Deputy Hallman Remembered
BRIDGE NAMED FOR HALLMAN - The bridge over the Little Saluda River at Big Man’s Marina was named in memory of Corporal Dale Hallman Sat., Jan. 22. County Counci Chairman Derrick Jones, Sheriff John Perry, Sen. Shane Massey, Dale’s widow, Brandi, and parents, Winfred and Naomi, joined other family members in posing for this photo in front of the sign. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Bridge Named In Memory
Of Corporal Dale Hallman
The bridge over the Little Saluda River at Big Man’s Marina was named in memory of Corporal Dale Hallman Sat., Jan. 22.
Hallman died April 6, 2018, in a line of duty vehicle accident.
County Council Chairman Derrick Jones presided over the unveiling of the sign at the bridge.
He praised Sen. Shane Massey for getting legislation passed to have the bridge named in Hallman’s memory.
Massey said it was his pleasure to do something to remember Hallman, and praised the Department of Transportation for creating and erecting the signs.
Sheriff John Perry said Cpl. Hallman was like a member of his personal and work families, and was proud that he will be remembered.
Jones called Hallman his best friend.
A pastor, he quoted Joshua 4, when God instructed Joshua to have representatives from the 12 Tribes to take stones an erect a monument, “So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”
Jones said the bridge will be a memorial to Cpl. Hallman forever.
Hallman’s widow, Brandi, holding their child that was born after Dale’s death, thanked the citizens of Saluda County for their continued prayers and support.
She said when she was given the opportunity to pick a place for the memorial naming, it only took her a few minutes, because the bridge at Big Man’s was one of their favorite places in the county.
After she spoke, the Sheriff’s Office’s tallest member, Austen Harding, unveiled the sign.
District Three Champions
The Saluda All-Stars won the Machine Pitch tournament championship, played June 14-18, at the Saluda County Recreation Complex.
Saluda’s All-Stars won all five games they played. Other teams participating were Abbeville, Batesurg-Leesville, Clinton, Edgefield and Star-Iva.
The win qualified the team to play in the state tournament which will be held at the Savannah Grove Baseball Complex near Florence July 5-9. The address is 2614 Alligator Rd., Effingham, SC 29505.
The team expresses apprecation to Recreation Director Paul Erfl;e and his staff for a great tournament.
Pictured, L to R, are: front row - Maverick Quattlebaum, Easton Cochran, Hayes Shealy, Jace Knight. Middle row - Weston Rowe, Abraham Delvalle, Bentley Storey, Bryon Burnett, Cayden Rogers, Eduardo Dominquez, Javier Sorcia, Will Wideman. Back row - Coaches Bubba Shealy, William (Speedy) Wideman, Wesley Boland and Jarrett Cochran.
Storms Do Damage
Back to back evening and early morning storms last week did significant damage to trees, and some damage to property in Saluda County.
Assistant Emergency Management Directior Jill Warren said most of the damage was not reoprted to law enforcement. What was reported was trees across highways, and damage to a garage by a fallen tree in the lake area.
The county fire departments and road and bridge department responded to the trees in the roadways. Law enforcement was on the scene as well.
Much damage was reported on social media. One family in Saluda reported four trees fell in their yard the first storm, and three fell the next night.
2019 Legion Officers
LEGION MEETING - The June American Legion Post 65 meeting was held on Thursday, June 6, the 75th anniversary of the largest combined land, air and naval operation in history. A date to commemorate the start of the liberation of Nazi-occupied western Europe, known as D-Day. Installation of new officers for 2019-2020 was carried out by District Commander Jim Thrailkill. Pictured left to right, front row: John Hood, Commander, District Commander Jim Thrailkill, WW II era Veteran’s Bill Begemann, Infantry, Company G, 16th Infantry, 1st Division US Army and Wilbur Humpries, Sailor, Air Craft Carrier CV-15, USS Randolph, US Navy; Past Commander Al Butler. Second row: Bob Horne, Ben Ward, Keith Lester and Tena Buffington. Back Row: William Holecek, Bob Albert.
DAR AWARDS - L to R: Sara Potts Sears, Kaleb Simp-kins, Kenzie Morse & Jon Donwen
Old 96 District Chapter, DAR 2018
American History Essay Awards
By Judith Dancy Duncan, Past Regent
The Old 96 District Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution met at the Saluda County Historical Society Museum to recognize the 2018 American History Essay winners.
Sara Potts Sears, Past American History Chair, introduced the students who read their essays. The topics for this year’s essay contests were “The Women’s Suffrage Campaign” & “Comparing Technology: The Ships Columbus used Versus Ships of Today”.
“The Women’s Suffrage Campaign” was the topic for Grades 5 – 8. The following students were American History Essay Winners: Kaleb Simpkins, 5th grade, Merriwether Elementary; Aiden Dale Reynolds Rogers, 6th grade, Francis Hugh Wardlaw Academy; Addison Faust, 7th grade, Francis Hugh Wardlaw Academy and Kahlen Paige Goldman, 8th grade, Francis Hugh Wardlaw Academy.
Kenzie Morse, 5th grade, Hollywood Elementary School received the South Carolina DAR State Award at the SC DAR State Conference in Greenville this past March. Kenzie’s essay was entered in the DAR National Essay contest.
The Christopher Columbus Essay contest is open to High School students in the 9th through 12th grades. “Comparing Technology: The Ships Columbus used Versus Ships of Today” was the title of the essay. Jon Donwen, 9th grade, Francis Hugh Wardlaw Academy was the winner.
The Old 96 District Chapter DAR commends all the students for their efforts.
Summer Classes At The
Art Center Of Ridge Spring
July 15-6:30-8:30—Wacky Teapot class-Kim Ruff, instructor $35 includes all supplies and firing. Ages 13 & up. To register, contact Joanne at Joanne.crouch26@ gmail.com at the Art Center of Ridge Spring on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2.
August 3-12-3 pm—Basic Quilting with Mackenzie Barfield, instructor $35 includes most supplies including cloth and batting. Students will learn techniques inc. but not limited to knot blurring, hiding loose ends, shisinko, boro and trapunto. Pre-register is a MUST. To register, contact Joanne at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the Art Center of Ridge Spring on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2.
KID’S CLASS (6-12 yrs old) Saturday, June 29 from 1:30-3:30–Seashell make & take for kids 6-12. Joanne Crouch, instructor. Each student will make a wooden plaque with a one-of-a-kind design made from seashells. To register, contact Joanne at Joanne.crouch26@ gmail.com at the Art Center of Ridge Spring on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2. Class limit: 12
KID’S CLASS(6-12 yrs old) Saturday, July 20 from 2-4-Gourd Birdhouse, Joanne Crouch, Instructor. Students will create a gourd birdhouse using acrylic paint to create an original piece of art. Cost $25. To register, contact Joanne at Joanne.crouch26@ gmail.com at the Art Center of Ridge Spring on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2. Class limit: 12
King Names New Official
Zach Matthews Named New
Head Of School at King Academy
The W. W. King Academy Board of Directors is pleased to announce Zach Matthews as the new Head of School.
Coach Matthews is a graduate of WKA and has been a teacher and coach for the past 12 years. He will manage the students and faculty and oversee academic planning, while continuing to be the head coach of varsity football and baseball.
He is married to Bonnie Sawyer Matthews and has two children Lillian Claire (7) and Cabaniss (4), and is the son of Jody and Sharon Matthews.
Coach Matthews states, “King Academy has been my home for the last 20 years, and I look forward to continuing to see it grow and prosper. The King family is a close group to be a part of, and I’m thankful and humble for the opportunity of this role.”
Mr. Dennis Gibson will remain at King Academy as Assistant Head of School and Chief Business Officer. Mr. Gibson will continue to oversee budgeting and financial management, accreditation, buildings and grounds, and risk management. He will also help teach, coach, and work alongside Coach Matthews in an advisory role to help facilitate the transition.
Mrs. Bobbye Buzhardt will also continue in her role as Assistant Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Her role will remain the same as it has in previous years as she continues to work closely with Mr. Gibson and Coach Matthews.
Outstanding Members - Left to right, Cody Clary, Alexis Gunter, Kelly Wertz, Quinten Miller
Honorary Degree Recipients - Left to right, Kim Porter, Dr Joel Riley, Tammie Shore
Saluda FFA Celebrates Successful Year
The Saluda High School FFA Chapter held its annual Awards and Recognition Banquet on May 23rd to celebrate a successful year in Agricultural Education.
Chapter President Cody Clary presided at the event which was highlighted by dinner catered by Riley’s on Main/Asbills Catering.
State FFA Vice President Jessie Comer from York was the keynote speaker for the occasion.
Other special guests in attendance included State Superintendent of Education Mrs. Molly M. Spearman, Senator Shane Massey, Representative Cal Forest, Saluda District School Board members Dr Kathy Coleman and Sharon Holloway and Mrs. Sarah Longshore, principal at Saluda High School.
Honorary FFA Chapter Degrees were awarded to Dr. Joel Riley, HES Principal Mrs. Tammie Shore, and FFA parent Mrs. Kim Porter. This is the highest honor a local chapter can bestow upon a friend or supporter of the FFA.
First Year Agricultural Education student Quinten Miller was recipient of the Star Greenhand Award. Kelly Wertz was recognized as the Outstanding Sophomore member. Alexis Gunter was named the Outstanding Junior member and Cody Clary received the Outstanding Senior Award.
New officers elected for the 2019-20 school year include: Alexis Gunter, president; Ximena Sorcia, vice president; Kelly Wertz, secretary; Quinten Miller, treasurer; Harley Cochran, reporter; and Mason Haynie, sentinel.
Amanda N. Crouch, Agricultural Education instructor at Saluda High School, serves as the FFA advisor.
The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through Agricultural Education.
Saluda Included
In RIA Grants
COLUMBIA, S.C.- The S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved grant assistance for 26 communities, totaling more than $12 million, to strengthen water, sewer and storm water infrastructure.
This brings the number of projects awarded to 54 in Fiscal Year 2019, totaling $25.7 million.
Included in the grant is $500,000 for the Saluda Commission of Public Works for sewer improvement.
Access to adequate water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure is critical to supporting South Carolina’s quality of life, as well as opening doors for economic development. Our state is growing in population, business investment and jobs.
RIA grants are awarded twice a year through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, and economic development.
2019 Graduates
Saluda High School Class of 2019
Richard Garnett Abney; Alondra Acevedo-Castillo; Alexandria Nicole Addy; Octavio Alcudia-Lara; Beatriz Alfaro; Lucas Young Allen; Jahdiel Anzaldo; Shakedra Carrianna Atchison; Matthew Theron Bailey; Braxtyn Leanne Bedenbaugh; Yissel Bello-Bravo; Samantha Benitez; Adam Michael Black; Maggie Lee Black; Charles Tyrese Bosket; Kaniya Aiyonna Bosket; Deondre Juian Breeden; Sean Blaize Bryan; Kentavious Deandre Burton; Austin William Byars; Cameron Scott Campbell; Alejandro Cardenas Perez; Mardajah Danijaih Carroll; Carlos Eduardo Castro-Gomez; Bailey Ann Chariker; Melissa Marie Charlton; Tyreke Jaquan Chinn; Cody Alex Clary; Danaria Isiahana Cleveland; Andrea Samantha Coates; Alexa Brielle Coleman; Jylir Naheim Coleman; Grace Delaney Collins; Laquanda Monique Cooper; Justin Warren Corley; Macy Rebecca Crawford; Ryan Cruz-Hernandez; Nyasia Keirra Culbreath; Tridarrious Dayquion Davis; Elizabeth Nicole Dickenson; Victoria Condra Dorsey; Elizabeth Sara Easler; Richard Cale Enlow; Tifany Montserrat Ensaldo-Martinez; Willisha Nechelle Etheredge; Reagan Nicole Fingerlin; Moises Joban Flores; Johnson David Forrest; Henri Garcia-Gonzalez; Davontai Kordell Geiger; David Coleman Gentry Jr.; Laura Lilia Gonzalez; Kendaisha Ja’shae Graham; Kendarius Wycoby Graham; Marasia Daunia Graham; Tamia Brentisah Graham; Kristine Elizabeth Griffith; Savanna Bentleigh Grooms; Noah James Hallman; Simon Lavor Alexander Hammond Jr.; Raquon Denasja Hartley; Kaylyn Aliene Herlong; Machelle Herrera; Terriauna Sha’nia Hill; Corby Ted Hite; Kylee Breanna Howard; Cody Dalton Hyler; Miriam Shealy Joaquin; Ziah Nasia Johnson; Mark Jones Jr.; Rakeem Damarcus Jones; Jennifer Gisselle Jurado; Araceli; Lezama de Jesus; Arelly Licea; Shaquayla Kentaria Long; Tayuna Sharla Long; Clara Lopez; Francisco Lopez; Charissma Quen’taja Lott; Tyasia Cotia Deniquewa Lott; Anthony Tanner Maroney; Courtney-Anne Skye Martin; Joseph Isaiah McGrath; Trey Daniel McGraw; Luis Fernando Meza; Jalen Antwan Minick; Kinkayla Gloria Celic Mitchell; Izzabella Snow Molina; Tanner Wade Norris; Mario Alberto Ortiz; Charity JoNessa Ouzts; Uriel Pacheco-Contreras; Chandler Rylee Palmer; Austin Pegueros-Rosas; Kelvin Perez-Vasquez; Matthew David Perry; Edwin Porras-Zamorano; Makayla Paige Porter; Rachel Alice Porter; Alexandra Jasmin Portes; India Savannah Posey; Ethan Matthew Powell; Kiara Brooklyn Christella Pratt; Shawn Kahlil Pridgen; Mary Claire Pugh; Jose Ramos-Garcia; Cody Thomas Reames; Mardy Edward Reed Jr.; Johnathan Ernesto Riggs; Drake Davis Riley; Grey Duffie Riley; Ce’quorious Isharrd J Robinson; Curdarios Tiqun Robinson; Erin McKenzie Rodgers; Kelby Lane Rodgers; Johnathan Rodriguez; Andrea Rodriguez-Alonso; Ansley Michele Rollins; Brianna Lynn Rowe; Carlos Salazar-Juan; Jackson Frederick Sample; Natalie Alexis Sawyer; Tribaiouz Rentrell Scruggs; Jazus Tashea Shepherd; Jacob Lee Shore; Aniyah Deiondra Smith; James Coy Smith; Malik DeAndre Smith; O’Syruis Ra’kim Springs; Jeremiah Jarell Stevens; Ashley Faye Storey; Jorge Luis Tapia; James Forest Therrell; Elijah Solomon Turner; William Edward Turner; Martha Susanna Vasquez-Molina; Latavia Renay Watson; Kerry Amelia Way; Jessica Sierra Whitfield; Altrivis Taeshown Williams; Cordillia; Donesha Taylor Williams; Makayla Alivia Williams; Francisco Yepez.
W. Wyman King Academy Class of 2019
King Academy graduation was held May 24, 2019. Coach David Mote delivered the commencement address. The Baccalaureate Service was held May 19, 2019. Pastor Dow Welsh delivered the message. Pictured top to bottom are *River Guy (Class Speaker), *Wilson Parrish (Salutatorian), Bryan Doolittle, *Reagan Pugh, Isaiah Brock, Grady Williamson, *Sydney Sanders, *Alex Mitchell, *Gracelyn Metts (Valedictorian), *Jodie Holsonback, and *Meredith Welsh. (*Indicates Honor Graduates)
American Land Holdings Announces New Lake
Murray Waterfront Community in Saluda County
American Land Holdings (ALH), a leading wholesale recreational waterfront development company based out of Charlottesville, VA, is pleased to announce the acquisition and development of 125 acres of Lake Murray waterfront property in Saluda County, SC.
Palmetto Pointe, the approved 120 lake lot community, provides approximately 2 miles of pristine waterfront shoreline and 70 approved docks, permitted by Dominion Energy (formerly SCE&G).
The Palmetto Pointe real estate development plan as presented to Saluda County is a private amenities-based waterfront community. “Palmetto Pointe will be the first new substantial recreational waterfront development on Lake Murray in over a decade. ALH will supply new home inventory on Lake Murray with a full-service waterfront development for both primary residential customers, as well as second home recreational customers. We look forward to offering this new community to the public this fall of 2019,” said Dean Sinatra, Principal at American Land Holdings.
Encompassing 50,000 acres across four counties in central South Carolina, Lake Murray is a very popular, recreational destination. Sinatra anticipates a quick sell out based on high demand for Lake Murray property. Sinatra further commented, “Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality waterfront communities that are highly unique, situated in a great location, and provide great value for our customers. The Palmetto Pointe property on Lake Murray exceeds all of our expectations. We’re very appreciative of Saluda County’s support and excited to work alongside Saluda County in our continued investment in its economic growth plan going forward.”
“We’re definitely excited about it,” said Derrick Jones, council chairman for Saluda County. “Lake Murray is the jewel of Saluda County. It’s a great recreational lake, and the property along it is a quiet, relaxing place to live. We look forward to welcoming our new neighbors in the county.”
Given the high demand, American Land Holdings will offer pre-sale reservations for this special property prior to the fall 2019 pre-construction grand opening. Those interested are encouraged to visit www.thepalmettopointe.com/pr for details as the project progresses.