Dog Returned
Left to right, Britt Long, Estabon, and Joshua Wright
Irma Evacuated Service Dog
Rescued And Returned To Owner
It took some amateur detective work, but a service dog, evacuated from Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma, was rescued by a Saluda County man and returned to its rightful owner last week.
The saga began Tues., Sept. 12, when Britt Long was driving toward Monetta after doing some work at the home of Marvin Bernstein in the Hollywood community.
Near the ballfield at the Aiken-Saluda County line, he spotted a hunting dog.
“When I looked closer, I saw it was wearing a vest, so I knew it was a service dog,” Long said.
Long looked all around and saw no one in sight, so he put the dog in his truck and took it home with him.
Long knew the collar would have some identification. He discovered the dog belonged to Joshua Wright of Daytona Beach, Fla.
There were four phone numbers on the vest, and Long began dialing.
The first call was to Daytona Beach, but it did not go through. His next call was to Wright’s cell phone, but it got no response.
Next, Long called Wright’s mother in Pennsylvania and found out Wright was staying with friends in Monetta, not too far from where the dog was found, but he had no cell service there. She said she would try to get in touch with him.
Long also put a picture of the dog on Facebook, and it got shared over 500 times.
Long knew the dog was used to living inside, so he brought him into his house and he was well behaved. When Long went to bed, the dog got in bed with him.
At 2:30 a.m. Long got a call letting him know Wright knew about the dog.
After the call, Long and Wright were later able to text and make arrangements for Long to get the dog to Wright.
Long found out Wright had to go into the attic of the place he was staying to get a signal.
The reunion took place Wed., Sept. 13.
Estabon was reunited with his owner Joshua, who is a 33-year-old Navy veteran.
Wright told Long Estabon was originally from Wyoming, and when he saw the wide open farm country of the Ridge, he may have thought he was home.
Hurricane Irma brought separation to many, but through a service dog, it also brought people together.
CHAIRMAN HANCOCK REMEMBERED - Saluda County Council remembered the late Chairmain Don Hancock by presenting his sisters a resolution and a plaque of remembrance at Monday’s meeting.l Pictured L to R, are Ann Coker and Charlyn Staubes, Hancock’s sisters; and County Council members Jones Butler, Gwen Shealy - vice-chair, Frank Daniel and D.J. Miller. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Chairman Hancock Remembered,
His Foundation Announced
Saluda County Council remembered the late County Council Chairman Don Hancock with special presentations to his family at teh Mon., Sept. 18, meeting.
His sisters, Charlyn Hancock and Ann Coker, then announced Hancock remembered Saluda County with the creation of a foundation.
Council Vice-Chairman Gwen Shealy read a resolution that praised Hancock for his service and loyal devotion to the county, and presented a plaque of remembrance to his sisters.
“Don thought highly of all of you (Council and staff),” Ms. Staubes said, “and spoke of you all by name.”
Following those presentations, Councilman D.J. Miller, on behalf of Sen. Floyd Nicholson, presented Recreation Director Paul Ergle at $2000 check in memory of the chairman for the use of the Recreation Department.
Mrs. Coker and Ms. Staubes then announced the foundation.
“On July 20, Charlyn, Don and I sat on Charlyn’s front porch,” Mrs. Coker said. “Don told us about how he wanted to leave a legacy in Saluda County
Because of his love of the county, Don wanted to continue to be a part of its progress, even after his death. He wanted to establish a foundation to benefit the county. Don wasn’t quite sure how this foundation would work, but he wanted a non-profit organization, focusing on economic development, education and quality of life for the residents of Saluda County.
Don wasn’t a showy persons and didn’t want the foundation to hold his name. So, he chose to name it The Charlie Foundation, partly because of our Daddy’s first name.
During Don’s last hospitalization, the three of use enthusiastically spent many hours brainstorming ideas and dreaming of the potential of The Charlie Foundation.”
“Currently, we are in the very early stages of learning how to properly and legally administer The Charlie Foundation,” Ms. Staubes said. “Don appointed Ann and me along with his nephews and niece, Keller Staubes, Katie Staubes, Justin Coker and Tyler Coker board of directors.
We are hopeful that within a year we can present to you a formalized plan on the working of The Charlie Foundation. We are counting on your support as we move forward to fulfill Don’s dream for Saluda County.”
In the old business portion of the meeting, Council gave second readings to three ordinances.
The first will quit claim the property owned by Saluda County containing 10 acres on East End Drive.
Miller said this will return Brooks & Roston Park to its rightful owners, the community.
The second amends the multi-county industrial park agreement between Saluda County and Aiken County.
Development Director Ed Parler said the county needed to add two more properties to the agreement, Project Catalina and Project Thunder, before the final reading.
The third ordinance outlines the lease of T-hangars and use requirements at the Saluda County Airport.
In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes for Project PBM.
Parler said the project will invest a minium of $45 million and employ a minimum of 90.
Council approved the county and School District One Millage.
The county millage is 147.60, which includes 138.60 county operating; 1.00 economic development; 1.00 law enforcement (jail renovation); 1.00 Fire Board; .50 public building maintenance; 3.00 Piedmont Tech appropriation; 2.50 Piedmont Tech bond.
The District millage is 182.50, including 140.80 for operating and 41.70 for school bonds.
Council approved issuing a request for qualifications for local contractors to perform small construction/repair projects. This will allow the county to hire local contractors, when staff is too busy to get to the work immediately.
At the beginning of the meeting each Council member thanked the County’s emergency workers, utility workers and volunteers when Hurricane Irma came through last Monday.
County Council Exective Session
County Council after executive session Monday (story on page 1) approved to increase the part-time Risk Management Assistant’s hours by 5 hours for a total of 29 hours to assume the duties of assisting with accounts payable which were duties of the former Registration /Election Director.
Irma
Power Out, Trees Downed, Schools Closed
Saluda County felt the remnants of Hurricane Irma Mon., Sept. 11, with strong winds, heavy rain, and massive power outages, which led to the closing of schools Tuesday.
Power failure lasted from just to a few minutes for some to up to 12 hours or more for others. At one time the entire Town of Saluda was in the dark. Late Monday, most of the Saluda County District schools and King Academy were still without power, so officials called off classes for Tuesday.
Court Term Concludes
The term of Saluda County General Sessions Court concluded last week.
There was only one jury trial during the term, and it was highlighted in last week’s Standard-Sentinel.
Following are the sentences:
Anthony McCloud Abney, possession of crack cocaine 1st; two years, suspended to one year probation. Jennifer Lilith Attaway, forgery, two years, suspend to time served, and one year probation.
Stanley Eric Backus Jr., unlawful carrying of a handgun, one years, suspended to six months probation. Lacie Someillan Bennett, breaking into a motor vehicle, three years, suspended to four days times served and five years probation.
Ja’Von Marquez Bouknight, unlawful carrying of a handgun, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to six months probation. Philip Kentrail Brooks, domestic violence 2nd degree, two years, suspended to time served and two years probation.
Timothy Derrick Brown, unlawful carrying of a handgun, one year, suspended to $500 fine. Rundarris Richard Lazae Buggs, grand larceny >$2000 <$10,000, YOA not to exceed 5 years.
Xavier Deshawn Cancer, possession of cocaine 1st, one year, suspended to six months probation. James Edward Connor, domestic violence 2nd degree, three years, suspended to time served and two years probation.
German Felipe Hernandez Carreto, domestic violence 2nd degree, one years, suspended to 96 days time served. Stephen Ray Clark, assault & battery 3rd degree, 30 days, suspended to time served.
Amy Alexis Corbett, assault & battery 3rd degree, 30 days, suspended to time served. Lewis Edward Dunning, possession of meth 1st, two years, suspended to one year probation.
Jeremy Daniel Green, prisoner/carrying concealed weapon by inmates; three years, upon service of 18 months, suspended to one year probation; possession of stolen vehicle, three years, upon service of 18 months, suspended to one year probation.
Kaseem Antonio Harrison, forgery, less that $10,000, two years, suspended to 72 days time served, two years probation. Derrick Anturn Harrison, unlawful carrying of a handgun, one years, suspended to six months probation.
Tyqona Malek Jones, use of vehicle without permission, one year, suspended to time served, and six months probation. Amy Mackenzie Lutz, giving false information to law enforcement, times served and $100.
William A. McCauley, possession of meth 1st, two years, suspended to one year probation. Jennifer Elaine McCary, possession of meth 1st, time served.
Robert Nathan McDaniel (jury trial, guilty on all charges), unlawful distribution of marijuana, three years; unlawful distribution of scheduled IV controlled substance - Xanax, four months, five years probation; criminal conspiracy, six months.
Ryan Lee Merchant, forgery, YOA not to exceed two years, suspended to time served. Jamal O’Keefe Mobley, simple possession of marijuana second, one years, suspended to six months probation.
Tanage Shiann Morris, use of vehicle without permission for temporary purposes, 28 days time served. Santos Ismael Perez-Cabrera, burglary 3rd, 1st offense, one years, suspended to 136 days time served, two years probation.
Amanda Lashawn Phillips, assault & battery 2nd degree, two years, suspended to two years probation. Jack Arthur Pincombe, failure to stop for a blue light, one years, suspended to 42 days time served.
Erica Tessier Pratt, distribution of marijuana 1st, YOA not to exceed one years, suspended to one year probation. Da’Vashea La’Mound Rhodes, failure to stop for blue light; 18 months; Burglary 2nd (non-violent), 10 years.
Reginal L. Robinson, domestic violence 3rd, 90 days, one year probation. Anthony Dale Sams, assault & battery 2nd, three years, suspended to 10 days time served, two years probation.
Otis Jefferson Smith, petit larceny, 30 days, suspended to time served. Angelica Rodriquez Solus - False pretenses, 30 days, suspended to time served.
Daryll Lamar Thompson, domestic violence 2nd degree, three years, upon service of two years, suspended to one year probation. Tristan Caleb Vinson, possession of cocaine, YOA not to exceed one years, suspended to one year probation.
Trenell Rodriquez Wright, possession with intent to distribute meth, three years, suspended to 18 months probation. Billy J. Webb, tattooing (unlawfully), two counts, one years, suspended to seven day times served, two years probation.
GOOD SAMARITANS - There was a group of Good Samaritans on Main Street in Saluda Sat., Sept. 9. They were giving away free water and snacks to hurricane evacuees traveling through. Main Street was not as busy as it was Friday, but they had given away three cases of water when this photo was taken. They even had pre-packaged dog biscuits. The travelers were very appreciative. This kindness receives much publicity and recognition through social media and on Channel 19. Pictured, L to R, front row, Ann Forrest Watkins, Grant Gentry, Wendy Leigh Corson; back row - Sauda Policeman Churck Padget, Jennifer Gentry, and Saluda Policeman Robin Freeman. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Lengthy Sentence
Home Invasion Defendant
Sentenced To 10 Years
Da’Vashea L. Rhodes, age 24, has been sentenced to 10 years incarceration for the burglary of a home on Bonham Road in Saluda County.
Rhodes forced entry into the home by breaking a lock and a door frame during daylight hours. Rhodes and an accomplice stole flat screen televisions, electronics, and firearms from the residence. The stolen firearms included a shotgun and an assault rifle.
A neighbor observed the burglary in progress and notified law enforcement. Senior Assistant Solicitor Al Eargle stated, “We appreciate the vigilance of the community in reporting this crime to authorities. This case reflects the importance of citizen involvement, combined with the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, in bringing this suspect to justice.”
Rhodes fled the scene of the burglary and led police on a high-speed chase involving the Saluda Police Department, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston Police Department, and the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office. The high-speed pursuit ended near the intersection of Long Cane Road and Ouzts Road in Edgefield County where the 2000 Cadillac driven by the suspects lost control. The suspects then fled into a nearby wooded area. The bloodhound unit of the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office and the SLED Aviation Unit assisted in the search for the suspects.
Multiple items stolen from the residence were located inside the Cadillac driven by Rhodes and the accomplice, including the firearms, three televisions, and Xbox and Nintendo game consoles.
Rhodes pled guilty this week in Saluda County General Sessions Court to Burglary – Second Degree and Failure to Stop for a Blue Light. Rhodes was a repeat offender with a prior conviction for burglary.
This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Senior Assistant Solicitor Al Eargle. The sentence was imposed by Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley. Rhodes will be transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin service of the sentence immediately. Multiple guns were found in the vehicle driven by Rhodes and the accomplice.
Rhodes was a repeat offender with a prior conviction for burglary.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Solicitor Al Eargle. Multiple local agencies were involved in the apprehension of these suspects. Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley handed down the sentence. Rhodes will be transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin service of the sentence immediately.
Defendant Found Guilty By Jury
A Saluda County jury has returned a guilty verdict this evening on Robert Nathan McDaniel for distribution of controlled substances, distribution of marijuana, and criminal conspiracy.
Thank you to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and Lt. Russ Padgett for your hard work on this case. Assistant Solicitor Doug Fender handled the trial of this case in Saluda County General Sessions Court.
The jury returned their verdict at approximately 6:30 pm tonight. McDaniel was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge William P. Keesley to 5 years suspended upon the service of 3 years incarceration. The prison sentence will be followed by a period of probation.
McDaniel will be transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin service of the sentence immediately.
Solar Farm
RIBBON CUTTING AT SOLAR FARM - Gov. Henry McMaster was in Saluda Fri., Aug. 25, take part in the ribbon cutting at Saluda II Solar. Pictured, L to R, are Brenda Long; Charles Long; County Councilwoman Gwen Shealy; Rep. Cal Forrest; Councilman Frank Daniel; Zoé Gamble Hanes, president of Pine Gate Renewables; First Lady Peggy McMaster; Gov. McMaster; Danny Kassis, SCANA; Sen. Shane Massey; Coumnty Councilman Jones Butler; Charlie Long and his father Tyler Long. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Governor Cuts Ribbon At Solar Farm
An appearance by S.C. Governor Henry McMaster highlighted the ribbon cutting at Saluda II Solar Fri., Aug. 25.
Located on the Columbia on land and owned and operated by the family of the late Joe Long, the solar farm produces enough power to supply energy to 750 home in Saluda County.
Developed over 46 acres, this 4.7 megawatt solar farm is one of 12 projects owned by Pine Gate Renewables in South Carolina.
Facts About Saluda II
•$6.5 million investment
•Created 140 jobs for local workers during construction
•More than $26,800 paid to taxing districts in Saluda County in the first year of operation. Tax revenue will help fund schools, fire district and other important county services.
Among the many present for the ceremony were Joe and Mildred Long’s three children, the Rev. Joe “Nicky” Long, Carlene Temples, and Charles Long and their families.
Zoé Gamble Hanes, president of Pine Gate Renewables, presided at the event.
“It has been a great week for the sun,” she said, referring to Monday’s total eclipse.
“Did you notice during the eclipse, when there was just a tiny sliver of the sun was showing, yet it was complete daylight outside,” she said. “That shows the power of the sun.”
“Pine Gate Renewables is proud to bring clean, renewable energy resources to South Carolina as part of our commitment to Getting Solar Done. Our Saluda II Solar project is an investment in the local community and we look forward to continuing to expand the impact of utility-scale solar energy in the state.
Tyler Long, grandson of Joe and Mildred, and son of Charles and Brenda Long, spoke on behalf of the family. He sad his family was very happy to be a part of a project that will provide a sustainable source of energy to local residents.
Danny Kassis of SCE&G and SCANA said Saluda is the current “Solar Energy Capitol of South Carolina,” with Saluda I Solar on the Johnston Hwy. also in operation.
Kassis said SCE&G is happy to buy the electricity produced by the solar panels, and this was just a start. He said Saluda II will be a 30-year asset to the community.
Saluda County Council Vice Chairman Gwen Shealy said putting solar panels on farm land was a good use for the property, providing a clean energy source on facilities that have a low profile.
Michelle Caldwell of USDA said her department was happy to be a part of the project.
Gov. McMaster praised solar as a source of clean energy, with no pollution and little use of local infrastructure.
“Pine Gate Renewables is just the latest company of many in the solar industry that have invested in South Carolina and our people, and we are proud to say that our state is poised to be on the cutting edge of an industry that will prove to be an important one to our country’s future.”
McMaster said he joined with the president of Clemson and the University of South Carolina who said their were tired of hearing, “We are a poor state and can’t do anything.”
He said there is plenty the state can do, and S.C. has gained attention worldwide.
“We have 160 German companies in this state,” McMaster said.
“Everybody wants to come to S.C., because we are known as a hand shake state, which means if we give you our word, we stand by it.”
After the governor’s speech, a tibbon was cut in front of the panels, and guests were served refreshments and given a tour of the facility.
While the panels on the Johnston Hwy. solar ar are stationary, the ones at Saluda II follow the sun during the day.
11th Annual Riverfest
The 11th Annual Riverfest is Saturday, Sept. 2, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Big Man’s Marina, Hwy 391, 125 Big Man’s Rd, Lake Murray. Featured will be the Kenny George Band on their Borrowed Trouble Tour, crafts, food vendors, Lake Murray T-shirts, kids slide & bounce houses, Pelican Ice and more. Tune into Z93.1 The Lake for more information. See you there. (Standard-Sentinel photo from 2014 Riverfest)