Berry Center

DEDICATION - David Sawyer,Jr., right, and David Owner, left, of the Foresty Commission, spoke at the dedication of The C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry
Center Dedicated

  The C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill was dedicated Thurs., Oct. 13, at the Padgett Pond location in Saluda County.
  The renovated Padgett’s Pond Mill, the modern lodge and acreage were left to the S.C. Forestry Commission by the late Carl Eugene “Gene’ Berry, Jr.
  David Sawyer, Jr., personal representative and successor trustee of the Berry estate, served as master of ceremonies at the dedication event.
  After the introduction of guests, Sawyer told of being called to the hospital where
Berry was a patient, and being  asked by his longtime friend to help in carrying out his wishes of leaving his property to the Forestry Commission.
  Sawyer said he felt Berry knew the end was near, and wanted to make sure everything was in order.
  Berry who died July 21, 2020, was a longtime conservationist and philanthropist. He used the Padgett Pond and neighboring acreage to sponsor yearly duck and deer hunts, with proceeds going to the Saluda County Historical Society, of which he was a former president and board member. The lodge was used during these hunts for the Historical Society members to serve breakfast to the hunters.
  Berry was  honored posthumously by the Upper Savannah Land Trust as the 2021 Peggy Adams Conservation Award winner.  The plaque was inscribed, “Carl Eugene “Gene” Berry, Jr. 1941-2020: In Appreciation for His Outstanding Stewardship and Generosity in Protecting and Sharing the Conservation Values of the Padgett Pond Conservation Easement 567 Acres Saluda County, SC.”
  Sawyer told of other acts of Berry’s generosity, then introduced Rep. Cal Forrest.
  Forrest had Berry was a school teacher at Batesburg-Leesville High School.
  ‘Not only was he a great teacher, but he was one of the most charitable people I’ve ever known,” Forrest said.
  After remarks by Scott Phillips, S.C. State Forester, the entrance sign to the property was unveiled by the Windy Hill Rod & Gun Club members.
  David Owen, S.C. Forestry Commission Construction and Property Manager, told how the property will now be used as the office for the Saluda County branch of the Forestry Commission, and will also be open to schools, scouting organizations, etc., for teaching conservation and hunter safety.
  Owens then delivered the blessing.
  Attendees were given the opportunity to tour the museum and cabin.
  This was followed by a buffet lunch, catered by Juniper of Ridge Spring, Gene’s favorite restaurant.

115-YEAR-OLD CASH REGISTER IN 100-YEAR-OLD STORE -  Left to right, Brad and Lynette Forrest, Sandy Lovell and Caitlyn Powell pose with the National Cash Register in their store, C.B. Forrest & Son, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this month. The cash register has been in continuous operation in Saluda for 115 years. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

C.B. Forrest & Son
Celebrates Birthday 100

  Saluda’s C.B. Forrest & Son clothing store is celebrating its 100th birthday this month.
  Before he went into service in WWI, Cally B. Forrest had worked in the store of Lycurgus Forrest, and used that experience to open the new store in October of 1922.
  Cally began the business with Tally Fulmer in the building across the street from where the store is today.
  The two men stayed in the partnership for five or six years, when they came to an understanding.
  They said, “No need in both of us starving to death,” according to Cally’s grandson, Brad.
  Cally stayed in the store, and Tally went on to become Saluda County treasurer.
  Cally’s sons Harold and Earl grew up in the store. Harold died in 1962, but Earl continued  work in the store up until a few months before the passed away in 2019 at the age of 90.
  C.B. Forrest moved to its current North Main Street location in the 1930’s. In the 1970’s, the store next door, Luke’s, moved across the street where Forrest’s use to be, and the Forrests bought that store and expanded.
  Today the store continues to offer a large line for clothing for men, women and children.
  Other than the clothes and popular staff, the store’s biggest attraction is its 115 year-old cash register that is still uses.
  Brad Forrest knows the exact date of the cash register’s arrival in Saluda, because the original bill of lading is glued under the top drawer of the massive cash register.
  The National Cash Register was delivered to Smith Brother’s Store in Saluda on Oct. 11, 1907.
  When Smith Brother’s went out of business in the mid-1920’s, Cally bought it and put it to work in his clothing store.
  While the Forrests still use the same cash register, they have seen many changes to Saluda through the years.
  When the store celebrated it’s 90th birthday, Earl said, “I remember when everybody came to town on Saturday. The streets and the stores were full.”
  Things have changed. Saluda, like many small towns, is struggling in today’s economy.
  “It’s a hard place to make a living,” Brad said, “but a great place to live.”
  Despite today’s tough times, Brad and staff will continue to work to bring quality, affordable clothing to the people of  the county they love.
  It’s a family tradition!

Tractor Supply Not Coming

  Near the beginning of the Oct. 10 meeting, County Council Chairman Jim Moore announced the anticipated Tractor Supply store will no be coming to Saluda for “various reasons.”
  In the public presentation portion of the meeting, Jim Bowie expressed his concerns about conflicting information he had gotten about his Guppie Lane property development.
  Bowie said he purchased property in 2019 near Lake Murray Shores with the hope of putting Park Model homes (400 square feet or less) on the land. He called the Saluda County building codes office and was told those type buildings were not allowed.
  A few years later, he called back to be told they were now allowed. Since the project began, he has spent over $800,000 purchasing 27 lots in Saluda County, including three lakefront lots.
  The next time he called the building office, he was told the Park Models, again, were not allowed. He said the homes were attractive and he has  development of the homes in West Columbia.
  He asked Council to help solve his predicament.
  Moore said Council could not take action at the meeting, but Bowie must first appear before the Mobile Home Appeals Board.
  Miriam Atria, president/CEO of the Capitol City/Lake Murray Country recreation and tourism board., told of plans for the four county Lake Murray area (Newberry, Saluda, Lexington, Richland) to participate in the upcoming 250th American Revolutionary War nationwide observance. She said Jason Barrett has visited the Saluda County Museum to get information about the county’s participation in the war.
  She also told of an upcoming worldwide bass fishing tournament on the lake, and showed two videos, including a commercial promoting the Lake Murray area that will be broadcast nationwide.
  Council approved a resolution with the Cherokee Nation, in which the cooperation in the historic past (Saluda Old Town Treaty of 1755) was emphasized, as well as a pledge for working together in the future.
  The bid for painting the airport building was awarded to First Class Construction for $24,150, which will come fromthe building repair reserve account.
  The request for quote for fire service billing was awarded to EF Recovery, LLC.
  The request to purchase two bush trucks for the Fire Departments, using ARPA funds, was approved.
  A additional School Resource officer position was approved. This will be funded by a state grant.
  The bid for renovation of the new library building was awarded to First Class Construction, with certain conditions attached.



 
 
 

2022 Induction

Hall of Fame Inductees

  Saluda County Schools held induction ceremonies for the 2022 Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor classes at halftime of the Strom Thurmond-Saluda football game Fri., Oct. 7.
  Inducted into the Hall of Fame were Trevor Deloach, Byron Hilley, Phyllis New-man and George Padgett. Evelyn Powell was inducted into the Ring of Honor, which recognizes longtime volunteer and employment service.
  Following are the accomplishments:
  TREVOR DELOACH -  Graduated SHS in 2007; current all-time leading scorer in Boys’ Basketball at SHS with 2,182 points; 2007 SC Gatorade Player of the Year; 2007 AA Player of the Year; 2007 Carolinas Classic All-Star Game Participant; All-State 2005, 2006, 2007; All - Conference Player of the Year 2006, 2007; All - Lakelands Player of the Year 2006, 2007; lettered in football, basketball and track; received All - State, All - Conference, All - Lakelands, and High School Sports Report Honors in 2006 during his senior season of football.
  BYRON HILLEY - Lander University 1982; Northeast Louisiana University 1984; SHS Assistant Band Director 1985-1994; SHS Band Director 1994-1998; AA Upper State Marching Champions 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997; AA State Marching Champions 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994; Consistently placed students in All-Region and All-State Bands; Consistently earned superior ratings at Concert Festival, Marching Festival, Marching Competitions, Solo and Ensemble Festival and Jazz Festivals.
  “The high point of my 30 year career was working with Steve O’Kelley and my wonderful students and their parents here at Saluda High.”
  PHYLLIS MORRIS NEW-MAN - 1981 Saluda High School graduate volleyball, basketball, softball letter-man; varsity softball- favorite sport 3 year record 29-15; played shortstop; 1978-1979 record 8-5; batting average .571; all-conference; 1979-1980 record 12-0; conference champions; state playoffs; overall record 13-2; stolen base record - 8 in one game; batting average .439; all-conference; 1980-1981 record 8-8; batting average ,579; all- conference; mvp; career high school stats: Singles 40, doubles 15, triples 4, home runs 18, base on balls 30, sacrifice flies 2, strike outs 5, runs scored 74, assisted and unassisted total put outs 88, overall batting average ,57 national high school all-american athlete women’s sports foundation award.
  “I loved to hit home runs,  because every home run meant a free hamburger from ann’s dairy bar.
  Received scholarship from Francis Marion College for volleyball and softball volleyball 2 years softball 4 years career college softball; record 96-52; 1982-1985 4 year letterman award;; 1982 SCAIAW District II Runner-Ups; 1983, 1984, 1985 NAIA District Six Runner-Ups; 1984 All-District (Outfield); 1985 110% Award.
  GEORGE PADGETT  - graduated SHS in 1957; lettered in baseball and football; played defensive and offensive tackle in 1955 and 1956; named to Upper State first team as a tackle in 1956; member of a SHS defense that held opposing teams to only 20 points in the 1956 regular season; Saluda Tigers played for the state championship in 1955 and 1956; Saluda team played 14 games during each of the 1955 and 1956 seasons; played in Palmetto Shriners all-star football game in August 1957; defensive and offensive tackle at Gordon Military College 1957; recognized as outstanding football guard 1958 and 1959, as well as outstanding tackle 1960 and 1961 at Wofford College; graduated with A.B.A. from Wofford College in 1963; contacted by San Diego Chargers in 1960 to play professional football; worked for Canal Wood, LLC 1963-2005.
  “I’m grateful to have been chosen to participate in a great sport and to have formed lifelong friendships with teammates and coaches.”

  Ring of Honor inductee EVELYN POWELL was recognized for 32 years of loyal service - 1984-2016 positions and duties: Substitute teacher; special education assistant; in school suspension/ facilitator/ secretary; building manager for Saluda Middle School; building manager for Saluda High School; managed all duties for custodians; bus driver for special education students; bus driver for Saluda Athletic Department; Saluda High JV cheerleader coach; Saluda High varsity cheerleader coach; Saluda High competition cheer team coach; 1999-2000 competition cheer team went to state playoffs; 2000 Saluda School District presented certificate for outstanding achievement to coach and competition cheer team; 2002-2005 South Carolina Cheerlead-ing Coaches Association executive board member; Saluda High varsity boys’ soccer coach; longtime supporter and volunteer for Saluda High athletics; retired 2016 and currently working for Saluda District Athletic Department.

FACILITY DEDICATED -  Saluda County’s C.E. Berry Jr. Forestry Center at Windy Hill was dedicated Thurs., Oct. 13. The former Padgett’s Mill Pond and acreage was left to the Forestry Commission by the late C.E. “Gene” Berry. Details in next week’s paper. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Three Charged

SLED Charges Three
Saluda County People After
 Death Of  Vulnerable Adult

Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arrested three people on Mon., Oct. 3,  following the death of a vulnerable adult.
  Arrested were:
  • Kelle Nicole Bedenbaugh, 40 - Fraudulently Obtained Money, Goods & Services more than $1,000; Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult; Abuse or Neglect Resulting in Death
  • Brett Allen Burkett, 27 - Abuse or Neglect Resulting in Death
  • Pam Fulmer Burkett, 62 - Abuse or Neglect Resulting in Death
    According to the warrant, on July 10, the victim was reported deceased. The defendants, Kelle Nicole Bedenbaugh, Brett Allen Burkett, and Pam Fulmer Burkett, were living in the residence with the victim and they were the victim’s primary caregivers. The victim was elderly and was not physically or mentally capable of caring for herself. The pathologist ruled the victim’s cause of death as complications of chronic neglect and classified the death as homicide.
  These allegations were corroborated through interviews and information provided to SLED.
  Along with Abuse or Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, charges against Bedenbaugh include:
  Fraudulently Obtaining Money, Goods and Services more than $1000:   The warrant alleges Bedenbaugh used the bank account of the victim to personally gain moneys and convert  them for her own personal gain or use in excess of $10,000.
  Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult:  The warrant alleges between January 2022 and July 2022, Bedenbaugh knowingly and willfully financially exploited the victim by using the victims bank account for her own personal gain.
  SLED was requested to investigate by the Saluda Police Department.
  The three subjects were booked at the Saluda County Detention Center.
  The case will be prosecuted by the 11th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

Arrest Made In Ridge
Spring Shooting Case

  On Sunday, October 2nd, the Ridge Spring Police Department and the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office responded to call in reference to a shooting incident involving two individuals at The Ridge Spring Convenience Store in the Town of Ridge Spring.
  Upon law enforcement’s arrival on scene, it was determined that both shooting subjects had fled the scene. One subject was later was dropped off at EMS headquarters where he was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital and is still undergoing medical treatment as of today.
  Through the course of this investigation, its has been determined that two subjects, to include the person who suffered a gunshot wound, traded gun fire with each other following a verbal altercation outside the convenience store. Multiple shell casing were processed at the scene by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Crime Scene agents.
  At this time, Jimmie Maruice Merritt has been taken into custody and is charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime. Jimmie Merritt is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center. This investigation is still ongoing.

Rainfall Improves

  Rainfall in September was up  over an inch from the previous month.
  The September rainfall totaled 4.86 inches, bringing the year’s total to 34.26. This compares to 42.09 inches that fell during the same time last year.
  September’s temperatures were warm with most days with highs in the 80s and 90s The temperatures ranged from a high of 68 on Sept. 30 to 94 on Sept. 1. The lowest morning temperature, 47, was recorded on Sept. 24 and 25.
  This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.