2018 in Reivew, Part1
2018 In Review
The biggest 2018 story in Saluda County was a sad one, the death of Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman, who died in a vehicle accident while responding the call.
This happened a few months after Saluda resident and Johnston policeman Eric Chapman died in a similar accident while responding to a call in Edgefield County.
Both officers were remembered on numerous occasions throughout the year.
Following is the year in review:
JANUARY
•Saluda County Treasurer Tina Shealy announceed here retirement, effectivc June 30, 2019.
•Saluda County Council began the new year Monday, under the leadership of new chairman, Derrick Jones.
•Chad Satcher was named the 2017 Saluda County Firefighter of the Year sponsored by Kelly White Agency – State Farm at the annual dinner hosted by the Saluda Fire Department on January 8, 2018. Chad has served the Circle Fire Department for 28 years.
•Tiffany Rodgers Shaw announced her candidacy for Saluda County treasurer.
•The School Improvement Councils (SICs) of 19 South Carolina public schools have been named to the SC School Improvement Council’s (SC-SIC) 2018 Honor Roll for their significant efforts to foster civic engagement in public education. Saluda High School SIC (Saluda County Schools) is among the 19.
•The granddaughters of a retired United Methodist minister have now been charged in connection with his death, after their father and stepmother were charged with the same offense in November 2017. Amber Nicole Trent, 26, was arrested Jan. 13, and her sister Nicole Krystn Chewning, 23, was arrested on Jan. 19. Both have been charged with abuse and neglect of an adult resulting in death.
On Thurs., Nov. 2, 2017, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office responded to a call on 320 S. Calhoun Street in Saluda. Upon arrival, they found 79-year-old James Boyd Chewning dead in a hospital bed where he had been tie wrapped the bed and obviously neglected and abused.
•The Saluda County Young Farmer and Agribusiness Chapter was well represented at the 70th annual convention held January 19-21 at the Wild Dunes Resort.
During this event, Gerald Cromer was presented the Young Farmer & Agribusiness Award for the Mid-State Region and the State. This is one of the highest awards available to a state member, and the first time since 2000 that a Saluda member has received the award. Gerald has successfully owned and managed Cromer Trucking for 25 years. He recently turned the operation over to his son, Joey.
Reggie Padgett was the State winner for the categories of Swine Production and Energy Efficiency.
FEBRUARY
•The Saluda Lion’s club was informed that their grant for help in the purchase of the Spot camera has been approved. The ultimate purchase of this camera will insure that we will be able to identify eye problems not only with school children but to be utilized in churches and senior citizen’s venues.
•Saluda County Cattle-mens Association 2017 Cattlemen of the Year recipients were Kevin and Lydia Yon of Yon Family Farm, Ridge Spring.
•Saluda County Cattle-mens Association 2017 Philip R Perry Educator and Industry Award was presented to Watson Dorn of Hickory Hill Farm.
•Saluda County Cattle-mens Association 2017 Schol-arships were awarded to Megan Corley and Mathew Nicholson.
•Saluda County Council awarded Accommodations Tax Funds at the Mon. Feb. 12, meeting.
The funds were awarded as follows:
Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, $1,000.00; Friends of Ridge Spring , $2,000.00; Palmetto Tractor Club , $2,000.00; Richland Creek Antique Power Assoc., $2,000.00; Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, $2,000.00; Saluda County Historical Society, $2,000.00; Saluda County Chamber of Commerce, $1,000.00; Saluda Young Farmer & Agribus-iness Assoc., $1,000.00; Town of Ridge Spring/Art Center, $2,000.00.
•On Tuesday, February 20, at approximately 9:52 a.m. the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office received a report from family members of a missing 16-year-old Hispanic teen from Kentucky being in Saluda County.
Deputies responded to a residence in Saluda County where the victim was reported to be. Florencio Gomez Saiche, 24 year old Hispanic male, was encountered and stated no one else was at the residence. During the conversation with Saiche deputies heard movement in the residence and immediately conducted a security swipe. At this time the victim was located and taken to safety and Saiche was arrested.
•Five South Carolina School Improvement Councils (SICs), including Saluda High School, have been named statewide 2018 award finalists for their accomplishments in parent and civic engagement within their school communities.
•On Thursday evening, February 22nd at approximately 7:00pm the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office received a report from concerned citizens about a social media post.
The Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and the suspect, an 8th grade male Saluda Middle School student, was taken into custody and transported to DJJ in Columbia.
“We feel that this situation has been resolved and have no further evidence to suggest anyone else to be involved in this matter,” Sheriff John Perry said.
MARCH
•The Ridge Spring-Monetta High boys basketball team played for the Class A state championship.
Saluda’s Star Ergle has been named 2-A’s girls Co-Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Malaysia Gates of Batesburg-Leesville.
•County Council heard citizens’ concerns on litter and animal control at Monday’s meeting.
•Melinda Kneece announced her candidacy for Saluda County treasurer.
•TheWoman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring donated $2000.00 to the Ridge Spring Library.
•Saluda County Councilwoman Gwen C. Shealy has announced she would not seek re-election.
•Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands honored four women at its 25nd Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner on March 1. Selected for their exemplary commitments to family, career and community, this year’s honorees are: Kathleen Lawson Gibson, Director of Clarendon One Community Resource Center; Melanie Huggins, Executive Director of Richland Library; Erin McCaskill, Vice President and private banker for First Citizens Wealth Management; Molly Spearman, South Carolina State Superintendent of Education from Saluda.
•The 2017 South Carolina EMS Awards symposium proved to be yet another successful one for Saluda County EMS, as Director Jacob Starnes was presented with the 2017 South Carolina Director of the Year award on Saturday March 17, 2018.
• Frank Daniel announced his my candidacy for re-election to County Council District One. Justin Anderson announced his candidacy for Saluda County Council District 3.
•American Legionnaire Billy Coleman, who celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January, was presented a freedom quilt by Quilts of Valor, a non-profit foundation whose goal is to cover all physically or psychologically wounded service members with a freedom quilt, honoring them for their sacrifices. Coleman, a Navy veteran, commanded a Higgins Landing Craft during the Norm-andy Invasion of World War II.
•Saluda High School’s Coach Jeanette Wilder was named the SCAAA 2018 Region III-AA Athletic Director of the Year, and Saluda High School received the Sportsmanship Award again this year!
•The recently concluded two week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court cleared 47 cases.
Joint Project
RIBBON CUTTING FOR JOINT PROJECT
L to R, Saluda County Schools Supt. Dr. Harvey Livingston, State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman, and Lexington District Three Supt. D. Randall Gary.
Lexington Three, Saluda
Schools Join In Pilot Project
On Thursday, December 13th, State Superinten-dent of Education Molly Spearman, along with administrators from Lexington County School District Three and Saluda County Schools, gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Innovation Collaboration Pilot Project that began between the school districts this year.
“We can no longer allow attendance lines to prevent students from having the opportunities they deserve. Proud of the leadership in these two districts coming together to support students,” Spearman said.
The Innovation Collaboration Pilot Project is a partnership that enables Lexington Three and Saluda County school districts to collaborate to provide courses to students in both districts that may not be available otherwise. This school year, the project focused on adding welding and firefighting classes.
The programs, which are being funded by the State Department of Education and through grants obtained by the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, are housed at B-L High School. Students from Saluda High School attend the classes with their B-L counterparts. As part of the collaboration, transportation is provided for students to be able to participate. Expansion of the collaboration will eventually include courses being offered at both campuses for students to have greater access to a variety of Career and Technology Education courses.
(Photos: Mackenzie Taylor)
Court Session
Court Clears 44 Cases
The recent term of Saluda County General Sessions Court cleared 44 cases.
The one scheduled jury trial ended when the suspect pled guilty.
Judge Eugene Griffith handed down sentences for the following guilty pleas:
Barry Alonzo Abney, failure to stop for a blue light, 2nd offense, three years, suspended to time served and 30 months probation; drugs/possession of Schedule I, II, III, etc., three years, suspended to time served and 30 months probation. Alfonzo Alvin Andrews, DUS 3rd or subsequent, time served.
Ja’Naysha Bostick, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, time served and $250. Tomaz Ledeivence Burton, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, six months, suspended to 18 months probation; possession of a stolen pistol, 12 months, suspended to 18 months probation.
Qushari T. Bussey, failure to stop for a blue light, 1st, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed three years, suspended to time served and $500. Leon Coleman Jr., contributing to the delinquency of a minor, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to time served, six months probation.
Curtis Clifford Crummie, possession of meth 1st, three years, suspended to time served, two years probation. Nicholas Charles Ellison, possession of drug paraphernalia, time served and $250.
Justin Kyle Gillam, failure to comply with directions of police, time served. Douglas Demond Furtick, unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year, suspended to time served, 18 months probation; possession of controlled substance, time served.
Shameeka Graham, cruelty to children, one day. Benjamin Jermaine Green Jr., possession of cocaine, 30 days.
Patrick Kristian Henry, attempted murder, 107 months. Eric Leon Hines, cruelty to children, time served.
Malik De’Maun Holloway, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to time served, three year probation. William Riley Jones III, false information to police, time served.
Brandon Michael Kalo-plastos, assault & battery second degree, time served. Martin Robert Keenan, malicious injury to personal property, $2000 or less, time served.
William Terry Kinard, unlawful neglect of a child, three years, suspended to time served, one year probation. Joseph Manley Langford, breaking into motor vehicle, time served.
Tarik Mikosa Logan, reckless driving, time served $100. Brian Timothy Long, domestic violence 2nd degree, one year, suspended to time served, one year probation.
Keith Lamont Mathis, possession of controlled substance, time served. Clarence Jamar Mason III, unlawful neglect of a child, seven years; failure to stop for a blue light, three years.
Michael William McCraw, manufacturing meth 3rd offense, 12 years. Marvin Wilson McGee, domestic violence 2nd degree, time served.
Dalton McKay, failure to register 3rd, three years. George Heyward Means, financial transaction fraud, 10 years, suspended to time served, one year probation.
Terrence Durell Morris, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, seven years, suspended to time served, 30 months probation.; unlawful carrying of a pistol; one year, suspended to 30 months probation.
Tryone Ouzts, assault & battery 3rd degree, time served. Katherine Elizabeth Ramsey, unlawful neglect of a child, three years, suspended to time served, one year probation.
Melanie Gayle Risinger, possession of controlled substance, time served $ $200. Bobby Robinson, pointing and presenting a firearm, 12 months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation.
Anjelica Monique Rouse, unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served. Gabriel Gerard Russell, possession of over one ounce of marijuana, time served.
Rodney Paul Smokes, use of vehicle without permission for temporary purpose, time served. Jerry Lynn Spurlock, filing false police report of a misdemeanor, time served.
Dyan Cornelius Triplin, breaking into motor vehicle, five years, suspended to time served, one year probation. Shaquille Devon Turner, resisting arrest, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to time served, one year probation.
Saxon Washington, Jr., resisting arrest, time served. Brady Lewis West, possession of cocaine 1st, one years, suspended to time served and $250.
Kayla Denise West, possession of meth, time served. Alcoa Kenardo Williams, simple possession of marijuana, time served. Larry Terrell Yarbrough, shoplifting under $2000, time served.
Mills Named First Runner-Up in
Farm Bureau Talent Contest
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Zanna Mills (center), won first runner-up in the SC Farm Bureau Talent Contest Senior II Division, held recently in Myrtle Beach during the organization’s 75th Annual Meeting. Mills is the daughter of Glen and Christy Mills of Saluda County.
Brooke Spence (left) of Greenville County took first place, while Christle Tindall (right) of Orangeburg County was named second runner-up.
South Carolina Farm Bureau is a grassroots, non-profit organization that celebrates and supports family farmers, locally grown food and our rural lands through legislative advocacy, education and community outreach. The organization, founded in 1944, serves more than 100,000 member-families in 47 chapters. For more information, please visit www.scfb.org.
2018 Saluda Parade
Saluda Parade Saturday
Saluda Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday’ December 8 at 4:00 p.m.
The lineup will start on West Butler Avenue near the schools. The parade route is printed above. Organizers encourage you to have your vehicle or float lighted. Please make sure people in your entry are visible.
If you have any questions about the parade, or the theme, please contact Chamber of Commerce at 445-4100.
Courthouse Tree Contest
Saluda County citizens are invited to come by the Courthouse and pick their favorite of the six decorated trees on display. Each office in the Courthouse is responsible for one tree. A ballot box is located on the table in the lobby. The contest runs through Dec. 28.
REMEMBERING PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH - When George H.W. Bush, who died Fri., Nov. 30, ran for president in 1988, he did not campaign in Saluda County,but he sent his son, a little known Texas oil company executive, to campaign instead. Of course,that little known Texan would also become the President of the United States (George W. returned to Saluda County to campaign when ran for president in 2000, with a rally at the National Guard Armory). This photo was taken outside the Saluda County Courthouse. (Standard-Sentinel photo by Chris Keeler)
Rainfall Tops
In The Year
No one needs to be told it rained a great deal in November.
In fact the 6.32 inches of rainfall is the largest monthly total of the year,
So far in 2018, 43.46 inches of rain has fallen. This compares to 38.34 inches during the same time in 2017.
November, like October, had temperature extremes, ranging from highs in the 40s to the 70s. The highest daily temperature, 77, was recorded on Nov. 2. The lowest daytime high, 42, was on Nov. 16. The lowest morning temperature, 30, was recorded on Nov. 16 and 27
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.