Senior Center Project
SENIOR CENTER SPECIAL WEEK - The Saluda Senior Center observed “Rainbow Week” last week, where senior members participated in a contest for the best decorated table,using the colors of the rainbow. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Hall of Fame Class Named
Saluda County Schools has named the 2021 Hall of Fame Class.
To be inducted at the last SHS home football game, will be athletes Luke Brown, Lindsay Hawkins and Tracy Palmore, and state championship band director Steve O’Kelley.
Elected to the Ring of Honor are Wayne Grice and Charles Long.
More details be be printed in the coming weeks.
School Board Summary
Saluda County School District Board of Trustees met
September 20, 2021 in the Saluda Elementary School Media Center.
Meeting Summary
Dr. Kathy Coleman called the meeting to order. Mr. James Holloway gave the invocation. The agenda as submitted was approved. The minutes from the August 16, 2021 Board Meeting were approved. All Board members were present.
Superintendent’s Report
Budget Update
The current Schedule of Revenue and Expenditures as of August 31, 2021 was presented to the Board
ESSER Funds Update
•Funds are used for continued HVAC needs
•The District will resubmit the ESSER III Plan to reflect several changes related to fund use
•Dr. Livingston will continue to update the Board at the next workshop
District Update
•The District Facilities Assessment is nearing completion by MB Kahn
•Dr. Livingston and staff will meet with MB Kahn to review a draft of the facilities plan
•The board will have a workshop to review the plan and if possible, make a final review and recommendation at the October Board meeting
•Auditors will be in the District this week to conduct their annual audit. They will present the Audit report at the November Board meeting
•COVID numbers are down slightly across the district as of the September 20th.
•The District has held eleven COVID vaccine clinics. Dr. Livingston thanked Sharon Holloway and Councilman Matthews for their tireless efforts to holding these clinics.
•There will be another COVID clinic within the next three to four weeks.
•The Saluda County Legislative Delegation is invited to attend the October Board Meeting.
•The Teacher of the Year/Retiree Banquet has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 5 in the Saluda High School Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Field Trip Request
The Saluda High School – FFA – Field Trip Request was approved.
SCSBA – Certification of Delegates
Christy Corley Nichols was elected as the Delegate and Sharon Williams Holloway as the Alternate for the SCSBA Delegate Assembly.
Board Resolution
The Board voted 5 to 2 to adopt a Board Resolution urging the South Carolina General Assembly to repeal the 2021-2022 budget proviso 1.108. Proviso 1.108 serves as a barrier to allow school district leaders to consider every recommended mitigation measure available for the protection of the health and safety of students and staff.
Rainfall Drops
After four straight months of rainfall well over four inches, September’s total was one of the lowest of 2021.
The 2.47 Sept. rainfall brings the year’s total to 42.09. This compares to 46.01 inches during the same time last year.
September’s temperatures were normal, with most days with highs in the 80s. The temperatures ranged from a high of 76 on three different days, to 90 on Sept. 15 and 16. The lowest morning temperature, 48, was recorded on Sept. 25 and 26.
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
September Arrest
Jesus Elizondo
Arrested On Child Assault Charges
Jesus Elizondo has been charged with four counts of Unlawful Conduct towards a child.
This arrest came after deputies responded to a 911 call at Elizondo’s residence on Abney Nursery Road. Elizondo is accused of physically assaulting 4 minor children in his home.
2389 County COVID
Cases, 43 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases total 2389 (1,988 actual, 401 probable), with 43 deaths (2225 last week).
The county had 811 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 1153 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating. Nine weeks ago, the Saluda County figure was 14.7 cases per 100,000 with a low incidence rating.
The number of tests given in Saluda County is 27,868. Saluda County has had 9464 citizens who have started or completed the vaccination process.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: (last weeek - this week) Aiken - 17,611 - 17,995, Edgefield - 3,221 - 3,303; Greenwood 9,692 - 10,067, Lexington - 37,929 - 38,868; Newberry - 5,600 - 5,748.
Fri.., Sept. 24, 2,602 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by state Department of Health and Environmental Control, with 111 confirmed deaths.
Positive tests are at 9.4 percent.
This state total is 677,058, with probable cases 164,542. Confirmed deaths are 10,498 and 1,582 probable deaths.
Be Positive You’re Negative
DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. DHEC's testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations.
VACCINATIONS
In Saluda County, 9460 citizens have started vaccinations, including 2074 black, 5236 white, 2150 Hispanic, other or unknown. Saluda County ranks 41st out of 46 counites on the rate of vacine recipients per 10,000 residents, the same ranking as last week. The county’s population aged 12+ is 17,318.
The local sites giving vaccinations are Emmanuel Family Clinic - Saluda (Public health provider – Rural Health Clinic), 501 West Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138., and the Saluda County Health Department, Mondays and Wednesdays,445-2141.
COUSINS CELEBRATE - Cousins Drew Arant (12) and Josh Uhlar (8) celebrate after quarterback Drew threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh. It turned out to be the winning score in the Saluda junior varsity’s 12-8 win over South Aiken Thurs., Sept. 23, at the Bettis Herlong Stadium a Matthew Field. Also, pictured is Dakota Gentry (61). The varsity Tigers had the week off, and return to action at home Friday against Eau Claire, the first region game of the year. (SHS photo by Dean Roesner)
Farm Bureau Meeting Cancelled
The Saluda County Farm Bureau Federation has cancelled the Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 30, 2021 at the Hollywood Ruritan Club, due to the rise in Covid-19 cases in Saluda. We are deeply sorry but we have the health of everyone to consider. Thank you for understanding.
Car Dealer Arrested
Former Local Car Dealer
Pleads Guilty To Charges
A former car dealer at Saluda Motor Sales has pled guilty multiple charges in Federal Distrct Court, including defrauding multiple individuals and businessess of $2,528,048.
According to a release on Facebook from SaludaNOW, in January 2017 Kelly Sanders took control of Saluda Motor Sales, a family owned and operated business in Saluda for over 75 years. He continued to sale at a high volume for almost three years.
However, prosecutors allege that shortly after beginning to manage the business he was scheming, and misleading investors. The charges brought forward by Federal agents allege that Sanders was using misleading documents, and invoices to ward off creditors.
Sanders pled guilty, and agreed to a plea agreement to make restitution to Benjamin Bradshaw, Ridge Group Investors, and Sandtander Bank. He also agreed to a fine of $250,000.00, a prison term of up to 20 years, probation for 3 years, and a Special Assessment Fee of $100.00.
According to the Federal Court documents obtained by SALUDANow through PaceMonitor, a Court Case clearing house, a plea date has not yet been set by the Court since first agreed upon on September 2, 2021.
Velie Recognized At
County Council Meeting
Brandon Velie of Ridge Spring’s popular Juniper restaurant was recognized at the Sept. meeting of Saluda County Council.
Miriam Atria, Chief Executive Officer at Capital City Lake Murray, recognized Velie as a Tourism Advocate for the Lake Murray area. The awards to several Tourism Advocates were presented at the Capitol City Lake Murray annual meeting, but Velie could not be present because he had to operate his restaurant.
Atria pointed out that Velie is one of seven area chefs chosen to compete in the World Food Championship in Dallas in November.
She also thanked Chairman Jerry Strawbridge for this service on the Capital City Lake Murray board.
In the old business portion of the meeting, Council voted to sell some county property in an Industrial Park to Butler & Son Funeral Home.
In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes by and between Saluda County and Project Maple Leaf. The ordinance includes having Project Maple Leaf in a multi-county business park.
Council also passed a resolution authorizing the negotiation of a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes by and between Saluda County and Project Maple Leaf.
Luke Downing from the Fire Board said F.D. Riley had submitted the low bid, $18,500, for land clearing at the Old Town Fire Department project. Council approved this and gave the Fire Board permission to pursue a grant from the Forestry Commission for fire equipment.
Council approved the appointment of Wayne Matthews to the Airport Commission.
At the beginning of the meeting Councilman Jack Atkinson recounted the story of his daughter-in-law who almost waited too late to get Covid treatment. He urged anyone who gets sick from the disease to go to the doctor immmediately.
Good Rainfall Continues
The good summer rainfall continued in August.
The 4.80 Aug. rainfall brings the year’s total to 39.62. This compares to 42.17 inches during the same time last year.
August’s temperatures were normal, with most days with highs in the 90s. The temperatures ranged from a high of 77 on Aug. 7, to 95 on Aug. 1 and 12. The lowest morning temperature, 65, was recorded on Aug. 5..
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
9-11 REMEMBRANCE - In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9-11, Julia Wills and family decorated the hay tractors on her Chappells Hwy. property
Georgia Team To Visit
Saluda To Host
Georgia School
Saluda High School’s football team will play host to Rabun County, Ga., High School Wildcats Fri., Sept, 17, at the Bettis Herlong Stadium at Mathews Field
Rabun County features the No. 5 ranked quarterback in the country, Gunner Stockton, and is coached by Jaybo Shaw, the brother of Gamecock legendary quarterback Connor Shaw.
Read the following information released by the school:
Due to COVID and injuries, Ninety Six will not be able to play Saluda in football on Friday night. We are now scheduled to play the #2 ranked Rabun County High School out of Georgia. We are excited about the opportunity to play this level of competition, especially at home. We look forward to this game and hope that you can attend. Bring the energy, bring the noise, bring the PURPLE OUT!
Game time is 7:30. Gates open at 6:00. Join the Booster Club for a pre-game tailgate party featuring DJ Sparkle.
We will recognize the Baseball and Softball All-Star Champions, the Tigerette Cheer participants, and the Fall Recreation Players / Cheerleaders prior to the game in this order. All individuals should meet your coaches at the back gate no later than 6:30 to line up. All players will enter for free with jersey. Parents are required to purchase a ticket to enter.
Tickets will be available for purchase online on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:00 am through the end of the game. The link will be shared tomorrow, September 14th. Paper tickets will be available at The Added Touch, The Hardware Store and Saluda High School on Wednesday, September 15th through Friday, September 17th. Online tickets are $7.00 plus the processing fee and paper tickets are $7.00.
The Added Touch
116 N Main St, Saluda, SC 29138
The Hardware Store
102 Travis Ave, Saluda, SC 29138
By Jeanette Wilder
Traffic Stop Leads To Big
Drug Related Arrests
Three subjects have been arrested and charged with numerous offenses to include Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Heroin, Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mark Harmon, William Beasley, and Brittney Cook are currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center after a traffic stop in the Ward area of the county led to a large drug seizure. All three subjects are currently on probation for offenses related to selling illegal drugs.
Sheriff Josh Price commented, “Drugs are destroying our communities and they are the leading factor in many other crimes. This is the result of the Sheriff’s Office’s proactive approach to law enforcement and I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
2225 County COVID
Cases, 43 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases total 2225 (1,867 actual, 358 probable), with 43 deaths.
The county had 904 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 669 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating. Eight weeks ago, the Saluda County figure was 14.7 cases per 100,000 with a low incidence rating.
The number of tests given in Saluda County is 24,447. Saluda County has had 8995 citizens who have started or completed the vaccination process.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: (last weeek - this week) Aiken - 16,324 - 16,999, Edgefield - 3,020 - 3,110; Greenwood 8,802 - 9,273, Lexington - 34,214 - 36,243; Newberry - 5,080 - 5,365.
Fri.., Sept. 10, 2,299 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by state Department of Health and Environmental Control, with 82 confirmed deaths.
Positive tests are at 12.0 percent.
This state total is 632,668, with probable cases 151,384. Confirmed deaths are 9,737 and 1,412 probable deaths.
Be Positive You’re Negative
DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. DHEC's testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations.
VACCINATIONS
In Saluda County, 8995 citizens have started vaccinations, including 1979 black, 4980 white, 2036 Hispanic, other or unknown. Saluda County ranks 41st out of 46 counites on the rate of vacine recipients per 10,000 residents, the same ranking as last week. The county’s population aged 12+ is 17,318.
The local sites giving vaccinations are Emmanuel Family Clinic - Saluda (Public health provider – Rural Health Clinic), 501 West Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138., and the Saluda County Health Department, Mondays and Wednesdays.,445-2141.
Harvey Padgett, Jr. Dies
Harvey Padgett Jr., who has submitted a weekly, religious poem to the Standard-Sentinel since 2018, died Sept. 5 from Covid complications. He was 93.
It was late in life when Junior gave his life to the Lord, and suddenly he was led to start writing poetry, something he had never done in his life.
We at the newspaper, and all his many friends mourn his passing.