tractor for Cattle, Hay, and Pecan Operation

   DULUTH, Ga. (June 24, 2018) – AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment and solutions, delivered a Massey Ferguson® 6713 Global Series tractor to Southeastern Farmer of the Year Kevin Yon. Massey Ferguson is a sponsor of the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition, held the past 29 years in conjunction with the Sunbelt Agriculture Exposition, in Moultrie, Ga. Yon Family Farms is located in Ridge Spring, S.C.
   With their extensive livestock operation, Yon plans to use his new Massey Ferguson tractor in land preparation, hay production, as well as feeding his livestock.
  “We think this will be a perfect fit on our beef cattle farm and tackle any job we put before it. It’s got plenty of power, is simple and straightforward to operate, and has a very quiet and spacious cab,” said Kevin Yon, owner, Yon Family Farms. “I appreciate Massey Fergu-son’s commitment to agriculture and participation in this and many other programs.  This award means a lot to my family and all the families that keep this farm up and running.”
   Yon, first named the South Carolina Farmer of the Year, was selected from a pool of 10 total state winners for the overall title. Yon Family Farms began operations in 1996 and each member of the Yon family works on the farm. In addition to the extensive cattle operation they began with, the Yon family has diversified their operation and recently purchased an existing pecan orchard and retail storefront operation.
   “It’s an honor to sponsor the Farmer of the Year program and give back to such a deserving family and farming operation,” said Ash Alt, field execution manager, AGCO. “It’s impressive to see their hard work, passion, and teamwork amidst the diverse areas of their operation.  We specifically chose the features of the Massey Ferguson 6713 tractor to best fit Kevin’s operation and have already seen it hard at work.”
   Southeastern Farmer of the Year entrants are nominated by their local extension agents. Extension agents should follow https://sunbeltexpo.com/foty/ for the 2019 contest.

Atkinson Recognized By Lions Club

  At the SC Lions State Convention, Lion Jack Atkinson of the Saluda Lions Club was awarded recognition as a Melvin Jones Fellow by The Lions Club International President, Gudrun Bjort Yngvadottir.
  Jack Atkinson is the Vision Screening Coordinator for the Saluda Lions Club and was instrumental in establishing and leading the Saluda Lions Club effort to provide vision screening to the Saluda schools and the surrounding community.
     Thanks to the outstanding financial support of local civic minded individuals and organizations the club raised over $4500 and qualified for a Lions Club International matching grant to purchase vision screening equipment.  In the past year, Jack coordinated the efforts of the club in conducting 16 sight screening events in Saluda, Edgefield,and Lexington county schools that provided sight evaluation service to 3818 students. Of these students, 698 were identified for further sight evaluation. Early detection and correction of sight issues improves ability to learn and quality of life.