$30 Million Project
SIGN AGREEMENT - Town and county officials met Wed., Aug. 26, to witness the signing of a wasterwater treatment plant agreement at Saluda’s Town Hall. Pictured, L to R, are Miriam Adams, Tony Black, Motte Jean Yarbrough, Saluda Commission of Public Works (CPW; CPW Superintendent Keith Berry; Saluda Mayor Amelia Herlong; Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority (SCWSA) General Manager Jason Fell; Saluda County Council Chairman Jerry Strawbridge; SCWSA Chairman Al Stevens; and Saluda Administrator Tom Brooks. (Town of Saluda photo)
30 Million Dollar Wastewater
Treatment Agreement Finalized
By Jason Fell, SCWSA General Manager
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit,” Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. President.
Saluda County Water & Sewer Authority (SCWSA), Saluda Commission of Public Works (CPW), the Town of Saluda (Town), and Saluda County (County) met Wednesday, August 26, 2020 to sign a Wastewater Treatment Agreement. The signers were Miriam Adams with CPW, Amelia Herlong with the Town, and Al Stevens with SCWSA. For the past two years these three governmental entities carved out a complex and technical legal document that protects each parties’ interests.
Here’s what you as a reader of the Saluda Sentinel need to know:
It’s good for the environment. SCWSA’s new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will be built beside CPW’s existing WWTP, see the proposed site layout. The new WWTP will improve the water quality of the Little Saluda River. This project has gained the support of the Lake Murray Association.
It’s good financially for all parties. On the surface you would think a $30 million dollar capital project would mean higher sewer bills, but you would be wrong. By working together, it provides a lower cost to treat sewage for both CPW and SCWSA. That means it helps contain customer costs for each.
For CPW, they avoid going into debt for WWTP upgrades. CPW had secured a loan of $6 million to upgrade their WWTP. By partnering with SCWSA, they avoid this debt. In the WWTP Agreement, SCWSA offered number of incentives, totaling $4 million dollars so CPW would not go into debt to help them financially.
For SCWSA, it contains their sewer treatment costs, adds CPW as a wholesale customer, and adds additional capacity to treat sewer. Currently, SCWSA has only 100 sewer customers. This WWTP provides the foundation for sewer throughout Saluda County.
It’s good for keeping and creating new businesses and jobs. The first questions any prospective business asks how much water, sewer and labor is available. It provides Saluda County over 3 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) in capacity for growth of existing businesses and attracting new businesses to Saluda.
Negotiations of this magnitude are always difficult. Many simply avoid collaboration because it is perceived to be too difficult. Building detailed contracts require trust and establishing trust is difficult, requiring time. Further, hard gained trust can evaporate in an instant. The negotiators can be quickly be swayed by their peers second-guessing their actions. It can also bring up old deep-seeded feelings from the past about the other parties that can curtail discussions.
I commend all three parties for forging ahead where others would have wilted. I believe what helped was understanding that it was not just about themselves. Each recognized they represent something more than themselves in these negotiations. Each recognized working together would benefit all of Saluda County. It was this bigger picture that was a guiding light that led the way to this momentous day.
I would like to personally thank Keith Berry and his Commissioners at CPW, Miriam Adams, Motte Yarbrough and Tony Black. They should be praised for their leadership. It is always difficult to trust. Former CPW Chairman, Earl Forrest would be proud. Out of these negotiations, I have enjoyed getting to know each Commissioner. They have demonstrated their trust in signing this WWTP Agreement. SCWSA will not let them or the people of Saluda down.
I would be remiss not to personally thank Tom Brooks, the Mayor Amelia Herlong and her Town Council Members, Miliken Matthews, Obie Combs, Lauren Yonce, and John Mark Griffith. They were the steady hand on the tiller. If the waters were choppy, Mayor Herlong’s actions were measured and deliberate. The Mayor helped guide the negotiations forward, looking for common ground and compromise. All of the Town’s leadership should be commended.
I must also acknowledge my appreciation for SCWSA’s Board, Al Stevens, Bob Nelson, Jimmy Gillian and Jerry Coleman in displaying trust through this complex negotiation. Before and during negotiations, SCWSA’s Board pushed for evidence to demonstrate the financial and technical soundness of this Wastewater Treatment Plant. It was their oversight of the project ensured that this project will be a success.
Finally, SCWSA’s Chairman Al Stevens emphatically stated, the former SCWSA Chairman, Jerry Strawbridge deserved praise for his leadership on behalf SCWSA. He attended every meeting during the negotiations. He read every contract revision and ensured SCWSA was protected. He also ensured that it was a balanced contract that provided a win for all parties involved. Al continued, it is appropriate that in July he was elected as Saluda County’s Chairman, because he has truly demonstrated a compassion for all of Saluda County’s citizens.
This is a watershed moment for Saluda County that everyone should celebrate! However, there is still much to be done. The construction of the WWTP will take at least two years. SCWSA has been working in good faith toward this day. SCWSA has completed and submitted the engineering design for regulatory review. SCWSA has been and will continue to work hard to get this project to construction. As will all good things, they don’t happen overnight. This WWTP project still has lot to be accomplished before it is placed into operation. On behalf of all the parties that approved this WWTP Agreement, we ask for your prayers for this project to move forward without setback.
Lenghty Sentences
Multiple Offenders In The 11th Judicial
Circuit Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences
Eleventh Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard continues to praise his staff for the work they are doing during these unprecedented times.
“Our office continues to be dedicated to seeking justice and protecting our communities. Despite primarily holding court virtually since April, we have been working hard to be as productive as possible. However, during this time, throughout our Circuit, we have handled over 300 criminal court matters, including 165 guilty pleas. We are currently developing a safety plan in coordination with Court Administration, our Chief Administrative Judge, and the Lexington County Clerk of Court in an effort to resume in-person court and trials in the near future. The safety of our employees, court officials, and the public is our number one priority.”
Last week, several serious offenders were sentenced to lengthy, active prison sentences for offenses throughout the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
Andrew Blake Stacy, 25, was sentenced to ten (10) years for his role in an Armed Robbery and Trafficking Methamphetamine in Lexington County.
On New Year’s Eve 2018, Stacy was driving a stolen vehicle out of Richland County when he came upon a husband and wife who were broken down on the side of Calvary Church Road in Lexington. Stacy pointed a gun at them and stole their motorcycle. Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. Stacy attempted to flee on foot, however, he was tracked and apprehended by K-9 officers.
While out on bond for the robbery incident, deputies with the Lexington County Sherriff’s Department encountered Stacy riding on a stolen motorcycle and speeding near the 100 block of Sutton Road in Gaston. Stacy led deputies on a high-speed chase that ended when he crashed the motorcycle. Deputies found over 10 grams of methamphetamine along with a handgun in Stacy’s possession.
Stacy has prior convictions for drugs, weapons, and thefts. This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Melanie Darko.
Tyrese Dashawn Johnson, 21, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years for two counts of Burglary Second Degree – Violent in Lexington and Saluda counties. Johnson was also sentenced concurrently to thirteen (13) years for his role in an Armed Robbery and ten (10) years on an Escape charge.
In November of 2019, Johnson and a co-defendant broke into local businesses in Saluda and Lexington counties. During the incidents, the pair drove a burgundy Ford Taurus and the same clothing. Multiple law enforcement agencies were able to link Johnson and his co-defendant to the burglaries by video surveillance. Law enforcement also captured Johnson’s co-defendant running from the scene of one of the burglaries. Both individuals ultimately confessed.
Johnson was arrested at his residence for the burglaries on November 28, 2019, by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. During transport to the Lexington County Detention Center, Johnson escaped from the patrol vehicle. Despite an extensive search for Johnson, law enforcement was unable to locate him.
On December 11, 2019, Johnson and a few others planned an armed robbery by luring the victim over to a residence in the Gilbert area of Lexington County. During the robbery, the victim was held at gunpoint, struck with the weapon, and a gun was placed at his head while demands were made for his personal property. The victim was eventually allowed to leave the residence and immediately reported the robbery to law enforcement.
Johnson has prior convictions for theft, drugs, burglaries, and a weapon charge. These cases were investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Ridge Spring Police Department, and the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office. Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Sutania A. Fuller handled the prosecution of this case.
Robert Lewis Beard, II, 40, was sentenced concurrently to thirty (30) years for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the First Degree and twenty (20) years for two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the Second Degree for the sexual abuse of three minors in Edgefield, Saluda, Aiken, and Spartanburg counties.
Beard was a Corporal at the Aiken County Detention Center at the time of his arrest.
The investigation revealed that Beard sexually abused three minor children for years. Law enforcement became aware of the abuse when one of Beard’s victims made the disclosure following a presentation at a middle school about body safety hosted by the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office.
This case was investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, commonly known as SLED. The Aiken County Solicitor’s Office handled the prosecution of this case along with Eleventh Circuit Assistant Solicitor Erik Drylie.
2020 Saluda Young Farmer
Scholarship Recipient
The Saluda Young Farmers recently awarded six scholarships for 2020.
This year’s recipients are: Texanna Miller, Wyatt Doolittle, Makayla Porter, Allie Trotter, Alexis Gunter, and Elissa Rodgers.
Texanna is the daughter of Russell & Candice Miller. She is attending Clemson University, majoring in Agronomy. Wyatt is the son of Chuck & Jodi Doolittle. He attends Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) and majors in Animal Science.
Makayla is the daughter of Randall & Kim Porter. She attends Piedmont Technical College, majoring in Diversified Agriculture. Texanna, Wyatt, and Makayla are current Saluda Young Farmer members as well.
Allie is the daughter of James & Ronette Trotter. She will be attending Clemson University this fall, majoring in Animal and Veterinary Science. Alexis is the daughter of Brad & Jennifer Gunter. She will attend ABAC this fall, majoring in Agricultural Education.
Elissa is the daughter of Chad & Melissa Rodgers. She will be attending Piedmont Technical College this fall, studying Veterinary Technology.
Congratulations to each of these agriculture students!
Bodies Laid To Rest
Unclaimed Bodies Laid To Rest
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office held a special burial service early Wednesday morning (August 12, 2020), at Trinity Cemetery in Saluda, where nine individuals were given their final resting place.
This service was dedicated to individuals whose bodies were unclaimed, according to Coroner Keith Turner.
Pastor Burton Campbell and Pastor Chris Bosket shared a message of hope and love for these nine individuals in words of scripture, prayer and song.
Because of COVID concerns /restrictions the ceremony was private though the service was attended by county officials, Trinity Cemetery (group members), the Coroner’s Office and several from residential care homes in the area.
Those buried were:
•Ms. Fern Murphy
•Mr. James F. Besso
•Mr. Edward Terry
•Ms. Lillie Mae Lewis
•Ms. Sandra Edwards
•Mr. Luvette Brooker
•Baby Omar Pascual Matias
•Ms. Janice E. Grant
•Ms. Joyce Gibbie
The Coroner’s Office would like to offer special thanks to the following for assistance in making this ceremony possible: Pastor Burton Campbell, Pastor Chris Bosket, Trinity Cemetery (group), Kay’s Flowers, Ramey Funeral Home, Saluda County Director-Sandra Padgett, Saluda County Council and our staff.
Strawbridge Assumes Chairman Duties
For the fist time since Oct. 2019, the Saluda County Council meeting as presided over by a County Council Chairman.
At the Mon. Aug. 10, meeting, newly elected Chairman Jerry Strawbridge assumed his new duties.
Former Chairman Derrick Jones abruptly resigned on Nov. 8, 2019. That led to candidates announcing, a Republican Primary, and a special election, whose date was postponed twice by the pandemic. Finally, in July, Strawbridge, a Republican, won election over Democratic challenger Darren Horne.
Since November, Vice-Chairman Frank Daniel had run the meetings.
Strawbridge’s first meeting was uneventful.
It began with a public hearing on the Saluda County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is required to be updated every five years, Emergency Management Director Josh Morton said.
The mitigation plan serves as a blueprint for reducing property damage and saving lives from the effects of future natural disasters. This plan is required for Saluda County to be eligible to receive certain types of federal disaster assistance.
No one spoke at the public hearing other than Morton. After Strawbridge ended the hearing, Council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution for the plan.
Daniel returned to preside when Council had to adopt two resolutions, placing Strawbridge as a voting member of both The Tri-County Solid Waster Authority and Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority Boards of Directors.
Council approved funds to replace a HVAC unit in the Courthouse courtroom ($6400) and one at the Sheriff’s Office ($4400). Edwards Heating & Cooling got the bid for both jobs.
Road & Bridge Supt. Billie Corley’s request to fill a vacant mechanic position was approved.
Band Practice
A SIGN OF NORMALCY - It isn’t often in these pandemic times do we see something that borders on normal,but the Saluda High School band practicing on a hot August morning last week certainly comes as close as anything seen lately. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Earthquake Felt In County
The earthquake that struck Sparta, NC, Sun. morning was felt in parts of Saluda County.
The 5.1 magnitude quake happened at 8:07 a.m. in the town that is located near the Virginia border.
The tremor was felt in seven states.
Soon after the earthquake, some Saluda County residents start-ed posting on social media that their homes shook.
County Ranks Ninth In
Property Tax Study
A recent study by financial technology company Smart Asset finds the places in South Carolina where residents receive the most value for what they pay in property taxes.
The study has Saluda ranked ninth.
First, the study measures the effective property tax paid in each county to determine the relative property tax burden. From there, the study analyzes the quality of public schools within the county. Finally, it measures how much value properties in the county have gained throughout a five year period.
Taken together, these factors determine where residents are seeing the most value for their property taxes. For a look at the top performing counties in South Carolina, check out the table below.
Additional details on the study, including the methodology and interactive map, can be found here: https://smartasset.com/taxes/south-carolina-property-tax-calculator#southcarolina.
