Traffic Stop Arrest

Traffic Stop leads to Drug Arrests

  Bradford Adam Long and Natasha Renee Smith have been arrested for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.
  These arrests occurred after a traffic stop.
  The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office is committed to rid our community from dangerous drugs and those who distribute these drugs on our streets.

School Board Summary

The Saluda County School District Board of Trustees met at Saluda Elementary School Media Center on Sept. 19. The Board had a 6:00 p.m. work session to discuss building projects, transportation update, School Nutrition Update, and the Foundation.
  The Board then went into Executive Session to discuss legal matters, a Contractual matter, and the Super-intendent’s evaluation. The regular Board meeting started at 7:00 p.m.
  Dr. Kathy Coleman called the meeting to order. Mr. James Holloway gave the invocation. The agenda was approved. The minutes from August 15, 2022 were approved. Dr. Kathy Coleman, Chairperson; Dr. Arlene S. Puryear, Vice Chairperson; Ms. Christy Corley Nichols, Secretary; Ms. Sharon Williams Holloway, Mr. Jeffery Jordan, Mr. James Holloway and Dr. Harvey H. Livingston III, Superintendent were all in attendance.
   Student Recognition
  The School Board, along with Mr. Seay, SMS Principal and Ms. Meeler, SMS Beta Club Coordinator, recognized Pablo Gomez for receiving 6th Place in the nation for 8th Grade Science at the 2022 National Beta Club Convention.
   The School Board also recognized the Saluda All-Stars Softball World Series Champions: Ensley Patterson, Ava Forrest, Kamryn Campbell, Blyth Buzhardt, Kylee McGlohorn, Emma Enlow, Ava Frye, Nyla Jordan, Reese Shaw, Karen Almaraz, Aubrey Marnati, Adalynn Holsomback, Ashlynn Vereen, Miller Martin. Coaches: Jeffery Jordan, Daniel Patterson, Lee Wertz for the outstanding job they have done representing Saluda County.
   SCSBA – Certification of Delegates
  Sharon Holloway was elected as the Delegate and Christy Nichols as the Alternate for the SCSBA Delegate Assembly.
  SCSBA Policies – 1st Reading. The Board approved the 1st Reading of the following policies:
  New SCSBA Policy: IMDA Patriotic Exercises
  Revision to SCSBA policy IMDB Flag Displays
  Revision to SCSBA policy IHAC Social Studies Education
  Revision to SCSBA policy JLCE First Aid and Emergency Care
  Budget Update
  Ms. Sharon Setzer informed the Board the three investment accounts through the State Treasurer’s Office are performing well based on the interest we received last year. For our budget, we have received around 9% of our state, federal, and local revenue as of the end of August. This is normal for this time of year. Currently, we are seeing a shortfall in EIA Funding, and health care costs went up 1.5% more than what we expected.
  District Update
  Dr. Livingston thanked our students and staff for a great first 5 weeks of school. We have hit the ground running.
  The auditors completed their 2 weeks of in-house review and they will present their findings at our January meeting.
  We will have 4 members of our local delegation at our October board meeting. Senators Shane Massey and Billy Garrett and Representatives Bill Clyburn and Cal Forrest have all accepted our invitation to share their thoughts on the upcoming legislative session.
  We will also recognize several students during our October board meeting for a perfect score on SC READY or SC PASS.
  Please remember to come out this Friday night as we are expecting a great crowd at the home game against Gilbert.
  Approval of any item(s) from Executive Session
  Based on Dr. Livingston’s exemplary evaluation for the 2021-22 school year, as well as his demonstrated efforts that went above and beyond expectations, the Board voted to provide him the $4,000 increase given all other certified district employees by the state, as well as a 3% increase similar to a STEP increase given to all certified employees. The Board increased his in-district car allowance by $2,000 and extended his contract through June 2025.
  The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:05 p.m.

September 2022 Meeting

Council Take Steps
Toward Animal Shelter

Saluda County moved closer to getting an animal shelter by action taken at the Sept. 12 County Council meeting.
  Council voted to issue a request for proposal for construction of an animal shelter.
  Sheriff Josh Price presented a building plan, using Aiken County’s shelter as an example. The building would be built on a concrete slab, and have spaces for an office, medical area and cages.
  In another building related issue, Council awarded the $195,650 bid for construction of the Old Town fire station to Price Enterprises. Of the total, $75,000 will come from ARPA funds, and the rest, including site preparation, will come from the Fire Department Building Fund.
  In the public presentations, Sharon Metts expressed concern about the name change for Old Charleston Road.
  Mrs. Metts said when she received word about the name change for sections of Old Charleston Road, because portions of the road don’t connect, she suggest Plum Branch Road, because the old Plum Branch School was on her family property. When she went around to neighbors with the name suggestion, she found none of them wanted to change.
  She said Old Charleston Road is a historical site and it shouldn’t be changed. She said the reason given for the name change for three sections of the road is it will make things easier for emergency workers to find locations.
  She said she has talked to EMS workers and law enforcement officers and none of them have said they have problems finding homes on Old Charleston Road.
  Mrs. Metts suggest Council hold a meeting with all residents of Old Charleston Road and explain to them why a name change is necessary.
  Old Charleston Road has been around since before the Revolutionary War, which was a good lead in to the first item on the new business, a resolution in support of the 250th anniversary observance of the War for Independence. In passing the resolution, the county promises to promote tourism and historical activities during the observance in 2026.
  Council approved the tax millage for the County and School District One.
  The county’s millage totals 160.4 which includes the 146 mills for the budget, plus millage for bonds, and millage for law enforcement, Piedmont Tech, economic development, etc.
  The school total millage includes 188.4, which includes 154.9 for budget and 33.5 for bonds.
  Council approved applying for a $5000 equipment grant from the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association. The grant requires no match.
  Chairman Jim Moore’s appointment of Robert N. Coleman to the Building and Mobile Home Appeals Board was approved.

Southeast Gravel
Schedules Saluda Race

  Southeast Gravel, an organization that sponsors  bicycle races on gravel roads, has scheduled an event in Saluda on Sat., Sept. 24.
  There will be three race distances, 20, 50 and 100 miles. The long course will start at 9 a.m, the short course at 9:10, and the 20-mile fun course at 9:15.
  According to the Southeast Gravel webpage:
  “We scoped out some of the amazing roads in the Saluda, SC area and they were too awesome not to have an event here. Featuring a downtown Saluda start and finish, you will ride on some of the most fun gravel roads we have found.
  You’ve been training all year and it’s time to push yourself. We have a 100 and 50 mile option on tap. Don’t let the lack of elevation fool you, there are some very difficult stretches of gravel mixed in here.
  Saluda is a small town in South Carolina, and it’s very easy to get from the middle of town to some great low traffic gravel roads. Finish your long gravel ride in town and bring spectators with you to celebrate your finish in a party atmosphere.”
  The race will begin and end at Saluda Elementary School.

Edgefield County African
American Heritage Commission

  In June, Dean Campbell, Chairman of the Edgefield County Council, expressed interest in forming an African American Heritage Commission in Edgefield. There have been three meetings of this group with good participation.
  On Tuesday, August 30th, the group voted unanimously to adopt the name Edgefield County African American Heritage Commission. Edgefield will be the first county in South Carolina to have such a commission. However, there is a state African American Heritage Commission in Columbia.
  Anyone interested in joining this group is welcomed. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 5:30 p. m. in the Edgefield County Council Chambers. All are welcomed!!
 

Billie Corley Dies

BILLIE CORLEY

Former County Official Dies

  Former Saluda County Road and  Bridge Superintendent Billie Corley died Mon., Sept. 5.
  He was 72.
  Saluda County government issued the following  statement:
  “Saluda County Government is deeply saddened by the loss of former Saluda County Roads and Bridges Superintendent Billie Corley, who passed away Monday afternoon. Billie was a dedicated public servant in Saluda County, serving as Superintendent of the Roads and Bridges Department for more than two decades before retir-ing in 2020.
  Our thoughts and prayers go out Billie’s family and friends. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.”

Recent Arrest Made

German Cruz Alor has been arrested for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a minor in the 3rd Degree. Deputies took Alor into custody after an investigation into allegations of a sexual assault on a minor. He is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center and has an immigration hold.

Margot Brooks At The South
Carolina State House -
Park Service Profiles

  Meet Margot Brooks,   the South Carolina State House Tour Office Manager! Margot grew up in Saluda, South Carolina, where she lives today with her husband Thomas, her children Reid, Boone,Anna and Witt, and lots of pets.
  Many school children in South Carolina visit the S.C. State House during their third-grade year. This is where Margot’s love for history and the S.C. State House first began.
  Margot graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in History and even wrote her final paper on the burning of Columbia during the Civil War. She started her career in education as a middle school South Carolina History Teacher but has also worked in parks, including the National Park Service, S.C. State Park Service and locally at Saluda Shoals Park.
  Margot says she would often come with her children to tour the State House. When the position became available, she knew it was for her because it combined her love of the S.C. State House and S.C. State Parks. “My experience in education has made me comfortable with public speaking and teaching visitors about the history of our state capitol,” she says.
  Like our state parks, each day in the State House is different. In a typical day, the State House tour office gives between six and 12 tours. They greet people from across the state, nation and the world. Inside the State House, school groups, tourists and, of course, legislators can be seen. Margot says, “as a manager, I get to train new employees, prepare schedules and make sure our visitors have a great experience. One thing I really love is when I get to spend some time researching a point of interest for a guest.” One of the most satisfying things about her job is seeing the look on the faces of school children as they take in the grandeur of the building. “You know that first impression will stay with them a lifetime,” she says.
  The S.C. State House is unique because it is unlike any of our parks but represents the best of all of our state. Citizens from all parts of South Carolina come here and reflect what makes their area special – whether a great accent, friendly nature or charming stories. In the tour office there is a quote by Maya Angelou that says “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Margot says she feels like we should epitomize Southern Hospitality for each visitor that enters the S.C. State House.
  Thank you so much Margot for your hard work and dedication to the S.C. State Park Service and S.C. State House. Watch Episode 16 of our “A Day in the Life” series to learn more about Margot and the S.C. State House.
  Think you might be interested in a job with the South Carolina State Park Service?  Check the State Park Service website for job openings.