Food Lion Buys BI-LO

Food Lion Purchases Saluda BI-LO

  SALISBURY, N.C., June 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Food Lion announced lasr week it has entered into a transaction to purchase 62 BI-LO/Harveys Supermarket stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia from Southeastern Grocers.
  Included in the purchase is the Saluda BI-LO store, that, ironically, began life in Saluda as a Food Lion gthat became Reid’s, then became BI-LO.
  The addition of these  stores will deepen the com pany’s ability to serve more customers with fresh and affordable products to nourish their families.
  “We are so excited to add these new locations to our more than 630 stores across Georgia and the Carolinas,” said Food Lion President Meg Ham. “We’ve been serving customers in these larger regions for almost 60 years. We’re thrilled to add these locations and serve even more towns and cities across these three states with fresh, quality products at affordable prices every day with the caring, friendly service customers expect from their local Food Lion.”
  Food Lion expects to hire more than 4,650 associates to serve customers at the 62 new stores.
  The stores will remain open as BI-LO and Harveys Supermarket until the transaction is complete, which is expected to take place over a staggered period from January to April 2021, pending regulatory approval and customary closing requirements. Food Lion plans to operate all the stores under the Food Lion banner.
  With more stores in more neighborhoods across its footprint, Food Lion is easy to get to, easy to get in and out of, and easy to shop. In addition to its longstanding heritage of low prices, Food Lion also makes shopping easy and affordable for customers through its MVP loyalty program, its award-winning Shop & Earn personalized monthly rewards program and with weekly promotions, hot sales, and everyday low prices. Food Lion also has a convenient mobile app that provides easy access to digital coupons, mobile shopping lists and much more.
  Food Lion also has a longstanding history of caring for its neighbors in need. As the first grocery retailer in the country to establish a partnership with Feeding America to develop a retail food rescue program more than 20 years ago, all stores in the Food Lion network are paired with a local feeding agency to receive donations through Food Lion’s retail food rescue program and support through its hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds. Through its network of 30 Feeding America® food bank partners across its 10-state footprint, Food Lion ensures food that is unable to be sold in its stores but is perfectly safe to eat, is donated to serve those in need.
  “Caring for families and communities is at the heart of our brand. We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent and gas and groceries,” Ham said. “That’s why Food Lion recently announced a goal of providing 1 billion more meals through our hunger-relief platform, Food Lion Feeds, to feed our neighbors in need. As part of that commitment to the most vulnerable in our communities, these new stores will also be paired with local food bank partners. Caring is who we are and what we do at Food Lion.”  
  Food Lion will be served by ADUSA Distribution, LLC, through the Mauldin, S.C., distribution center once the transaction is complete. The distribution center will support the newly acquired 62 stores and Food Lion’s network of stores. The handover is anticipated to be complete in the first half of 2021.
  About Food Lion: Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, has more than 1,000 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs 77,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 500 million meals to individuals and families since 2014, and has committed to donate 1 billion more meals by 2025. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

THE BONHAM TROPHY

Museum Now Open

  The Saluda County Historical Society and Museum is now open again, after following the guidelines set forth by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster for the coronavirus, COVID-19.
 Hours for the museum are Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sat., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
 On display for a short time is South Carolina’s 350th celebration of the European Settlement Travelling Exhibit in the Theater and supporting exhibit in the museum.
  Also, on permanent load is a 1/3 scale replica of the Bonham Trophy, given to the museum by Richard Peterson.
THE BONHAM TROPHY Sculpted by Jeff Gottfried
  The Bonham Trophy represents the bond forged by a son of South Carolina who gave his life for Texas. The Trophy, awarded each year to the winner of the Southeastern Conference Football Game between Texas A&M and the University of South Carolina, will be an etemal reminder of this bond.
James Butler Bonham
  A University of South Carolina-educated lawyer was born F ebruaiy 20, 1807 in the Edgetield District that is now Saluda County, SC. On March 3, 1836, during the siege of the Alamo, Bonham, a childhood friend of Col. Travis, braved intense fire from enemy troops to retum to the Alamo and deliver the message that reinforcements would not make it in time. Despite urging from General Houston to remain, the Alamo fell and Bonham fell at his post along with the rest of the defenders in the name of Liberty and Freedom.
 Dedicated August 28, 2014
  This trophy was initiated in 2014 by Govrnors Rick Perry of Texas and Nikki Haley of South Carolina as a symbol of the friendly competition between the two states exemplifying both the success it brings to each state and the productivity it adds to the benefit of the entire country.

June 9 Primaries

Primaries June 9 

  South Carolina’s first primaries during the pandemic will be held Tues., June 9.
  Social distancing and sanitizing procedures will be observed at each precinct. Guidelines are published below.
  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 former 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.
  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 Bled-soe - Constitution, Jamie Harrison - Democrat, and two Libertarians who will meeting in a primary, Keenan W. Dunham and David Weikle.
  Escaping opposition are District 39 House Rep. Cal Forrest, District 82 House Rep. Bill Clyburn, 11th Circuit Solicitor Rick Hubbard, Probate Judge Brenda Griffith, Clerk Court Sheri Coleman, and Coroner Keith Turner.

County Records First COVID-19 Death

  Saluda County reported its first COVID-19 death last week.
  According to the DHEC May 29, the victim was middle aged.
  The latest report said Saluda County had 145 reported cases. The report says the county had 891 estimated cases, and 10363 possible cases. One hundred thiorty-five of the county’s cases are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 51; Aiken - 197; Greenwood - 142; Lexington - 645; Newberry - 63.
  he South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 312 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 7 additional deaths.
 This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 11,861 and those who have died to 494.
  South Carolinians Reminded to Take Actions to Limit Spread of COVID-19
As restrictions are reduced by reopenings, DHEC reminds South Carolinians of the importance of practicing proper health and safety steps to help limit the spread of COVID-19.
  We realize that what we are asking everyone to continue to do is not easy. But what we’re calling on South Carolinians to do by continuing to practice social distancing, wearing a mask while in public, and limiting their close contacts is critical to controlling the spread of this virus, and ultimately, saving lives.
  DHEC thanks all South Carolinians for their individual efforts to socially distance and take the other recommended precautions for protecting themselves and others.
  Testing in South Carolina
As of May 30, a total of 206,247 tests have been conducted in the state (by both DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory and private labs).  The Public Health Laboratory’s current timeframe for providing results to health care providers is 24-48 hours.

Saluda Town
Hall Reopens

  Saluda Town Hall reopened on Monday June 1st.
  Please remember to practice social distancing.  Only one person is allowed in the lobby at a time. We will have signs placed outside to guide you in and out of the building safely. If you don’t want to come in, please use the dropbox on the side of the building! No cash will be taken at this time, please have your check, money order, and account number in hand when you walk in to help move the line! If you have any questions please call Saluda Town Hall.

2020 Commencements

KING ACADEMY CLASS OF 2020

Commencements Begin

In the most unusual commencements in history, three local schools will hold graduation exercises on three successive Fridays.
  While graduations usually attract thousands, COVID-19 restrictions will reduce attendance to hundreds.
  King Academy got things underway on May 22, Saluda High’s ceremony will be held on May 29, and RSM’s seniors will graduate on June 5.
  King’s graduation was streamed live on Facebook. Because of COVID-19 restrictions ,the “in person” event was limited to only parents and siblings of graduates.
  On Friday, May 29th at 7:00 P.M. Saluda County Schools will host its Commencement Ceremony in Bettis Herlong Stadium at Mathews Field. Please make note that due to the Coronavirus, numerous additional rules will be implemented in an effort to keep our students, families, and staff members healthy. These guidelines will be strictly enforced.
  1. Each graduate will receive two tickets per the directive from state officials for family members and friends to attend the ceremony. Tickets will be required for admittance into Herlong Stadium.
  2. Each attendee will be required to sit in pre-marked areas that will be six feet apart. No more than one person will be allowed to sit in each area as we are required to practice social distancing per Governor Henry Mc-Master’s orders.
  3. Sanitation Stations will be set up throughout Herlong Stadium. We encourage attendees to frequently sanitize their hands and to avoid touching their faces, specifically their eyes, noses and
  Ridge Spring-Monetta High School  will graduate their seniors June 5, 10 a.m., at the football stadium.
  The ceremony will be live-streamed and recorded. Safety precautions will be implemented and strictly enforced. To ensure social distancing and meet the state’s recommended guidelines, each graduate will receive two tickets, and tickets will be required for admittance into the stadium.

Rabid Skunk
Found In County

  COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that on May 13.
  Also, DHEC confirmed  that a skunk found near High Point Road and Mount Willing Road in Saluda, SC has tested positive for rabies. There are no known human exposures reported at this time; however, a dog was exposed on May 12.
  The skunk was submitted to DHEC’s laboratory for testing on May 13 and was confirmed to have rabies on May 14.
  Please contact DHEC if you know of any possible human or animal exposure. Be sure to immediately wash any part of your body that may have come into contact with saliva or neural tissue with plenty of soap and water, and seek medical attention.
  “To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals plenty of space,” said David Vaughan, Director of DHEC’s Onsite Wastewater, Rabies Prevention, and Enforcement Division. “If you see an animal in need, avoid touching it, since the possibility of exposure to rabies can occur anywhere and anytime. Contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer or wildlife rehabilitator.”
  If you believe that you, someone you know, or pets have come into contact with this raccoon, skunk, or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DHEC’s Environmental Affairs Greenville office (for the raccoon) at (864) 372-3273, or the Affairs Aiken office (for the skunk) at (803) 642-1637 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday). To report a bite or exposure on holidays or times outside of normal business hours, please call the DHEC after-hours service number at (888) 847-0902.
  It is important to keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccination, as this is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against the disease.
  This skunk is the second animal in Saluda County to test positive for rabies in 2020. In 2019, seven of the 148 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Saluda County.
  There have been 40 cases of rabid animals statewide this year. Since 2011, South Carolina has averaged approximately 130 positive cases a year.
  Contact information for local DHEC Environ mental Affairs Offices is available at www.scdhec.gov/EAoffices. For more information on rabies visit www.scdhec.gov/rabies or www.cdc.gov/rabies.