Second Groundbreaking

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING OF CAREER & TECHNOLOGY WING

GROUNDBREAKING - Taking part in the first of many ceremonial groundbreakings Wed., Sept. 13, were, L to R, Supt. Dr. Harvey Livingston, State Sen. Billy Garrett, Board Chairman Dr. Kathy Coleman, Board member Jeffrey Jordan, Educational Complex Principal Robert Etheredge, Board members Sharon Holloway, CeCe Sawyer, Christy Nichols, Dr. Arlene Puryear, James Holloway. (Standard-Sentinel photos)


Second  Groundbreaking Held

  Saluda County School District held its second groundbreaking for building projects at Saluda Middle and High Schools on Wed., Sept. 13.
  A Career and Technology wing will be built on the site.
  District Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston gave the opening remarks.
  Rev. Trey Shealy delivered the invocation. The SHS JROTC presented the colors and Saluda Middle School sixth graders Lain  Bartley and Deyna Perez-Juarez led the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
  Principal Robert Etheredge welcomed those in attendance.
  SHS Student Body President Chardarius Abney told of the advantages of the new building. Abney currently takes welding, but he has to drive to Batesburg-Leesville High School to take the course. Welding will be offered at SHS when the wing is completed.
  Board Chairman Dr. Kathy Coleman said she and several other board members were serving when the Educational Complex opening in 2001. Twenty-two years later the complex has run out of classrooms. The new wing will solve that problem.
  She thanked all the citizens who voted in the referendum for the new facilities, and the general assembly for recognizing the building needs of rural school districts.
 She also singled out Saluda native and former State Supt. of Education Molly Spearman for all she has done to assist the District.
  Dr. Coleman said the “One Saluda” mission is to provide the best education possible for the students.
  After Dr. Coleman’s message, several ceremonial ground breakings were held.


Council Approves Tax Millage

  At a regular and called meeting, Saluda County Council approved the tax millage for the County and Saluda School District One last week.
 The fiscal year dates were wrong on the agenda for the regular meeting on Sept. 11, so the item was carried over to a called meeting on Sept. 13.
  The county millage is as follows: operating - 147.3, economic development -3.0, law enforcement/Detention Center - 12, Piedmont Tech - 3.5, public building maintenance 3.0, fire board - 4.0. This is a 12..6 millage increase over last year.
  The school millage is as follows: operating - 166.9,  bonds - 34.6. This is a 12 mill increase in operating, and a 1.1 mill increase in bonds over last year.
  In a public presentation, Lofton Johnson Jr. asked council to change the building ordinance to allow temporary camper set-ups for property owners to use while their homes are being built or repaired.
  Second reading was given to an ordinance amending the Capital Project Sales Tax Act ordinance of 2018. The amendment will continue the collecting of the sales tax until the cost of the new detention center is reached. Since 2018, $4,917,000 has been collected to go toward the new jail.
  The ordinance description reads: “an ordinance amending Saluda County Ordinance no. 06-18 entitled “an ordinance to levy and impose a one percent sales and use tax, subject to a referendum in Saluda County pursuant to the Capital Project Sales Tax Act, South Carolina code annotated section 4-10-300, et seq.; to define the specific purposes and designate the projects for which the proceeds of the tax may be used; to provide the maximum time for the imposition and collection of the tax and the maximum amount of net proceeds to be raised by the tax; to provide for a county-wide referendum and to prescribe the contents of the ballot question in the referendum; to provide conditions precedent to the imposition of the tax and conditions or restrictions on the use of the tax revenue; to establish the priority in which the net proceeds of the tax are to be expended for the purposes and projects stated; to provide for the conduct of the referendum by the Saluda County Board of Voter Registration and elections; to provide for the payment of the tax; to provide for the issuance of bonds, in one or more series, tax-exempt or taxable, in an amount not to exceed the aggregate of $9,400,000; authorizing the county administrator to prescribe the form and details of the bonds; providing for the payment of the bonds and pledge of revenues  related to the bonds; providing otherwise for the disposition of the proceeds of the bonds; providing for borrowing in anticipation of the issuance of the bonds; providing for the disposition of property related to the bonds; and other related matters” in order to provide certain details as to the sale of the bonds authorized thereby and other matters related thereto.”
  Council approved a request to replace an AC unit at the Courthouse at a cost of $7850. It will be funded from the Building Repair Reserve Account.
  Kasey Stoudemayer was appointed to the First Steps Board, and Andrew Wayne Shaw was reappointed to the Building and Mobile Home Appeals Board.
  At the called meeting on Sept. 13. Council gave second reading to a an ordinance approving the sale of real property located at the southeast intersection of Hwy. 378 and N. Bouknight Ferry Rd. in Saluda to Project Commerce.
  The bid was awarded to Kendrick Construction to build restrooms at Brooks Royston Park. Cost is $66.435.
  Chairman Jim Moore said this completes the projects in the Capital Penny Sale Tax Account that were passed in a referendum.

Historical Markers

Historical Markers Unveiled


  Historical markers recognizing Rosenwald and Riverside Schools were unveiled Sat., Sept. 2, at the old Riverside School.
  The event was sponsored by the Riverside Community Development Corporation (RCDC), who owns the school, and 42 acres behind it.
  Apothess Constance E. Long served as the mistress of ceremonies.
  William “Billy” Pugh gave opening remarks said the goal of the RCDC is to develop the school property as a community center, including offering afterschool programs, basketball games, and hosting meetings. He said he was a graduate of Riverside High School.
  RCDC Chairman James Holloway said the purpose of the event was to remember Rosenwald and Riverside Schools, who provided education to many African American students in Saluda County.
  Rosenwald School was built on Carver Street in 1924 with support from the Julius Rosenwald Fund, and the families of the students. It served the African American community until Riverside was built in 1954. Riverside served students from grades one to 12. The last graduating class was 1970. The next year the high school merged with Saluda High School and Riverside became a middle school until 2001, when the new Education Complex on Ivory Key Road was opened.
  Holloway said the RCDC was created to purchase Riverside School. Their $31,000 bid for the building and 42 acres was accepted, and the organization borrowed $100,000 to begin renovation. Through community efforts the loan was paid off.
  RCDC has helped other communities as they attempted to purchase abandoned black schools.
  Before the historical marker was unveiled, Holloway recognized those in attendance who attended Rosenwald and Riverside. Later, Holloway sang the Riverside Alma Mater.
  The maker cost $2600 and was made possible by donations from: Henry Bell & Johnnie Mae Glenn, Billy and Minnie Pearl Pugh, James M. and Willie Pearl Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Herbert, Jimmy L and Mildred Holloway, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rauch, Anthony (Bo) and Carolyn Chapman, Richard Rauch, Freddie George Holloway, Brother Joe and Dorothy Wilson, Smilie Christie, Willie L. Smith, Benjamin F. Minick, Edward and Carrie A. Bates, Joe and Vanessa Ouzts, J.C. “Buddy” Coleman, Warren and Almestine Butler, Rev. Everette and Teresa Hall, Terry McGrath, John-athan Stevens, Harry and Sharon Holloway, Willie and Irene Abney, Warren & Searles Butler, Elnora Culbreath and Sara Richardson.
  After the unveiling, Holloway thanked Christian Martinez, Tiffany, Kenzo and Kiyan who installed the monument and cemented the poll; his son Kenyatta and daughter Afrika and her husband who travelled 1600 miles and help set up the tents and chairs, and Billy and grandson Devin Pugh for lawn cutting at the site.
  Saluda Mayor Miliken Matthews praised the work of those who made the monument dedication possible. He told those who had any concerns to contact him or Ward 1 Councilman Myranda Butler or Ward 2 Councilman Obie Combs, and they would help in any way possible.
  Rev. Vanessa Ouzts closed the program with prayer.


Conservation Farmer of
The Year Recognized

  The Saluda Soil and Water Conservation District awarded their Annual 2022 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award to Shealy Farms.  During the Annual Awards Banquet, Mr. Dayton O’Dell Shealy was presented with a plaque and sign for his outstanding accomplishments.  The Banquet was held on June 12, 2023, at T & S Farm Banquet Hall in Leesville, S.C.
  Mr. Shealy works diligently to conserve our natural resources by implementing many conservation practices throughout his farm on behalf of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).    
  Congratulations to Mr. Dayton O’Dell Shealy of Shealy Farms on your excellent achievements.


Chaplains Recognized for Dedicated
Services at Annual Banquet

  The Chaplains for the Saluda Soil and Water Conservation District were recently honored at the Annual Awards Banquet.  The Banquet took place at T & S Banquet Hall on Monday, June 12, 2023.  During the awards ceremony, they both were presented with plaques of sincere appreciation for their many years of dedicated services.
  Pastor Dennis Campbell has selflessly and faithfully committed 24 years attending conferences, board meetings, tours, and distributing educational soil stewardship materials to our youth.  
  Since his retirement, his son Pastor Burton Campbell has filled his shoes for over the past six years.  They both
 have been and continue to be a tremendous asset to the district.  Their services are greatly appreciated.

SES Groundbreaking

GROUNDBREAKING -  The Saluda County Schools Board of Trustees joined Saluda Elementary Principal Sarha Deloach and Supt. Dr. Harvey Livington in the first groundbreaking for the new Saluda Elementary School. Pictured, L to R, are Mrs. Deloach, Board members Jeffery Jordan, Christy Corley, James Holloway, Sharon Holloway, Dr. Arlene Puryear, Livingston, Board members CeCe Yonce and Dr. Kathy Coleman. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

OFFICIALS -  Local officials taking part in the groundbreaking were, L to R, County Council Chairman Jim Moore, Sheriff Josh Price, Saluda Mayor Miliken Matthews, Supt. Dr. Harvey Livingston, Sen. Billy Garrett, former State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, School Board Chairman Dr. Kathy Coleman, and Rep. Cal Forrest.. (Standard-Sentinel photo)


First School Groundbreaking Held

  The first of three new school construction groundbreakings was held Mon., Aug. 28, at the future site of Saluda Elementary School.
  Dr. Harvey Livingston, District Superintendent, gave opening remarks, and the welcome was delivered by Saluda Elementary Principal Sarah Deloach.
  A group of elementary students lead in the “Pledge of Allegiance,” followed by the invocation, delivered by the Rev. Chris Bosket.
  Officials from M.B. Kahn and SSOE Architects described the facilities plan.
  A message from School Board Chairman Dr. Kathy Coleman was followed by multiple groundbreakings, and closing remarks by Dr. Livingston.
  Similar ceremonies will be held Sept. 13 at the Educational Complex and Sept. 21 at Hollywood Elementary.



District’s Second Groundbreaking

Saluda County School’s second groundbreaking is Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Saluda Middle and High School. The ceremony will take place on the construction site at 10:00 A.M. For parking please drive behind the high school to the back parking lot. We look forward to seeing the public there.

 

 

Charlie Donation

Pictured, L to R, are Ann H. Coker, Kim Chariker and Charlyn H. Staubes. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Charlie Foundation Donates

To First Steps Program

  The Charlie Foundation has made a financial contribution to the Saluda County First Steps “Story Walk” program.
  The presentation as made Thurs., Aug. 24, at the Saluda Park.
  The Charlie Foundation was created by a bequeath of the late Don Hancock, who succumbed to cancer while he was serving as Saluda County Council Chairman.
  The foundation is administered by Hancock’s two sisters, Charlyn H. Staubes and Ann H. Coker, both retired educators. They said education was a priority of their brother.
  The “Story Walk” was made possible through a grant, and the use of the park was approved by Saluda Town Council. Town employees installed the reading stations.
  The purpose of “Story Walk” is to combine reading with exercise. Eighteen displays are set up around the paved walking trail at the park, allowing the children to read a book from start to finish. At the end of the trail is information, showing how the children can enter a contest to win a copy of the actual book.
  County First Steps director Kim Chariker said copies of the book are in both the Saluda  County and Ridge Spring libraries.
  Also, along the path are painted circles, marking the site of  signs. printed in English and Spanish, that suggest interactions in the park between parents and children.


Top Guns Have Successful Season

  Richland Creek Top Guns wishes to  showcase just a few successes this past shotgun season.  
  We had many “wins” as a team but wanted to focus on the younger shotgunners for this article.  RCTG recognized Thomas Corley as Rookie/Intermediate HOA (Highest Over All) for the 2022-2023 season at the team gathering recently.   
  Thomas won South Carolina Youth Shooting Foundation (SCYSF) Rookie HOA at Rocky Creek and Clinton House and, along with his teammates, Colton Edmonds and Easton Ridgeway received a first-place team award at Clinton House and won the SCYSF State Championship at Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve.
  In addition to participating in SCYSF, Thomas competed in the SC Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) State Sporting Clays Championship, State Trap Championship, and State Skeet Championship. He finished the championship series as HOA Intermediate Entry Division Runner Up by winning first place in sporting clays and skeet. Lastly, Thomas Corley, Scott Thomas Ulman, and Aiden Morgan scored a second-place award at the 2023 SC Department of Natural Resources shooting sport program Trap Championship.
  This year, Thomas obtained the following awards:
  •SCYSF Rocky Creek 12/3/22 Rookie HOA
  •SCYSF Clinton House 2/18/23 1st Place Rookie Team
  •SCYSF Clinton House 2/18/23 Rookie HOA
  •SCYSF Moree’s Sports-man's Preserve 1st Place State Championship Rookie Team
  •SCTP State Sporting Clays Championship 1st Place Intermediate Entry Division
  •SCTP State Skeet Championship 1st Place Intermediate Entry
  •SCTP 2023 HOA Intermediate Entry Division Runner Up
  •2023 SCDNR Youth Trap Championship 2nd Place Middle School Club Division
  In addition to Thomas Corley being recognized; the team also awarded several other awards: most improved shooter went to Hudson Massey; high overall for the intermediate advanced division went to Scott Thomas Ullman; high overall for junior varsity division went to Mark “Wills” Ullman; high overall for the team and the senior varsity division went to Kaeleigh Seigler.
  Richland Creek Top Guns Shotgun Club is a 4H based club that operates to educate its members on the importance of firearm safety, while training them in clay target sports.  Our head coach and assistant coach are NSCA (National Sporting Clay Association) trained, and our numerous safety volunteers are either NSCA certified or have other recognized safety training.  Each shooter must obtain hunters education to participate and sign up for the club.  While we have children that range from 5th-12th grade on the team, we are currently accepting new membership for those chil-dren in grades 5th-9th grade only.
   If you are interested in learning more, please reach out via email @ jbgodbey This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit richlandcreektopguns.com.


Historical Marker Unveiling

  An historical marker unveiling for Rosenwald and Riverside schools will be held on-site on Sept.2, at 11am. It is  sponsored by Riverside Community Development Corporation.