Controversial Fees

BIG CROWD - The County Council Chambers was packed Mon., Sept. 9, with most in attendance there to oppose two fees proposed by County Council. The fees were defeated when the motion on both did not get seconds. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Controversial County Fees
Die For Lack Of A Second

  Saluda County Council’s idea to raise funds by imposing fees on vehicles and buildings died from the lack of a second to a motion Mon., Sept. 9, before a packed house in Council Chambers.
  Following public hearings in which no one spoke in favor of the fees, Vice-Chairman Frank Daniels, presiding in the absence of Chairman Derrick Jones, asked for a motion to give second reading to both ordinances. In both cases, Councilman Jones Butler made the motion, but neither Councilmen Wayne Grice nor Justin Anderson seconded, thus the motion died.
  One ordinance was called a “Uniform Service Charge for Public Safety in Saluda County, South Carolina.”
  If passed the ordinance would impose a $50 fee on the 9800 taxable structures in the county. It would be used to partially fund the fire departments, EMS and Sheriff’s Office.
  The other ordinance, “A Uniform Service Charge for Motorized Vehicle Users on the County Roads of Saluda County, South Carolina,” would impose a $20 fee on every licensed vehicle. The money raised would go toward improving roads and streets.
  In the public hearing, many expressed the hardships faced by the many citizens on fixed incomes if the fees were imposed. They said those who rent properties can pass the fees on to the renters, but those who own their houses must absorb the costs.
  Other said the fees were nothing more than a tax increase, and one asked where the one percent sales tax increase was going.
  One citizen asked why the county was going to build a 100-cell jail, when it has never exceeded its current 40-cell capacity, and suggested Council should balance the budget, rather than relying on reserve funds.
 Another suggested the County should dissolved into surrounding counties, because Saluda County is “dead in the water.”
  The other public hearing was on an ordinance providing for an installment plan of finance for certain capital projects and equipment; authorizing the issuance of not exceeding, in the aggregate, the county’s constitutional bonded debt limit in general obligation bonds, in one or more series, tax-exempt or taxable to acquire undivided interests in such capitol projects and equipment, and other related matters.
  Attorney Ray Jones said financing for the new detention center would be funded through a non-profit corporation, and the county would not have to increase millage or use the eight percent bonded indebtedness limit.
  Jack Atkinson, who spoke on all three public hearings, said this was a “terrible idea.”
  When this motion came to a vote, it passed with Butler, Daniel and Grice voting in favor and Anderson voting against.
    Theo L. Lane from Duke Energy, who said he owned a house in Saluda County, presented a grant check for the OnPoint EMS Network. (See the related story.)
  Mac McNeil of the U.S. Census Bureau asked the county’s help in promoting the 2020 Census which will begin April 1 next year. McNeil said Saluda County had 73 percent participation in 2010. One new innovation with the 2020 Census is citizens can fill out census forms online.
  Council gave third and final reading to an ordinance to renew the contract of Saluda Sky Aviation, LLC, as the fixed base operator at the Saluda County Airport.
  The Fiscal Year 2019-2020 millage for the county and School District One was approved.
  The total council millage, including operating, special millage and bonds is 155.80. The millage last year was 151.57.
  The school millage is 185.80, including operating and bonds. The total last year was 192.87.
  Both millage totals are proposed. Millage is set by the Auditor and Treasurer.
  At the recommendation of Emergency Management Director Josh Morton, Council approved a new Emergency Operations Plan. The previous plan was 500-pages long. The new one is only 35.
  Council also approved Morton’s recommendation to  decommission the tornado siren system in the county. Morton said keeping the sirens up is cost prohibitive.
  In place of the sirens, the county will contract with OnSolve to provide mass emergency communication to the citizens by cell phone, land line or email. The citizens will have to sign-up for the program. The money budgeted for the sirens will be used for the communication program.
  Morton reported the county now has an overall ISO rating of five, which should create a cost saving to many citizens on their homeowners insurance.
  The meeting was the first for new District 2 Councilman Grice. Daniel presented a plaque of appreciation to  Grice’s predecessor D.J. Miller, who had to resign his position when he moved to a new home, located out of District 2.

PRESENTATION - Pictured from left to right: Theo Lane, Daniel Patterson, and Jacob Starnes. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Duke Energy Award To
On Point Ems Network

  Recently, On Point EMS Network was presented a check for $2,500 from Duke Energy Manager for Government and Community Relations, Theo Lane.
  Daniel Patterson, president of On Point, received the check with the proceeds to go toward the purchase of a transport gurney for emergency medical services in the Saluda County area. The gurney will attach to the John Deere Gator given to EMS by the Charlie Foundation in March; the total cost of the bed being $3,265.
  Lane’s presentation marks the culmination of Duke Energy’s desire to aid the county in some way during Don Hancock’s tenure as chairman of county council until 2017, upon his passing.   He said, “Don was a great friend to me and we were working together on several ideas for Saluda County at the time he became ill. When I was made aware of the Gator, it was apparent the addition of the gurney was necessary to assure safe transport of victims that ambulances could not reach. It is my hope this donation by Duke Energy will accomplish that goal, and honor Don Hancock and his legacy of love for Saluda County.”
  On Point EMS Network is a 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organization dedicated to the support of emergency medical services in the Saluda County area. Its board members are Patterson as president; Jacob Schumpert, vice president; Brandy Cromley, secretary; Gwen C. Shealy, treasurer; and Ricky Bailey.  
  This organization depends solely on donations, fund-raisers, and grants. If anyone would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, the mailing address is On Point EMS Network, 275 Grigsby Circle, Saluda, SC 29138.

 
 
 

Convicted For Threats

Suspect Convicted For Threatening
The Life Of A Public Official

  Jeffrey James Williams, age 49 of Saluda, was convicted of Threatening the Life of a Public Official by a Saluda County jury this week and was sentenced to the maximum sentence of five (5) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. The sentence was imposed by Chief Administrative Judge Frank R. Addy, Jr., following the jury trial. 
  On August 10, 2018, Williams called the Saluda County Magistrate’s Office and asked to leave a message for the Chief Magistrate Judge. Williams exclaimed that he wanted to “bury her, dig her back up, paint her toenails, and have sex with her.” During the phone call, Williams did not identify himself as the caller.
 Captain Josh Price and Lieutenant Stephen Byrd with the Saluda County Sherriff’s Office handled the investigation of this case and determined that Williams was possibly associated with the phone number used to make the threats by using a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) database. Investigators then apprehended Williams at his residence just hours after the call was made and located the phone in his pocket. During the trial, phone records belonging to Williams were also presented to the jury that confirmed Williams made the threatening call.
  During sentencing, the Chief Magistrate Judge addressed the Court describing the problems Williams has caused in the local community and the impact of his actions.
  Williams is currently a registered sex offender and has prior convictions for Criminal Sexual Conduct, Burglary, and Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature. 
  The case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Doug Fender of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

NEW COUNTY COUNCILMAN - Wayne Grice was sworn in as the new County Councilman from District 2 on Fri., Aug. 30, in the Council Chambers. Holding the Bible was Sheriff John Perry, and County Attorney Chris Spradley conducted the swearing in. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Clemson University junior Plant and Environmental Sciences major Texanna Miller won third place in the undergraduate poster competition at the 2019 American Society of Horticultural Science Conference. (Clemson University photo)

Clemson student wins 3rd place at
national horticulture conference

  Texanna Miller, a junior Clemson University Plant and Environmental Sciences major from Saluda, won third place in the undergraduate poster competition at the 2019 American Society of Horticultural Science Conference.
  The conference was held in Las Vegas and brought together hundreds of horticulture researchers, scientists and students to cultivate ideas and share new techniques. The five-day event featured technical sessions, poster presentations and keynote speakers.
  Miller’s award-winning poster is entitled “A DNA Test for Routine Prediction in Breeding of Peach Bacterial Spot Fruit Resistance.” This particular poster had previously won 1st place in the 2019 CAFLS Undergraduate Research Poster Competition at Clemson, and its recognition inspired Miller to present it on a national stage at the conference.
  The poster highlights a groundbreaking peach genetic testing process that Miller developed under the mentorship of Clemson professor Ksenija Gasic. Her findings present a management option for disease control and meeting consumer demand for chemical-free, environmentally friendly fruit production.
  Miller’s research uncovers a method of distinguishing, while still in the greenhouse, which genetic characteristics of peach seedlings result in extra resistance to disease in the field. This knowledge allows peach farmers to maximize resources by planting only the seeds with the best chance of survival.
  “Knowing that a seed is resistant to bacterial spot is a big step in peach production because it is a very, very predominant disease in the Southeast region. It alone can be responsible for millions of dollars in damage and can wipe out entire orchards because it’s very easily transmitted,” Miller explained. “So, this testing process can be a big cost saver for farmers and groups who want to plant resistant trees. They can focus less on chemical controls since the disease is less likely to get introduced.”
  Miller’s testing method enables her to make predictions about peach disease resistance with 80% accuracy. These results demonstrate that Miller’s method is a time and cost-efficient alternative to traditional geno-typing, which takes years and can be very pricey. Miller was able to test 96 samples in just a few hours, where each sample only cost about 10 cents.
  Miller’s attendance at the 2019 American Society of Horticulture Conference was made possible through funding she received from the CAFLS Century Club, which fully covered her travel expenses and admission. Her experience there is a direct result of the CAFLS Advantage program, which funds learning experiences beyond the classroom, develops a student’s critical thinking skills, prepares graduates to meet their career goals, and fuels the inspiration to tackle the grand challenges facing our state, nation and the world.
  Texanna is the daughter of Russell and Candice Miller.

Districts Meet

Dr. Harvey Livingston, Mrs. Angie Rye, Mr. Michael Bonner, Dr. Abbey Duggins, and Dr. Stephen Hefner. (Picture by Mackenzie Taylor)

Lexington Three, Saluda County School Districts
Partner For Back-to-School Convocation

by Mackenzie Taylor

  Staff members from Lexington County School District Three and Saluda County Schools came together on Thursday, August 15th with one mission in mind — to prepare themselves to make a profound impact on students each and every day of the 2019-2020 school year. 
  This common goal was the overarching theme of the school districts’ collaborative Back-to-School Convocation that was held at the Lexington Three Fine Arts Center.  The event was attended by teachers, administrators and other staff members who heard remarks from Lexington Three Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner and Saluda County School District Superintendent Dr. Harvey Livingston.
  In addition, the crowd was wowed by featured guest speaker Michael Bonner.  Mr. Bonner is a nationally-known teacher and visionary leader who has received praise and recognition for his positive, unique and innovative educational strategies for students who may be coping with adverse childhood experiences.
   Mr. Bonner previously taught second grade at South Greenville Elementary School, a Title I school in North Carolina where a large majority of the students endure poverty, challenging familial dynamics and in some cases, even face homeless-ness. 
  In 2016, Mr. Bonner began to realize that in order to break through the barriers that were preventing his students from learning, he had to figure out a different way to engage them.  So, he turned to music, allowing students to create lyrics and beats from the content they were studying.  His novel idea worked, as students began engaging on a higher level and achieving greater academic success. 
  As a reward for their efforts, Mr. Bonner’s second grade class created an educational music video together and uploaded it to social media, catching the attention of news organizations nationwide. 
  In early 2017, Mr. Bonner was recognized for his efforts by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who not only presented Mr. Bonner and his school with educational equipment, but also flew him and his entire class to Los Angeles to visit her studios.  Wal-Mart also presented South Greenville Elementary School with nearly $50 thousand dollars to help enhance the school’s learning environment. 
  In addition, Mr. Bonner was honored by NBC Nightly News, the Ashton Kutcher Foundation, Flocabulary, and Front Row, just to name a few organizations.  Since 2017, Mr. Bonner has continued his work of promoting unique teaching strategies in the field of education.  He’s conducted more than 100 keynote speeches and workshop sessions to educators around the world and has written several books, all while continuing to make a huge impact on the lives of generations to come through his work as a teacher. 
  “It’s a privilege and honor to welcome Mr. Bonner to Batesburg-Leesville and to be able to kick off the new school year collaboratively with Saluda County Schools.  This is just one more example of how our districts continue to work together for the greater good of our students,” said Angie Rye, Chief Academic Officer for Lexington Three.
  Last school year, Lexington Three and Saluda County School Districts partnered to provide welding and firefighting courses to students in both districts through the Innovation Collaboration Pilot Project.  The classes, which are being funded by the State Department of Education and through grants obtained by the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, are housed at B-L High School.  Students from Saluda County Schools attend the classes with their B-L counterparts.  As part of the collaboration, transportation is provided for students to be able to participate. 
  Students who complete the firefighting course and pass the state skills test are able to obtain their Firefighter Certification, thus giving them an opportunity to help fill the growing need for volunteer firefighters in the Town of B-L and Town of Saluda.  Welding students are also able to obtain a certification if they finish a certain level of the program. 
  This year, students at B-L High School will have the opportunity to participate in a Health Sciences class at Saluda High School as part of the collaboration project.

Support swells for Saluda pastor’s
September 7 gun buy-back program

  SALUDA – In less than one week, the Rev. Hillary Taylor raised more than $5,000 to purchase Walmart gift cards for the gun buy-back program she and her churches are sponsoring Sept. 7 near Saluda Town Hall.
  “It’s been an incredible experience,” says Rev. Taylor, pastor of Bethany UMC and Zoar UMC in Saluda. “A lot of individuals and churches have supported this ministry with generous donations. A few people – including some whose families have been impacted by suicide – have even stopped me in town to tell me they are impressed with our program.
  “I don’t know how many people will respond to our buy-back offer, but we have plenty of gift cards to give anyone who wants to turn over a gun for any reason. We are planning to have mental health first aid professionals on site who can share resources about firearm safety, preventing suicide, and other related issues.”
  The buy-back event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, beside the picnic shelter near Saluda Town Hall, 100 South Jefferson Street. Gun owners will receive Walmart gift cards valued at $100-$200, depending on the type of gun (Examples: shotgun/rifle = $100, handgun = $150, assault weapon = $200). This is a “no-questions-asked” event.
  Pastors from several local churches also will be on site to give communion and pray with anyone who would like to share a few minutes.
  Following most gun buy-back events, the purchased weapons are destroyed. In this effort, however, the guns will be disabled and repurposed in the Saluda community as gardening tools or artwork – almost literally playing out Isaiah 2:4: “...they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
  Suicide has been a topic of conversation and concern across the Midlands, sparked in part by the news that Shaw Air Force Base and the Sumter community are grieving the recent deaths of three airmen who took their own lives in as many months.
  In South Carolina, more than 90 percent of suicides are gun-related,3 and the state ranks 50th in the nation when it comes to the availability of mental health care.4

1 Noah Feit, “Fifth airman dies at SC base this year — and the third of suicide, coroner says,” The State,  August 15th, 2019.
2 “Suicide Rate Increases Nationally, Soars in South Carolina,” Greenville News, accessed August 5, 2019.
3 “The State of Mental Health In America 2018,” Mental Health America, accessed August 5, 2019.