Shooting
Saluda Man Dies in Shooting
A Saluda man lost his life Sat., April 25, in a shooting that involved at least three people.
Alexander Daquan Henley, 29, of Saluda was dead at the scene. The other two individuals were taken to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, one critically injured.
The incident took place at 10 p.m. near 109 Myranda Ave. in the Town of Saluda.
An autopsy of the victim was performed Monday afternoon at Newberry Pathology Group, LLC.
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office, Saluda Police Department and SLED are actively investigating the incident.
Coroner Keith Turner would like to thank all those who assisted at the scene and with the ongoing investigation. Thanks to Dispatch, EMS, Saluda Police Department, Saluda Sheriff’s Office, SCHP, SLED and Saluda Fire Department.
Saluda County Cases
Rapidly Increase - 6 to 35
In a matter of two weeks, Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases has almost increased six times.
The latest report said Saluda County had 35 reported cases, compared to six just two weeks ago. The report says the county had 215 estimated cases, and 250 possible cases. Twenty-seven of the county’s cases are in the 29138 zip code.
“During the past several days, we have seen a significant increase in the number of cases in Saluda County. We are encouraging everyone to continue to practice social distancing and good personal hygiene to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said Saluda County EMD Josh Morton
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 12; Aiken - 89; Greenwood - 36; Lexington - 273; Newberry - 21.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced 237 new cases of the novel coronavirus and 8 additional deaths as reported to DHEC.
South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items (such as doorknobs and handrails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.
Additionally, residents can prepare for a possible illness or quarantine by:
Periodically checking regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply at home
Having nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins
Getting copies and maintaining electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources and store them, for personal reference
Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Individuals with signs of illness are asked to stay at home and not attend public gatherings.
This poem was written by Kerri Bradley, a WKA sophomore, about COVID-19, and we thought we’d share it with our readers.
Council Goes Virtual
County Council Goes Virtual
In its most unusual meeting in history, Saluda County Council gave first reading to the 2020-21 school district and county budgets Mon., April 13.
Because of COVID-19, the meeting was not open to the public, but citizens could watch the proceedings over YouTube through a link on the County website.
Council members and staff attending the meeting kept their proper distances, while Councilman Justin Anderson “attended” the meeting virtually. In iPad was stationed when Anderson normally sits, and Anderson could be seen on the screen. There were no technical glitches in the short meeting.
The Saluda County Schools’ budget is exactly the same as last year.
The local support portion of the school district’s $19,664,537 budget is $7,551,956, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier for a net amount of $4,867,802 from ad valorem taxes.
The county budget currently stands at $13,806,810. The difference between revenue and expenditures is $850, 514. Last year, the budget was out of balance $2,470,628 on first reading.
Piedmont Technical College is requesting $241,914. They are funded through millage and this request is not included in the above figures.
Council approved the Fair Housing Month resolution to comply with the Fair Housing plan.
A policy Council approved on use of sick leave for child care due to school closures caused by COVID-19 in March was terminated, due to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law by President Trump on March 18. It is effective April 1 through Dec. 31, 2020.
The transfer for funds from Contingency to balance the budget was approved.
Council approved freezing year-end spending. Only normal monthly bills and necessary purchases to perform the job and safely operate equipment and vehicles will be allowed. Requested purchases will be submitted to the County Director.
Saluda County Has
12 COVID-19 Cases
According to DHEC, Saluda County now has 12 COVID-19 cases, doubling the count from last week.
The latest report sys Saluda County has 12 reported cases, and 74 estimated cases
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 12; Aiken - 69; Greenwood - 36; Lexington - 273; Newberry - 21.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) April 19 announced 136 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.
This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 4377, and those who have died to 120.
STORM DAMAGE - Marie Cockrell took this photo of storm damage at her home Mon., April 13.
April 13 Storm Report
As more storms were predicted for Sun. and Mon., April 19 and 20, here is the report on last week’s storm from Emergency Management Director Josh Morton:
“As storms moved through the county on Monday morning, we received numerous calls regarding trees and powerlines down from the storm. We also had at least six homes that received damage from trees falling on them, as well as damage to equipment at a cell phone tower in which case a tree came down on a generator causing a small fire and damaging equipment causing disruption to T-Mobile Cellular service in the area. No significant injuries were reported.
Saluda County was very fortunate to have been spared from the widespread tornado activity that affected many areas of our state. NWS reported that more than 20 tornadoes were recorded in South Carolina, with at least 6 of them being EF-3 tornadoes. This is the most EF-3 tornadoes seen in the state since 1984. As a point of reference, only about 4% of the tornadoes that impact the state of South Carolina are EF-3 or higher.”
Three arrested
Three Charged with Involuntary
Manslaughter after Body Found
Three individuals have been charged with involuntary manslaughter after Sheriff’s Office discovery of a body early Sunday morning, April 5.
Deputies responded along with Saluda EMS to the area of Oakdale Drive near the Edgefield County line. Upon arrival deputies found Joseph Glenn Grubbs Jr. of Greenville deceased on the shoulder of the roadway.
Sheriff Perry requested the assistance of SLED Crime Scene Unit to respond to the scene. Investigators were able to quickly identify Grubbs through fingerprints.
Investigators were able to make the first arrest Monday morning arresting Grubbs’s girlfriend Con-stance Leigh Jackson of Trenton. On Wednesday morning investigators arrested James Alex Welch of Edgefield. The third and final suspect Kaide Howell of Windsor was arrested April 9 based on the evidence that was obtained by investigators.
Sheriff Perry stated he was pleased with the swift actions of the investigators in getting the first arrest within 24 hours.
“Many cases like this take longer amounts of time in developing a suspect, but identification of the deceased as rapidly as investigators did saved us valuable time.”
All three individuals have been charged with involuntary manslaughter and are in the Saluda County Detention Center. Sheriff Perry would like to thank the Saluda County Coroner’s Office, SCDPS IEU, and SLED for their assistance in this case.
Truck Driver Dies In Accident
The driver of a tractor-trailer died in a Saluda County crash Tues., April 7.
According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt of the S.C. Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 178 near Brown Road, three miles west of Batesburg-Leesville.
The 2020 Frieghtliner was traveling west on the highway when it crossed the center line, left the roadway, went into a ditch and overturned.
The driver died at the scene.
Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner identified the victim as Charles Timothy Jones, 74, a white male from Batesburg. He was employed by Amick Farms.
STORM DAMAGE - This tree fell across a portion of Dibbie Shealy’s home in The Heights section in the Town of Saluda during Monday’s early morning storm. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Storm Batters County
An early morning storm Mon., April 13, left few sections of Saluda County damage free.
Reports kept law enforcement, DOT personnel, fire departments, power companies and EMS busy in the darkness.
Falling trees blocked roads, with the major impassable thoroughfare being the busy Batesburg Hwy. near the Hwy. 39 intersection. This blockage involved power poles and trees.
There were at least four reports of trees falling on houses. In one instance, a family was safe, but entrapped in their home.
Vehicles hitting fallen trees sent two drivers to the hospital.
In another bizarre event, the generator of a cell tower caught fire in the rain.
Power outages were widespread.
Candidates File for Primaries
Candidates File
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, candidates filed to run for office in S.C. Mar. 14-30.
The primaries are still scheduled for June 9, but that is subject to change.
Saluda County voters will see several contested races.
Sheriff John Perry will be challenged in the Democratic Primary by his former Chief Deputy Chris Cockrell. The winner of that race will meet another former deputy and current Saluda police officer Josh Price, a Republican, in the Nov. General Election.
District 2 County Councilman Wayne Grice will face opposition from current Elections & Registration Board Chairman Jack Atkinson in the Republican Primary.
District 4 Councilman Jones Butler will have two opponents, former county employee Gary Therrell, and Carey Bedenbaugh, who has run for the office before, including 2012 as an independent because of the Republican party filing fiasco.
All of the senators representing the county face opposition.
District 10 Sen. Floyd Nicholson will face the winner of the Republican Primary race between Billy Garrett and Bryan Hope in the fall.
Susan J. Swanson has filed to run against District 25 Sen. Shane Massey in the Republican Primary. The winner will meet Democrat Shirley A. Green in November.
Democratic District 26 Sen. Nikki Setzler will face the Republican Primary winner, either Perry Finch or Chris Smith.
Third District U.S. Congressman Jeff Duncan, a Republican will face the winner for the Democratic Primary race, Mark D. Welch or Hosea Cleveland, in the General Election.
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has a slew of candidates seeking his office, including Republicans Duke Buckner and Joe Reynolds, who Graham will meet on the primary. Also running are Bill Bledsoe - Constitution, Jamie Harrison - Democrat, and two Libertarians who will meeting in a primary, Keenan W. Dunham and David Weikle.
Escaping opposition were District 39 House Rep. Cal Forrest, District 82 House Rep. Bill Clyburn, 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, Probate Judge Brenda Griffith, Clerk of Court Sheri Coleman, and Coroner Keith Turner.
Body Found In County
The body of a Bamberg County man was discovered along a rural Saluda County road Sun., April 5.
The call came into dispatch at 9:30 a.m. about a body on Oakdale Drive, near the Edgefield County line.
The man was identified as Joseph Glenn Grubbs, Jr., 28, of Bamberg.
The death is under investigation by the Coroner’s office, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and SLED. An autopsy will be performed Thursday.
Coroner Keith Turner would like to thank dispatch, EMS, Sheriff’s Office, SLED and DPS for their assistance.
Saluda County Has
Four COVID-19 Cases
According to DHEC, Saluda County now has four COVID-19 cases,
The zip code chart shows there were two cases in the 29129 zip code, one in 29138 and one on 29832.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Sun., Apr. 5, announced 132 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, including four additional deaths.
This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 2,049, and those who have died to 44.