Charlie Foundation

CHARLIE FOUNDATION DONATION - Group on hand for recent manikin demonstration, from left: Saluda County EMS Director Jacob Starnes, Charlyn Staubes of The Charlie Foundation, Saluda School District Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston, Ann Coker with The Charlie Foundation, PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers, and PTC Paramedic Program Director Steve McDade.

The Charlie Foundation Donates
Medical Manikins to PTC Foundation

  Baby boomers and science fiction fans may remember The Six Million Dollar Man TV series from back in the ‘70s.
  The worldwide hit followed the exploits of a “rebuilt” former astronaut working as a secret agent with robotically enhanced super-abilities. Even today’s techies understand that such an undertaking on any scale would be prohibitively expensive. Enter The Charlie Foundation, which recently donated three high-tech, life-like medical manikins to equip the Piedmont Technical College (PTC) Saluda Campus. The bionic devices can be programmed to speak, to bleed, to be intubated, and more. It is the Saluda-based charity’s largest gift to date.
  “The Charlie Foundation’s generous gift of three advanced patient simulator manikins — one adult, one pediatric, and one infant — provides a significant asset for training emergency medical technician, paramedic, and other health care majors in skills such as CPR, trauma triage, and other acute care duties,” said PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers. “These manikins are essential tools helping to train a highly in-demand work-force.”
  The Charlie Foundation was established in 2017 upon the passing of Don Hancock, a two-term chairman of Saluda County Council. Shortly before his death, he also was appointed chairman of the Upper Savannah Council of Governments. Hancock was a steadfast champion for Saluda County. His sisters, Charlyn H. Staubes and Ann H. Coker, now lead the foundation’s board in carrying out its mission of supporting economic development, education, and quality of life in Saluda County.
  “This was Don’s vision,” Ann Coker said. “It was an easy decision because this was money well-spent.”
  PTC Paramedic Program Director, Steve McDade said the tetherless, high-fidelity manikins can mimic many common types of medical emergencies. They are heavy and similar in weight to actual people.
  “They breathe, have a pulse and blood pressure, make heart and lung sounds. They even bleed,” he said. “They afford students a realistic experience performing procedures that include CPR, bag-mask ventilation, defibrillation, applying tourniquets, placing chest tubes, and more in a safe, controlled environment.”
  The manikins were procured from Gaumard Scientific, an industry leader in patient simulators and skills training equipment. For more information about PTC’s Healthcare Programs, visit www.ptc.edu/academics/schools-programs/health-care.

Rabid Skunk Confirmed
in Saluda County

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a skunk found near Barr Woods Road and Highway 378 in Saluda, S.C., has tested positive for rabies.
  No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.
  The skunk was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on February 2, 2022, and was confirmed to have rabies on February 3, 2022.
  “To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said Terri McCollister, Rabies Program Team Leader. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or wildlife rehabilitator.” If you believe that you or someone you know has had contact with or been potentially exposed to this or another suspect animal, please reach out to your local Environmental Affairs office. An exposure is defined as direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. If your pet is found with wounds of unknown origin, please consider that your pet may have been exposed to rabies.
  If you believe that you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Aiken office at (803) 642-1637 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).
  It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination which is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease. This skunk is the first animal in Saluda County to test positive for rabies in 2022. There have been three cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 148 positive cases a year. In 2021, none of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Saluda County.
  Contact information for local Environmental Affairs offices is available at www.scdhec.gov/EAoffices. For more information on rabies visit www.scdhec.gov/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies.

Recent Arrests F3

Recent Arrests

  The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the arrests of two individuals for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor. Both Cases are stemming from two separate investigations last week.
  Daniel Paul Whitake, left photo, has been arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the 3rd Degree.
  Saulo Isau Garcia-Guzman, right photo, has been arrested and charged with four counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 3rd Degree.
  No further details will be released at this time to protect the victims in these cases.

County Begins District
Creation Process

  Saluda County began the process of creating new single member council districts at the January  meeting. 

  New district boundaries are required after every 10-year census.
  Frank Rainwater, executive director, and Paul Athey, division director - Mapping and Operaitons, of the S.C. Revune and Fiscal affairs office spoke at the meeting.
  They said the county’s population had grown, but the black population has decreased.
  Government are required to create districts with as equal population as possible.
  Later in the week, Council held a public hearing on the creation of the districts. No citizens spoke.
  At the regular meeting, business was taken care in just a few minutes.
  In old business, third readings were given to an ordinance to lease T-Hangars at the Saluda County Airport, and an ordinance to repeal the old T-Hangar leasing ordinance.
  Second reading was given to an ordinance granting a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes for Project Thunder II, and authorizing the expansion of a multi-county business park.
  In new business, first reading was given to an the ordinance creating and establishing the four single-member election districts for the election of County Council members. It will replace the 2011 ordinance.
  First reading was given to an ordiance authorizing the expansion of the boundaries of a multi-county business park to include certain parcels of real property comprising the project and to provide for a special source revune credit agreement by and between Saluda County, and BOJ of WNC, LLC and SC Saluda Main, LLC, with respect to certain economic development property in the county, and other matters related thereto.

Major Long Recognized
On Police Retirement

A celebration was held Jan. 28 honoring Major Brett Long, center. with the Saluda Police Department. After 21 years of service to the citizens of Saluda County and the Saluda Police Department, Major Long is retiring. Chief of Police Kes Holmes, right, and Mayor Amelia Herlong,left,  presented Major Long with a plaque, as well as his badge and service revolver that was engraved with his name. Town officials wished him the best of luck in his new endeavors. (Town of Saluda photo)

Hopkins Recognized

Governor Recognizes
Hunter Hopkins

Saluda’s Hunter Hopkins was recognized by Gov. Henry McMaster during the State of the State address Wed., Jan. 19.
  His senior year at Saluda High School, Hunter, son of George and Kim Quattlebaum Hopkins, was selected for the ClemsonLIFE progam.
  The ClemsonLIFE™ Program at Clemson University is designed for students with intellectual disabilities who desire a postsecondary experience on a college campus.
  ClemsonLIFE released the following”
  “Earlier this year we had the honor to host Gov. Henry McMaster to tour and learn more about ClemsonLIFE and the impact Post Secondary programs have on students and communities. He pledged $750,000 to scholarships for South Carolina residents attending post secondary programs.
  This week during his state of the state address he announced he has increased that scholarship budget to $4.3 MILLION. This is INCREDIBLE news for South Carolina residents!
  One of our students, Hunter along with our leader Erica, as well as students and staff from Caro-linaLIFE were invited to attend the address and meet with the Governor this week.
  Disability rights are human rights. Scholarships for students with disabilities are essential to the future success, inclusiveness and equity for people with disabilities. College IS an option for EVERYONE. Thank you Gov. McMaster.
  We believe:
  -That all young adults go through a similar development process that requires certain activities, experience and support.
  -That all young adults must develop skills and an understanding about themselves and the world around them in order to fully participate in society and to become successful, contributing adults.
  -That higher education is a vehicle for self-empowerment and access to social networks, employment, and independence.
  -That group membership provides essential motivation and support for learning and participation in community life.

Photo Star Courthouse

The Saluda County Courthouse is always the “star” attraction on the rare occasion when the community gets snow. The Standard-Sentinel took our obligatory Courthouse picture, but we liked these better. Top photo, Zac Thomas filmed drone footage all over town. This is a still of the Courthouse like we’ve never seen. Middle, Marsha Riley drove to town when the snow started and got this photo. Bottom, Tom Dorsey made a run to the store when the snow started, and decided to  take some snow photos while he was in town. Thanks to all the contributors!