Trafficking Task Force

Human Trafficking Task Force

  Dec. 8, Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the launch of the Lexington, Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda (LEMS) Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.
  Solicitor Rick Hubbard gave a few remarks about the need for this task force to fight against human trafficking in the 11th Circuit.  Solicitor Hubbard stood proudly with law enforcement agencies and other community partners and leaders throughout the Circuit publicly acknowledging our commitment to ending human trafficking.
  Repesentatives attending included: Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Police Department, Irmo Police Department, Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, Cayce Department of Public Safety, West Columbia Police Department, McCormick County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda County Sheriff-elect Josh Price.

From The Chairman’s Desk

By Jerry Strawbridge

  My Friends, I want to let you know the $25.00 road fee that has been in effect for this year has been repealed beginning with January 2021 vehicle property tax renewals, and every wheeled and titled vehicle required to be registered and licensed in Saluda County by the South Carolina Department of Transportation purchased after December 31, 2020.
  Please be aware if you have a vehicle tax bill for December that has the fee on it, then you must pay the fee. If you wait until January, and your taxes were due in December, the Department of Transportation penalizes late registration.
  On a side note, we will have a new County Council mix beginning in January and we have a lot of work to do. As I have said before, we intend to live within our means. That is our prime concern. I think all other matters in the conduction of business for the County will follow.
  If anyone would like to talk to me, I am in the Council Administration building most every morning.  Merry Christmas!

868 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths

  Saluda County’s COVID-19  cases have risen to 868 (823 actual, 45 probable), with 23 deaths.
  The county had 273.5 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence.  Last week, the figure was 185.61  cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
  Saluda County is reporting 7547 tests, which a story on WRDW-TV says is the lowest per capita in the state.
  Self Regional Healthcare is offering free testing Dec. 16 and 13, 12 noon-4 p.m., at Fa ily Healthcare North, 595 Newberry Hwy., Saluda. Call 864 725-8200 to register.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6564,   Edgefield - 1250;  Greenwood -3322 Lexington - 11,931; Newberry - 2121.
  Sun., Dec. 13,  the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2,924 new confirmed cases and 61 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 44 additional confirmed deaths and 11 new probable deaths. Positive tests at 21.3 percent.
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 234,392, probable cases to 17,814, confirmed deaths to 4,387, and 352 probable deaths.

LEGION MEETING - Pictured left to right:  Entertainers Jerry and Rose Farmer, Santa Claus, First Vice Commander Al Butler, Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Padgett and Commander John Hood. Saluda American Legion Post 65 and Ladies Auxiliary celebrated the Christmas season at their December meeting which included following Saluda County Covid-19 protocols. Following the meal catered by Matthew’s BBQ, was singing and music by Jerry and Rose Farmer.  Chaplain Bob Albert shared the Christmas story.  A surprise visit by Santa Clause helped with the door prizes. Thanks to all who helped make this Christmas celebration a success and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

2020 Tree Contest

Courthouse Tree Contest

The annual Courthouse Christmas Tree contest is underway. The public is invited to go by the Courthouse, see the trees, then vote for their favorites. (Photos by Tiffany Rodgers Shaw)

828 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths

  Saluda County’s COVID-19  cases have risen to 802 (788 actual, 40 probable), with 23 deaths.
  The county is classified as moderate incidence with a rate of 185.6 per 100,000.  Last week, the figure was also 166.11  cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6016,   Edgefield - 1180;  Greenwood -3102 Lexington - 11,067; Newberry - 1989.
  Sun., Dec. 6,  the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2583 new confirmed cases and 51 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 43 additional confirmed deaths and six new probable death. Positive tests at 21.2 percent.
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 216,378, probable cases to 15,721, confirmed deaths to 4,237, and 329 probable deaths.

 Good Rain Returns

  After a month’s absence, good rainfall returned to Saluda in November
  November’s rainfall total was 4.52, and big increase over October’s  1.12  inches, the lowest total since 0.76 inch of rain fell in Sept. 2019. The 4.52 brings the total for the year to 50.18  inches. This compares to 42.33 inches during the same time last year.
  November’s temperatures were almost spring-like  with 15 days with highs in the 80s and 70s. The temperatures  ranged from a high of 57 on Nov. 18,  to  83 on Nov. 12. The lowest morning temperature, 30, was recorded Nov. 3 and 19.
  This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.

Saluda Christmas Event

Cathy Etheredge

Lexington Deputy Dies Suddenly

   A Lexington County deputy with Saluda County connections died unexpectedly last week.
  According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Sgt. Cathy Etheredge, 60, joined the department in 2003 and most recently served as a sergeant in the Professional Standards Division.
  According to the department, her passing is a 'tremendous loss.' She brought a 'maternal and folksy style' to her role, and connected with her deputies personally.
  She joined the department as a patrol deputy and worked as a school resource officer, victim assistance officer and investigator.
  She also served with the Cayce Department of Public Safety, the Lexington County Department of Public Safety and the Saluda County Sheriff's Office. Her career spanned more than four decades in law enforcement.
  According to LCSD, a celebration of life was held on Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. at Sam Etheredge Place, 304 Sam Etheredge Road in Saluda.

802 County COVID
Cases, 22 Deaths

  Saluda County’s COVID-19  cases have risen to 802 (765 actual, 37 probable), with 22 deaths.
  The county is classified as moderate incidence with a rate of 166.1 per 100,000.  Last week, the figure was also 122.1  cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 5589,   Edgefield - 1108;  Greenwood -2909 Lexington - 10,361; Newberry - 1888.
  Sun., Nov. 29,  the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 1053 new confirmed cases and eight new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and seven additional confirmed deaths and 0 new probable death. Positive tests at 12.7 percent/
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 202,422, probable cases to 13,707, confirmed deaths to 4050, and 307 probable deaths.

GriefShare

  “Are you finding it difficult to process the loss of a loved one? Do you feel like nobody understands what you are going through?
  Join GriefShare, a grief support group of friendly, caring people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. GriefShare will meet on Thursdays from December 3rd, 2020-March 4th, 2021 (except for Dec. 24th) from 7pm-8:30pm at the Family Life Center at St. Paul UMC (102 E Butler Ave, Saluda, SC  29138).
  This group is sponsored by Bethany, Zoar, and St. Paul United Methodist Chur-ches.”