Home Invasion
Abin Lee Lowman
Arrests Made In Persimmon Hill Home Invasion
On Wednesday March 8, 2017 at approximately 12:30am armed suspects entered a residence in the Persimmon Hill Golf Course Community.
During the incident the armed suspects grabbed the two home owners, Danny and Lynda Tidwell, separated them and placed them in different rooms with their hands bound behind their backs. Both victims suffered some emotional and minor physical injuries, but are doing well at this time.
The suspects did ransack the residence taking anything that was of value along with the keys to one of the victims’ vehicles. The vehicle was tracked using the GPS system installed on the vehicle from the manufacture. The vehicle was recovered in Aiken County along with some of the victims’ personal items. The Sheriff’s Office was able to identify one suspects, Abin Lee Lowman of Edgefield County.
Warrants have been issued for three other suspects in Maryland. One of them is in custody.
Investigators from Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and SLED are conducting an extensive investigation, review-ing video footage from the surrounding area, interviewing witnesses, and collecting physical evidence. The Sheriff’s Office will send out updates on the investigation as they become available.
Lowman is being charged with burglary 1st degree, kidnapping, use of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery, imper-sonating the police, and grand larceny.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office asks if anyone has any knowledge or information about this incident to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (864) 445-2112 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME SC immediately.
EMS Director Jacob Starnes and Assistant Director James Cole hold the plaque, surrounded by staff and county officials. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Saluda County EMS Wins
Top South Carolina Award
Saluda County Emergency Medical Service has been named the large EMS System of the Year in South Carolina by the S.C. EMS Network.
The award was presented Sat., Mar. 11, in Myrtle Beach at the 2017 S.C. Emergency Care Symposium. Accepting the award was County EMS Director Jacob Starnes and Assistant Director James Cole.
To be eligible for the large system of the year, an ambulance service must answer over 2000 calls during the previous year. That means Saluda County was in competition with the largest counties in the state, including Richland, Greenville, Charleston and Spartanburg.
Chris Copper of the Midlands Regional EMS Council made the presentation.
His remarks included:
The story that you will hear about our large service of the year is, and this is a quote from the chair of the county’s public safety committee, “Nothing less than remarkable” After you hear the story there won’t be any surprises at the end, but that’s okay.
For many years, the Saluda County Ambulance Service was operated as part of the Saluda Nursing Center, the county owned nursing home. The county provided a modest stipend to operate the service but the equipment was old, response times long, and transport times even longer since the closest hospital is at least 45 minutes away.
County council made the decision to incorporate the ambulance service as a true county department in 2015. They provided EMS with the resources they needed, and EMS got busy! Since that day, Saluda County EMS has rapidly moved to a position as a state-of-the-art service with strong community support.
In calendar year 2016 the service has instituted a number of important internal changes.
•A substation was opened in a distant but heavily populated end of the county where response times were commonly up to 30 minutes.
•A new fleet of ambulances were delivered on a lease purchase agreement, and the most reliable units of the old fleet were refurbished as dependable spares.
•New 12 lead EKG units with transmission capability were purchased and put in service. 0 Protocols were upgraded to Critical Care standards with the assistance of their medical director.
•Contracting with a billing service has improved collections dramatically and made the department very close to self-sufficient, adding no additional expense to the county tax base.
•QA standards were improved and reviews include hospitals where patients are transported.
Dispatch protocols have been upgraded and training has been provided to the 911 center. The service now shows an average response time of under 11 minutes overall, and more than 75% of their responses are now under 8 minutes. More and more county residents have increased confidence in their county service which now shows an increase of over 400 calls annually.
They have been VERY active in their community as well, being present at most community and sporting events. Just in the last year, EMS has provided CPR and AED training to over 150 county employees and law enforcement officers, and an additional 160 county volunteer firefighters. Training has also been provided to churches, teachers, athletic trainers, nurses, over 400 citizens in the county, and for the council on aging with one documented save!
They also secured a grant to place new AED units in each county fire station, the library, the county courthouse, churches, physician offices, the nursing home and the elderly community center.
EMS is also now providing first responder training to all interested county fire personnel, and has implemented a firefighter rehab program for active fire scenes.
Nominations for this award have been submitted from both citizens and from their county council. Needless to say, county residents have responded overwhelmingly to these positive changes. You need to keep in mind, these changes have occurred in the last year! Because of a lot of hard work, it’s a new ballgame in Saluda. . .a WINNING ballgame! It is with great pride that this year’s large service of the year award goes to Saluda County EMS!”
A celebration breakfast was held Mon., Mar. 13, at the County EMS headquarters at SNC, where Starnes thanked everyone who made the award possible, from county officials to the EMS staff.
Councilwoman Gwen Shealy, Council Chairman Don Hancock and former Councilman Jacob Schumpert all gave remarks, praising the accomplishments of the EMS.
As members of Council’s Public Safety Committee Shealy and Schumpert spearheaded the effort to make the EMS a county department.
Mrs. Shealy said the goal was to put together a winning team, and now they are the best in the state.
Schumpert said the county had considered taking over EMS for 10-12 years.
“They provide a great service to our citizens.”
Starnes said the service has gotten positive feedback from the public. Surveys are sent to individuals who have used the ambulance service. They are asked for their opinions on their experience.
Of the 300 responses, all have been positive.
Riley on TV
Buck Riley in screen capture from “Hunted” episode.
Saludan Featured On
National Television
For the third time since January 27, someone from Saluda County has been featured in a national television program.
Buck Riley is the latest “star,” joining Charles Baird, Debbie Shealy, Jason and Colton Price and Doris Goff, who appeared on the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” filmed at Shealy’s BBQ in Batesburg-Leesville and broadcast on Feb 7, and Bob and Ann Bowles who appeared in a “Tonight Show” skit on Jan. 27.
Riley appeared in the final episode of the CBS reality show “Hunted,” Wed., Mar. 1. The premise of the program is 10 couples try to evade capture by detectives while traveling throughout the country for 28 days. The couple that isn’t captured wins $250,000.
Riley was in a Newberry County field in July 2016, when a couple came walking out of the corn.
He knew something was going on when he saw the couple was accompanied by cameramen.
“They explained what was they were doing, and I brought them back to my house,” Riley said.
Before anything could proceed, Riley had to prove he had insurance on his vehicle and sign other papers.
At the Riley’s Saluda County home, the couple, English and Stephen King of Hillsborough, N.C., asked of they could use the family computer to get on the internet.
“They could only use it for five minutes,” Riley said.
The couple and crew spent the night on the Riley farm, and Riley drove them to Greenwood the next day.
The couple ended up in a location in Georgia, where they won the $250,000 by escaping in a plane moored on a lake.
Only a small portion of the visit with the Riley’s was shown on TV.
“They filmed enough to do ten episodes,” Buck said.
Riley said he wasn’t sure at the time if the program would ever air, so he didn’t mention the experience to many people.
Hall of Fame Kiosk
At County Museum
By Meade Hendrix As a board member of the South Carolina Confederation of Local Historical Societies since 2008, I learned that the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce was planning to offer a kiosk to museums over the state so more people in South Carolina could recognize and honor those who were inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Letters were sent to museums over the state offering to set up a kiosk in their museums for free. The kiosks are operated by Wi-Fi from Myrtle Beach. Each year the new inductees will be added to the program.
The Saluda County Historical Society Board voted to accept this offer. This adds another dimension in history to the Saluda County museum. William Barrett Travis and James Butler Bonham were inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2016, David Drake, Dave the Potter, was inducted. His information will be added to the kiosk soon. Some other inductees from our area are Thomas Green Clemson, Pierce Butler, John C. Calhoun, Benjamin E. Mays, Roger Milliken, and J. Strom Thurmond.
The kiosk is easily operated by touching the screen. The Saluda County Historical Society hopes adults and students will take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the inductees and their outstanding contributions to South Carolina history.
You can nominate a person for consideration into the hall of fame through any historical or genealogical organization in your district. The nomination form would then be sent to the Confederation of Local Historical Societies for consideration
HALL OF FAME HISTORY
The South Carolina Hall of Fame dedicated on February 11, 1973, by Governor John C. West was created to recognize and honor those contemporary and past citizens who have made outstanding contributions to South Carolina’s heritage and progress. It is a nonprofit corporation conducted under a state charter. The South Carolina Hall of Fame is located in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. On September 21, 2001, Governor Jim Hodges signed into law a bill designating the South Carolina Hall of Fame as the state’s official hall of fame.
Persons born in South Carolina who obtained recognition elsewhere and persons born elsewhere but who made their home in and obtained esteem and recognition in the state of South Carolina are eligible for induction.
One contemporary and one deceased citizen may be inducted into the Hall of Fame annually. The Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies is the official organization for selecting nominees for the Hall of Fame. The Confederation presents contemporary and deceased nominees to the Board of Trustees for judging annually.
The South Carolina Hall of Fame is funded by the state of South Carolina, the city of Myrtle Beach and the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
Jury Trials
Jury Trials Highlight
General Sessions Court
Two jury trials took up much of the time during a two-week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court that concluded last week.
In one trail, Antonio Kenyardo Posey was found guilty of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, 1st degree, and was sentences to 40 years. (That story was featured in last week’s paper.)
In the other trial, John Tyler Padgett was found not guilty on multiple charges, including attempted murder, possession of a fireman by a person previously convicted of a violent felony (two counts), and pointing an presenting a fire arm.
There as on lengthy sentence in the guilty pleas. Robert Michael Whittle Jr. was sentenced to 15 years for criminal sexual conduct with a minor 11-14 years of age, 2nd degree.
The sentences in the other guilty pleas are as follows:
Rocky John Boyd, uses of 911 unlawfully, time served. Treyon Hykeem Butler, burglary 3rd, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed five years, suspended to time served and 30 months probation.
Tammy Renee Cash, possession of methamphetamine 1st, 18 months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Llewellyn Chapman II, forgery, 90 days, suspended to time served and 18 months probation.
Angela Rose Doto, assault & battery 2nd, time served. Clinton Clay Dukes, burglary 2nd (non-violent), 48 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation.
Michael Owen Dukes, possession with intent to distribute marijuana 1st, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to 36 months probation. Trevor Keith Herron, possession of meth, time served/
Devin Gregory Hite, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to 30 months probation. Jason Lamont Johnson, resisting arrest (assaulting, beating or wounding law enforcement officer), five years, upon service of 63 days, suspended to 30 months probation.
Marquis Raphael Lomax, forgery less than $10,000, time served. Michael Dwain Mains, possession of prescription drugs, time served.
Kadisaha Nelson, forgery less than $10,000, 90 days, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Natalie Nicole Nelson, forgery less than $10,000, 90 days, suspended to time served and 18 months probation.
Marina Lee Olsen, burglary 3rd 1st offense, YOA not to exceed five years, suspended to time served and 36 months probation. Christopher Lee Oswalt, possession of meth 2nd, 60 days, suspended to time served and 36 months probation.
Sheila C. Riddle, child neglect, 18 months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Corey Scott Ringer, domestic violence 2nd, 24 months, suspended to time served and 24 months probation.
James Ollie Smith, breaking into an auto, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to time served and 36 months probation; unlawful carrying of a pistol, YOA not to exceed one years, suspended to time served and 36 months probation. Dyan Cornelius Triplin, burglary 3rd, 24 months, suspended to 90 days and 18 months probation.
Christopher Certerrio Turner, habitual traffic offender, 12 months, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. James Alex Welch, possession of meth 1st, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to 30 months probation
Jerry Draken Wyndham, petit larceny, time served; harassment, 20 months, suspended to time served and 20 months probation.
FFA Members Attend
Legislators Appreciation Day
Columbia, SC….Eighteen Saluda High School agricultural education students attended the SC FFA-sponsored State Legislators Appreciation Ceremony in Columbia on February 22.
The students were accompanied by Amanda N. Crouch, agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor at Saluda High School, Ben Webb, health/physical education instructor and coach at Saluda High School, and Whitney Moore, guidance counselor at Saluda High School.
The day began with a visit to Representative Cal Forrest. Next, the group talked with Senator Shane Massey in his office building conference room and then moved on to meet with Senator Floyd Nicholson.
The Saluda Chapter then had the special opportunity to talk with our very own, Molly Mitchell Spearman, State Superintendent of Education. Chapter members were interviewed by her for a State Department of Education video and then posed for pictures with her at the front of the Capital.
Next, the group joined with 1000 other FFA members, supporters, and guests for a ceremony on the State House steps where they heard from Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, and also Chairman of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee, David Hiott.
The week of George Wash-ington’s birthday was designated as National FFA Week in 1947 at a National FFA Board of Directors meeting. FFA Week generally runs from Saturday to Saturday, and encompasses February 22, Washington’s birthday.
The FFA positively influences the young people of America by developing character and leadership skills, and preparing members for successful careers. FFA members are the leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and hands-on learning, FFA members are preparing for more than 300 career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industries of agriculture. With more than 610,000 members, the organization has a history of service and a legacy of leadership.
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Highway Tragedy
Saluda Woman Dies When Hit
Deer Crashes Through Windshield
A Saluda woman died Fri. evening, Feb. 17, when a deer, hit by another car, crashed into the windshield of the vehicle in which she was riding.
According to Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner, Jennifer Fisher Wertz, 45, of 1913 Fruit Hill Road, died instantly from her injuries.
The wreck happened at 9:35 p.m. Friday along Fruit Hill Road, about 7.3 miles north of Saluda.
A 37-year-old Greenwood man, Dormus Kentrell Baylor, in a 2001 Kia was driving north on Fruit Hill Road, as was Mrs. Werts husband, B.J., in a 1999 Ford pickup truck with Mrs. Wertz and their daughter as passengers, said Trooper Joe Hovis with the S.C. Highway Patrol.
Turner said, the Kia struck a deer, which went over the top of the car and into the passenger side of the Wertz’ pickup truck, which was behind the Kia.
No one else was injured, Hovis said, and both drivers and both passengers were wearing seat belts.
Mrs. Werts was employed by the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority. Her husband is a coach at Ninety Six High School.
Saluda County Man Sentenced to 40
Years for Sexual Assault of Child
The trial of State v. Antonio K. Posey took place this week in Saluda County General Sessions Court. Posey, age 41, was found guilty of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 1st degree and sentenced to forty (40) years of incarceration by Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr. following the jury’s verdict of guilty Friday, February 17th.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation on December 2nd, 2014, when the victim was brought to law enforcement regarding long term sexual abuse by Posey. The victim was assaulted in Saluda County during 2013 and 2014 while she was under the age of eleven. The victim was immediately referred to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia for a sexual assault examination in which evidence was collected during the exam and sent to the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for forensic analysis.
Agent Paul Meeh of SLED testified regarding the results of his DNA analysis in the case. SLED determined that swabs taken during the child’s sexual assault exam were a DNA match to Posey. The victim, now age 12, testified during the trial regarding numerous sexual assaults committed against her by Posey.
During the sentencing hearing, a letter from the victim was read to Judge Griffith which stated, “I have had nightmares and flashbacks … I don’t want him to do this to anyone else.”
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Sutania Radlein of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
“We are grateful to Captain Toby Horne and the entire Sheriff’s Office for their commitment to this case. They have worked extensively to assist in the preparation of this trial.” Posey was immediately taken into custody and transferred to the S.C. Department of Corrections.
SCE&G Releases
Video On Solar Farm ·
SCE&G has released a video on the locally, much talked about Saluda Solar Farm on the Johnston Hwy.
According the the company’s Facebook page, “The largest solar farm in South Carolina is now on SCE&G's system. Owned by Cypress Creek Renewables and co-developed by Southern Current in Charleston, the new 6.8-megawatt Saluda Solar Farm houses 31,000 solar panels and can produce enough energy for 1,400 homes. Learn more: sceg.com/solar.”
The video can be found on the SCE&G Facebook page or on YouTube - “Saluda Solar Farm.”
Another solar farm on the Columbia Hwy. is currently under constrution.