Court Term
County Court Clears
Forty-Seven Cases
The recently concluded two week term of Saluda Count General Sessions Court cleared 47 cases
There was only one jury trial during the term.
Wendell Keith Watson was found guilty for throwing bodily fluids and was sentenced to six months, following by 24 months probation.
The following were sentenced on guilty pleas:
L.D. Anthony, domestic violence 1st degree, three years, suspended to time served, and 24 months probation. Tyrail Jaquain Barnes, burglary third degree. Youth Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed five years.
Brian Christopher Berry, unlawful use of telephone, 30 days or $100. Richard W. Bruner III, burglary 3rd degree, two years, suspended to time served, and 30 months probation.
Richard Butler, failure to stop for a blue light, 24 months, suspended to 30 days, and 30 months probation. Robert Jason Conyers, burglary (violent) 2nd degree, five years.
Jermel R. Daniels, throwing bodily fluids on corrections facility employee, five years; possession of crack 2nd, five years. Gloria Gunter Ergle, possession of cocaine 1st, time served.
Tyron Etheredge, animal torture, three years, suspended to time served, and 30 months probation. Keason Raheem Freeman, unlawful carrying of a handgun. YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to one year probation.
Angela Dockery Herrick, possession of meth, 18 months, suspended to time served, and 24 months probation. Thomas Cordarell Holloway, unlawful carrying of a pistol, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to time served and 12 months probation.
Christopher Ray Hutto, possession of meth, two years, suspended to two years probation. Benjamin Jamal Johnson, failure to stop for a blue light, six months.
Antonio Rashad Jones, assault and battery third degree, time served and $50. Marquez Maurice Leach, unlawful use of telephone, time served and $200.
Jeffrey A. Martin, assault and battery second degree, time served and $200. Dorothy Mae Mathis, assault and battery third degree, 30 days or $100.
Matthew Aaron McCormick, possession of meth 1st, 24 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation; domestic violence 2nd degree, 24 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation; financial transaction fraud, 12 months, suspended to time served, and 60 months probation.
Amber Elizabeth Meadow, possession of a controlled substance, $150. Alvin L. Morris, possession of crack 1st, six months, suspended to time served, and six months probation.
Willie James Morris, reckless driving, 30 days. Marquez Dijon Nash, domestic violence second degree, 18 months, suspended to 24 months probation.
Justin Lee Powell, possession of meth, three years concurrent; burglary 2nd (violent), two counts, five years concurrent. Carl Jeffery Pugh, domestic violence 2nd degree, 18 months.
Randy Charles Quarles, possession with intent to distribute meth, three years, suspended to three years probation. Noah Allen Ready, possession of meth, three years; burglary 2nd, three years.
James Albert Rodgers, assault and battery 3rd degree, times served and $200. Steven Luther Rodgers, forgery, less than $10,000, two years, concurrent.
Joe Dean Scoggins Jr., conspiracy, five years, suspended to 48 months probation; possession of meth, three years, suspended to 48 months probation. Rafael Hakim Sistrunk, unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year, suspended to one year probation.
Joshua Tyler Smith, habitual traffic offender, 18 months, suspended to time served, and 18 months probation. Alston Keith Stokes, simple possession of marijuana, time served; unlawful carrying of a pistol, one year or $1000.
Troy Caleb Tardiff, malicious injury to personal property, time served and $200. Anthony Lee Tolen, resisting arrest, six months.
Audreama Unique Tolen, resisting arrest, YOA not to exceed 12 months, suspended to 12 months probation. Charles Kinta Watson, malicious injury to property <$2000, $100.
Odell Whitt, ill treatment of animals, two years, suspended to 12 months probation. Willie James Morris, DUS II, 60 days.
Austin Lyle Switzer, assault and battery 2nd degree, two years, suspended to one year probation. Reginald Vaughn Wallace III, grand larceny, more than $2000, less than $10,000, YOA not to exceed five years.
David Lee Walker Jr., resisting arrest, YOA not to exceed one year, suspended to 12 months probation. Anthony Derrick Wells, forgery less than $10,000, time served (338 days).
Jerry James Williams, possession of contraband, six months; possession of crack cocaine, six months. Jamie Terrell Wooden, hit and run, attended vehicle, property damage, times served; assault and battery 3rd degree, time served.
James Willie Wright, failure to register as a sex offender, time served.
March Marked
By Cool Temps
The month of March featured uncharacteristically cool temperatures.
The month featured 14 days with highs in the 50s and 40s.
Rain fell on 11 days for a total of 3.70 inches.
So far in 2018, 10.66 inches of rain has fallen. This compares to 9.78 inches during the same time in 2017.
The highest temperature, 78, came on Mar. 29 and 30. The lowest daytime high, 48, was on Mar. 13. The lowest morning temperature, 27, was recorded on Mar. 8 and 10.
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
Coleman Recognized
102-Year-Old Billy Coleman Recognized
American Legionnaire Billy Coleman, who celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January, is covered with a freedom quilt presented to him by Quilts of Valor, a non-profit foundation whose goal is to cover all physically or psychologically wounded service members with a freedom quilt, honoring them for their sacrifices. Coleman, a Navy veteran, commanded a Higgins Landing Craft during the Normandy Invasion of World War II. In this picture, Coleman looks over his certificate of 70 years continuous membership in the American Legion. The document is presented by District 17 Commander, the Rev Ed Miller. Sharing in the observance is Post 65 Commander Al Butler, left and Post 65 Legionnaire Claude Wheeler, center. The certificate reads: The American Legion Certificate of Continuous Membership, Issued in grateful appreciation for faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of The American Legion. Be it known that Billy C. Coleman, a dedicated and longtime member of American Legion Post 65, Department of South Carolina, has been certified to have been a member in good standing continuously for 70 years. And be it further known that such record of consistent loyalty to The American Legion merits the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the programs of The American Legion. In witness thereof, this testimonial of personal gratitude is given under the hand of the National Commander, and duly attested by the National Adjutant, this 15th day of March 2018. Attest: National Commander, Denise Rohan; National Adjutant, Daniel S. Wheeler; Alvin Butler, Post Officer.
WILDER, SHS RECOGNIZED - Saluda High School’s Coach Jeanette Wilder has been named the SCAAA 2018 Region III-AA Athletic Director of the Year, and Saluda High School has received the Sportsmanship Award again this year!
Lions Club Serves
The Community
The Saluda Lions Club has been a part of our community for 81 years. The Club has raised funds through a variety of projects ranging from broom sales to the annual Saluda County Cup golf tournament.
100% of the funds raised have been used to provide glasses, hearing aids, and cataract surgery for individuals in need. We also award the R.B. Rogers Scholarship annually to a deserving college bound Saluda student. Additionally, we support Leader Dogs for the Blind, Lions Storm Eye institute, local Boy Scouts, Relay for Life, and my personal favorite, comprehensive vision screening for everyone with emphasis on ages 6 months to 17 years old.
During the past six months alone, using borrowed equipment, we have screened more than 1250 Saluda County students ranging from preschool to high school. We identified and referred almost 200 for further examination by an eye care professional.
In 2017 the Saluda Lions established the Don Hancock Memorial Fund to raise funds for our own SPOT Vision Tester and enable us to expand our free comprehensive eye screening program. Thanks to the generous support of civic minded individuals, local businesses, and other organizations our club was able to qualify for a matching grant from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), we now have our SPOT Vision Tester and will definitely expand our vision testing in Saluda and surrounding areas. Additional monetary contributions would be welcomed and appreciated and would help cover supplies, maintenance, and a printer to complete our screening setup.
Finally, please consider joining the Lions Club. As Lions our motto is, “WE SERVE”. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club; 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries around the world.
For more information, visit www.lionscIubs.org. To learn more about community eye screening for children go to www.lionsKidSight USA.org or call J. W. ”Jack” Atkinson, President, Saluda Lions Club, 864 445-0537.
Starnes Honored
Jacob Starnes, left, and County Councilman Jones Butler
Starnes, Butler and EMS staff members in attendance
Jacob Starnes Named State
EMS Director Of The Year
The 2017 South Carolina EMS Awards symposium proved to be yet another successful one for Saluda County EMS, as Director Jacob Starnes was presented with the 2017 South Carolina Director of the Year award on Saturday March 17, 2018.
Director Starnes started his public safety career in 1999 when he began to volunteer at his local fire department. In 2001 he began a career in Emergency Medical Services, climbing his way up the leadership ladder; and in 2015 he earned the role of director as the service transformed into a county entity.
Under Director Starnes’ guidance, the service has made several advancements and witnessed many accomplishments, with the addition of new equipment and ambulances, protocol updates, becoming the recipient of the 2016 South Carolina Large System of the Year award, and beginning an EMS Explorer Program for the youth of our community, just to name a few.
He also continues to keep community interaction and education, alongside patient care, a top priority all the while maintaining an efficient team at Saluda County EMS.
MEETS NATIONAL COMMANDER - Marvin Gootee, representing American Legion Post 65 Saluda, is pictured with American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan following her address to the South Carolina House of Representatives and State Senate last week. She is the first woman to be elected as National Commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization comprised of 2 million members. National Commander Rohan was escorted from the Columbia airport on a motor cycle by The American Legion Riders of Richland Post 6 to her first stop at Post 6 headquarters. National Commander Rohan made a number of stops including veterans at the E. Roy Stone Jr War Veterans Pavilion, William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital, the University of South Carolina War Memorial Building and USC President Harris Pastides, North Augusta Post 71, Shaw Air Force Base 20th Fighter Wing, US Army Central Command, American Legion Post 101 in Pelion and Lugoff-Elgin Post 195. Commander Rohan’s visit to South Carolina coincided with National Women’s History Month. The American Legion: veterans helping veterans, their families and communities for 100 years.
Relay For Life
Contest for Youth
Relay for Life of Saluda County will be hosting a fundraising contest for boys and girls. The ages are birth to 18 years of age.
The child needs to pick someone they care about who had or now has cancer to use as their platform to raise money for Relay for Life .The child who raises the most money will win the overall contest
There will also be winners in each age group if enough children sign up.
You sign up with any Relay team or you can call Paula Reese at 803-300-3992 to sign up. You need to be signed up by March 24 at 5pm and the contest will end on April 28 at 5pm.The winners will be announced on May 5th at Relay for Life.
Saturday Plant Sale
The SHS greenhouse will have ONE Saturday sale - on March 31st from 9a.m. until 1p.m. Large pots, hanging baskets, six-inch pots, four packs, and individual squares will be available. We will have assorted blooming annuals as well as several types of perennials, herbs, and vegetables. Stop by and see our selection! Please call 864-445-3011 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you need more information.
March 2018 meeting
Council Hears Litter,
Animal Control Concerns
County Council heard citizens’ concerns on litter and animal control at Monday’s meeting.
Jacqueline Rhinehart said the county had a litter problem, and needed to do something about it. Increased fines for littering, and volunteer participation in Keep America Beautiful’s Spring Cleaning, Mar.1-May 31st were among the suggestions she offered.
Jennifer Warner urged Council to start an animal control program. She said stray dogs present a safety problem to humans, pets and livestock.
She said adults and children should be educated on how to take better care of their pets. Ms. Warren said shed has taken in 42 stray dogs this year.
She has talked to neighboring counties, and said all are willing to work with Saluda County in helping to solve the problem.
Lynwood Livingston said his wife was walking their pet dogs on leashes last month, when they were attacked from behind by a neighbor’s dog that was running loose.
Their 13-year-old pet required two surgeries, and the neighbor has not shown any sign of concern or offered to help with the medical expenses.
Livingston said there are children and grandchildren in his neighborhood, and he and his wife have warned neighbors about the dogs. He urged the county to enact a leash law.
Councilwoman Gwen Shealy said as a private citizen, she agreed with all three presentations, but as a County Council member she knew these objectives could not be accomplished overnight, and all require money.
She said the county at one time had a litter control officer, and needs one now, as well as an animal control officer. She said the county had been in talks with neighboring counties about joint animal shelters.
Council ratified a lease agreement between the Hollywood Recreational District and the County, allowing the Recreation Department to use the baseball field at Hollywood for practice.
Council gave first reading to two ordinances concerning flood damage prevention. One repealed a section on the old ordinance, and the other put new wording in.
A resolution to create a commission pursuant to the Capitol Project Sales Tax Act was passed. Mrs. Shealy said more will come out on this later, and may lead to a referendum on the November ballot.
Council passed a Workman’s Compensation Resolution that will result in volunteers with rescue squads being covered under the county’s Workman’s Compensation plan when the squads are assisting the county.
A proposal to provide environmental plans for the old Roads and Bridges building was approved.
Council approved Risk Manager Hardee Horne’s recommendation to change the substance abuse policy.
Under the old plan, employees were required to take a drug test following any vehicle accident. The new plan eliminates the requirement for a drug rest when the accident involves collision with wildlife or a domestic animal if there is no evidence of driver impairment or injury. Horne said this will save the county a great deal of money.
Council approved applying for a $73,000 State Homeland Security grant that will supply communication equipment for the EMS, Sheriff’s Office and EMD.
Jane Cason was nominated to Westview Behavioral Services board by Councilman D.J. Miller. This was approved unanimously.
With nothing on the executive session agenda, the meeting adjourned.
Girl Scouts of South Carolina
Celebrate Four Local Women of Distinction
Columbia, SC – Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands honored four women at its 25nd Annual Women of Distinction Awards Dinner on March 1. Selected for their exemplary commitments to family, career and community, this year’s honorees are: Kathleen Lawson Gibson, Director of Clarendon One Community Resource Center; Melanie Huggins, Executive Director of Richland Library; Erin McCaskill, Vice President and private banker for First Citizens Wealth Management; Molly Spearman, South Carolina State Superintendent of Education from Saluda.
Nearly 200 people attended the fundraising event that was held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The media sponsor was WIS-TV.
Pictured (L to R): Girl Scout Women of Distinction honorees: Melanie Huggins, Molly Spearman, Kathleen Lawson Gibson, Erin McCaskill.
Law Enforcement Agencies Joining Forces For Safety Patrol
Law enforcement agencies are joining forces in Saluda County for an enforcement initiative Mar. 21-23.
Taking part in the event are the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
The officers will be primarily patrolling 121, 178, 378, 391, 23, and secondary roads off those main highways.
There will be several checkpoints.
The officers will be looking for DUIs, speeding and distracted driving.
Saluda County had seven highway fatalities last year, but, thankfully, has had none this year.
Through Mar 11, the state has had 145 fatalities, compared to 193 during the same period in 2017.
In Troop 2, which includes Saluda County, there have been nine fatalities so far this year, compared to 19 during the same time last year.
In 2017, there were 987 fatalities in the state, down from 1020 in 2016. Of the 987 fatalities in 2017, 317 of the victims were not wearing seatbelts.
Motorists are urged to focus 100 percent of their attention on driving, and to be good defensive drivers.