2018 In Review Part 2

2018 In Review

(Continued from December 27 issue)

JULY
  •Three Saluda County 4-H’ers were prestented the organization’s top award,the Presidential Tray. Winners were LindsayScott, Sarah Shore and Carrie Trotter.
  •The Saluda County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited was recognized at the South Carolina Ducks Unlimited State Awards Gala on July 14, 2018, in Charleston, SC.
  The Saluda County Chapter was awarded the 2017 Top Chapter in South Carolina and the 2017 National Chapter of Excellence.
  •Marvin Bernstein, 103, of Saluda had a great evening Thurs., July 19.  Bob Heil, “Heil Sound,” was a speaker at the Dutch Fork- Little Mountain Amateur Radio Club. He became a Ham operater at age 15 and said his love of Ham radio, the knowledge he gained from being a Ham operator and the different people that came into his life through Ham radio led him into his career as a sound engineer. 
  He toured with The Grateful Dead, The Who, Jeff Beck & Joe Walsh to name a few. His company Heil Sound supplies sound equipment for many of today’s artists including Carrie Underwood.

AUGUST
  •Four Saluda County 4-H’ers won the Great American Seafood Cook-off 4-H division in New Orleans. They competed against teams from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia and Tennessee. Making up the team were Laken Fulmer, Allie Trotter, Lindsay Scott and Ginger Wertz. While there, they got to meet cooking legend Paula Deen.
 •Robert Goodwin, Jr., age 29, of Maryland, pleaded guilty for his role in the home invasion in Saluda County of the owners of Tidwell Jewelers, Lynda and Danny Tidwell.
  Goodwin was sentenced to forty-five (45) years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections by Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr., for Burglary First Degree, Armed Robbery, two counts of Kidnapping, and Criminal Conspiracy. Goodwin committed these crimes with his nephew, Abin Lee Lowman, and two others. Goodwin has a previous Manslaughter conviction out of Maryland. Solicitor Rick Hubbard and Assistant Solicitor Sutania Fuller handled the prosecution of this case.
  •Sheriff John C. Perry, Saluda District One and Saluda County Council, welcomed two new Resource Officers. Lucy Phillips will be located at the Saluda Primary and Elementary school and Leslie Pinckney will be located at Hollywood Elementary. Lee Morris will be at the Saluda Middle School and Chris Crouch at the Saluda High School.
  •The son of Saluda County residents has assumed command of the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland.
  Col. Erich G. Spragg is the son of  Judith L. and Gerry M. Spragg Jr. of Scooter Bridge Road, Batesburg, Saluda County.
  Col. Spragg assumed his new duty in a change of  command ceremony on Aug. 3.
•Saluda County voters will go to the polls in November to decide if the county should add a one cent sales tax for capital projects.
  County Council, Mon., Aug. 13, gave third and final reading to an ordinance that will allow citizens to vote in a referendum that will cap the maximum to be raised by the penny tax at $9,400,000.
  Council Chairman Derrick Jones said a committee has decided where the money would go should the referendum pass. The projects are as follows: Saluda County Library, $125,000; Saluda County Animal Shelter, $125,000; Ridge Spring downtown revitalization and economic development, $175,000; Brooks & Roston Park bathroom rebuild, $50,000; Saluda County Detention Center, $8,439,000.
  •Friday, August 17th was a momentous day for the Ridge Spring and Monetta communities.
  Representatives, Board of Education members and local leaders came together to turn the first shovels of dirt as the new Ridge Spring-Monetta High School begins it construction. Teachers and students applauded as they were promised a new school that would be equal to any other school in Aiken County.
  •Some Saluda County law enforcement officers combined to make the first day of school, Mon., Aug. 20, memorable to two special Saluda Primary School students, Jase, the stepson of fallen Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman, and Autumn, the daughter of fallen Johnston Policeman Eric Chapman.
  •Jim Moore announced his candidacy for re-election for Seat 4 of the Saluda School District Board of Trustees.
  •Zanna Mills, daughter of Christy and Glen Mills, won the senior talent, and Brylee and Cora Cooper, daughters of Leeny and Brittany Cooper, won the junior talent at the Saluda County Farm Bureau annual meeting Thurs., Aug. 16, at the Saluda Shrine Club.
  •Notre Dame football had Rudy. Saluda High football has Fully! Fri. night, Aug. 24.  the the Tigers’ popular, long-time waterboy, ball boy, manager turned football player Fulton Winn caught a touchdown pass in the Saluda’s 55-12 win at Ridge Spring-Monetta. His teammates got a 15-yard penalty when they all rushed to the end zone to celebrate with Fulton, who has autism He was hoisted on the shoulders of his teammates when they gathered to sing the Alma Mater after the game ended. Channel 10 and Channel 12 did excllent feature on Fulton and both features were replayes across the state and country.
  •Saluda High School and SaludaNOW remembered two fallen law enforcement officers, Eric Chapman and Dale Hallman, at the halftime of the Fri., Aug. 31,  Saluda-Mid-Carolina game.
  James Eric Chapman, 30, died on Friday, December 8, 2017, when his vehicle wrecked  while he was responding to a call with the Johnston Police Department.
  Dale Shannon Hallman, 29, passed away on Friday, April 6, 2018 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood after  being involved in a vehicle accident  responding to a call with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.

SEPTEMBER
  •Saluda native CJ Lake and her finance Jon Tamasco found out Thur., Sept. 6, they had wom a free wedding given away by the USC College of Hospitality.
  Accoridng to the press release, Lake and Tamasco were one of many couples who submitted their story to be considered for USC’s Love Story wedding.
  •Michelle Curry an-nnounced her candidacy  for Mayor of Saluda.
  •An impressive American flag dedication ceremony was held during the September meeting of the Saluda American Legion Post 65.  Sisters Ann Hancock Coker and Charlyn Hanccok Staubes presented flags.  Ann r presented a flag in memory of their father, a veteran of World War II. Mr. Charlie Ernest Hancock served as Staff Sargent in the U.S. Army in European Theater. He saw combat action in several campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Central Europe, and Germany. His personal decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was wounded in France in July 1944, and was captured by Nazi forces in December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. Her sister, Charlyn, presented a flag in memory of their brother, Marine Colonel (Retired) Don Hancock. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Colonel Hancock deployed to Iraq in January 2005, the Iraq War which was known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  •Saluda County Council approved the proposed county and School District One millage for FY 2018.
  The actual millage, which is set by the auditor and treasurer, is as follows:
  Saluda County - County Operating, 142.97 ; Piedmont Tech Bond, 2.10;  Law Enforcement, 1.00; Public Bldg. Maint., .50; Economic Development, 1.00; Piedmont Tech. College, 3.00;  Fire Board Service, 1.00. Total County Millage, 151.57.
  Saluda School District One - Operating, 145.87; GB #1,  27.30; GB #2, 5.30;  GB #3, 4.80; GB #4, 9.60. Total School District One 192.87,
‘The total county millage for FY 17-18 was 147.60, and the total Saluda School District One millage was 182.50.
  •Amelia Herlong announced that she will seek re-election for the office of Mayor of Saluda in the November 5, 2018, election.
  •The daughter of a former Saludan became Hurricane Florence’s sixth victim in S.C. when she died in a weather related vehicle accident.
  The Lexington County Coroner identified the victim as 30-year-old Rhonda Rebecca Hartley of Leesville, a daughter of Saluda High School graduate Joan Gaylord Singleton. Hartley was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries she received in a collision. 
  Officials say at 6 a.m. Sunday morning, a pickup truck was traveling east on Pond Brand Road when it drove into standing water on the roadway. The vehicle lost control, went off the side of the road, and struck a tree.
  •Former Saluda County Sheriff Dudley Rushton has been named Saluda County’s Chief Deputy Coroner.
  County Council approved Coroner Keith Turner’s request for the position at the Sept. 10 meeting.
  •The two week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court that concluded last week cleared 52 cases.

2018 in Reivew, Part1

2018 In Review

  The biggest 2018 story in Saluda County was a sad one, the death of Deputy Sheriff Dale Hallman, who died in a vehicle accident while responding the call.
  This happened a few months after Saluda resident and Johnston policeman Eric Chapman died in a similar accident while responding to a call in Edgefield County.
  Both officers were remembered on numerous occasions throughout the year.
  Following is the year in review:
JANUARY
  •Saluda County Treasurer Tina Shealy announceed here retirement, effectivc June 30, 2019.
  •Saluda County Council began the new year Monday, under the leadership of new chairman, Derrick Jones.
  •Chad Satcher was named the 2017 Saluda County Firefighter of the Year sponsored by Kelly White Agency – State Farm at the annual dinner hosted by the Saluda Fire Department on January 8, 2018.   Chad has served the Circle Fire Department for 28 years.
  •Tiffany Rodgers Shaw announced her candidacy for Saluda County treasurer.
  •The School Improvement Councils (SICs) of 19 South Carolina public schools have been named to the SC School Improvement Council’s (SC-SIC) 2018 Honor Roll for their significant efforts to foster civic engagement in public education.  Saluda High School SIC (Saluda County Schools) is among the 19.
  •The granddaughters of a retired United Methodist minister have now been charged in connection with his death, after their father and stepmother were charged with the same offense in November 2017.  Amber Nicole Trent, 26, was arrested Jan. 13, and her sister Nicole Krystn Chewning, 23, was arrested on Jan. 19. Both have been charged with abuse and neglect of an adult resulting in death.
  On Thurs., Nov. 2,  2017, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office responded to a call on 320 S. Calhoun Street in Saluda. Upon arrival, they  found 79-year-old James Boyd Chewning dead in a hospital bed where he had been tie wrapped the bed and obviously neglected and abused.
    •The Saluda County Young Farmer and Agribusiness Chapter was well represented at the 70th annual convention held January 19-21 at the Wild Dunes Resort.
  During this event, Gerald Cromer was presented the Young Farmer & Agribusiness Award for the Mid-State Region and the State.  This is one of the highest awards available to a state member, and the first time since 2000 that a Saluda member has received the award.  Gerald has successfully owned and managed Cromer Trucking for 25 years.  He recently turned the operation over to his son, Joey.
  Reggie Padgett was the State winner for the categories of Swine Production and Energy Efficiency.

FEBRUARY
  •The Saluda Lion’s club was informed that their grant for help in the purchase of the Spot camera has been approved.  The ultimate purchase of this camera will insure that we will be able to identify eye problems not only with school children but to be utilized in churches and senior citizen’s venues.
  •Saluda County Cattle-mens Association  2017 Cattlemen of the Year recipients were Kevin and Lydia Yon of Yon Family Farm, Ridge Spring.
  •Saluda County Cattle-mens Association  2017 Philip R Perry Educator and Industry Award was presented to  Watson Dorn of Hickory Hill Farm.
  •Saluda County Cattle-mens Association  2017 Schol-arships were awarded to Megan Corley and Mathew Nicholson.
  •Saluda County Council awarded Accommodations Tax Funds at the Mon. Feb. 12, meeting.
  The funds were awarded as follows:
  Capital City Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board, $1,000.00;    Friends of Ridge Spring , $2,000.00;    Palmetto Tractor Club    , $2,000.00;    Richland Creek Antique Power Assoc., $2,000.00;    Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, $2,000.00;    Saluda County Historical Society, $2,000.00;    Saluda County Chamber of Commerce, $1,000.00;        Saluda Young Farmer    & Agribus-iness Assoc., $1,000.00;       Town of Ridge Spring/Art Center, $2,000.00.
  •On Tuesday, February 20, at approximately 9:52 a.m. the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office received a report from family members of a missing 16-year-old Hispanic teen from Kentucky being in Saluda County.
  Deputies responded to a residence in Saluda County where the victim was reported to be.  Florencio Gomez Saiche, 24 year old Hispanic male, was encountered and stated no one else was at the residence.  During the conversation with Saiche deputies heard movement in the residence and immediately conducted a security swipe.  At this time the victim was located and taken to safety and Saiche was arrested.
  •Five South Carolina School Improvement Councils (SICs), including Saluda High School,  have been named statewide 2018 award finalists for their accomplishments in parent and civic engagement within their school communities.
  •On Thursday evening, February 22nd at approximately 7:00pm the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office received a report from concerned citizens about a social media post. 
  The Sheriff’s Office quickly responded and the suspect, an 8th grade male Saluda Middle School student, was taken into custody and transported to DJJ in Columbia. 
  “We feel that this situation has been resolved and have no further evidence to suggest anyone else to be involved in this matter,” Sheriff John Perry said.

MARCH
  •The Ridge Spring-Monetta High boys basketball team played for the Class A state championship.
  Saluda’s Star Ergle has been named 2-A’s girls Co-Player of the Year, sharing the honor with Malaysia Gates of Batesburg-Leesville.
  •County Council heard citizens’ concerns on litter and animal control at Monday’s meeting.
  •Melinda Kneece announced her candidacy for Saluda County treasurer.
  •TheWoman’s Study Club of Ridge Spring donated $2000.00 to the Ridge Spring Library.
  •Saluda County Councilwoman Gwen C. Shealy has announced she would not seek re-election.
  •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.
  •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.
  • Frank Daniel announced his  my candidacy for re-election to County Council District One.  Justin Anderson announced his candidacy for Saluda County Council District 3.
  •American Legionnaire Billy Coleman, who celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January, was presented a freedom quilt  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 Norm-andy Invasion of World War II.
  •Saluda High School’s Coach Jeanette Wilder was named the SCAAA 2018 Region III-AA Athletic Director of the Year, and Saluda High School received the Sportsmanship Award again this year!
  •The recently concluded two week term of Saluda County General Sessions Court cleared 47 cases.

Joint Project

RIBBON CUTTING FOR JOINT PROJECT

L to R, Saluda County Schools Supt. Dr. Harvey Livingston, State Superintendent of Education Molly M. Spearman, and Lexington District Three Supt. D. Randall Gary.

Lexington Three, Saluda
Schools Join In Pilot Project

  On Thursday, December 13th, State Superinten-dent of Education Molly Spearman, along with administrators from Lexington County School District Three and Saluda County Schools, gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Innovation Collaboration Pilot Project that began between the school districts this year.
  “We can no longer allow attendance lines to prevent students from having the opportunities they deserve. Proud of the leadership in these two districts coming together to support students,” Spearman said.
  The Innovation Collaboration Pilot Project is a partnership that enables Lexington Three and Saluda County school districts to collaborate to provide courses to students in both districts that may not be available otherwise. This school year, the project focused on adding welding and firefighting classes.
 The programs, 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 High School attend the classes with their B-L counterparts. As part of the collaboration, transportation is provided for students to be able to participate. Expansion of the collaboration will eventually include courses being offered at both campuses for students to have greater access to a variety of Career and Technology Education courses.
  (Photos: Mackenzie Taylor)