Murder Charges Filed

Arrests Made In
Monetta Murder

  Sheriff Josh Price has announced the arrests of Earl Valentine and Montavis Barnes in connection with the murder of Zonnie Cyrus.
  The body of Mr. Cyrus was located on November 19th on Hi-land Farm Road, in the Monetta area of Saluda County. The Saluda County Coroner's Office ruled the cause of death a homicide caused by numerous gun shot wounds.
  Earl Valentine has been charged with Murder and Possession of a Weapon during the Commission of a Violent Crime. Montavis Barnes is charged with Accessory to Murder after the fact.
  Sheriff Price commented, “this is not going to bring back Mr. Cyrus, but I hope this brings some relief to the Cyrus family that those responsible for the death of Zonnie Cyrus will be brought to justice.”

Couple Found Shot To Death

  Coroner Keith Turner reported his office responded to a fatal shooting on the evening of Tuesday, December 27th in the Johnston area of Saluda County.   
   The bodies of a male and female subject were located in their mobile home by law enforcement after conducting a welfare check. The decedents have been identified as James (Jamie) Perry (age 47) and Patricia Kneece Perry (age 49). Autopsies have been scheduled for Monday at Newberry Pathology.  
  The investigation is ongoing and there are no further details at this time. Saluda County Sherriff Office, SLED and Saluda County Coroner’s Office are investigating.

Saluda, Edgefield Counties To Partner
On Animal Shelter, And Control

  Saluda County will partner with Edgefield County to build an animal shelter and provide animal control.
  This decision was made at the December meeting of County Council.
  The two counties  began discussions on partnering on Dec. 1, 2015. Both counties are not ready to implement the effort. The shelter will be built in Edgefield County. The cost of the shelter will be determined once plans are completed, and the cost of providing animal control will also be forthcoming.
Chairman Jim Moore said the thinks partnering with Edgefield County will save the county money.
  Council took another step toward making animal control a reality by voting to purchase an animal control truck, the cost not to exceed $45,000. The payment will come from the vehicle reserve fund.
  Council the took legal step to approve the change of government from the current chairman-council form to an administrator-council form. Citizens voted in favor of the change in the November General Election.
 Under the new form, voters will still elect a chairman at large, and four council members from single member districts, but an administrator will have more say in the operation of the government.
  The resolution passed 3-1, with Councilman Jack Atkinson voting against and Moore abstaining.
  Council accepted the audit of financial statements for Fiscal Year 2021-22, as presented by David Enzastiga, CPA, Rish & Enzastiga Firm. Enzastiga said the county got an unmodified opinion, the top opinion an audit can get.
  Jim Bowie from Guppie Lane Property Development, who appeared at a previous meeting, urged Council to change the building ordinance to allow Park Model homes at the lake and other areas. At the previous meeting, Bowie said he was told the Park Models were allowed, then was later told they were not.
  Bowie said changing the county ordinance to allow the homes would bring in increased property tax revenue, and provide many customers for the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority.  Bowie showed a computer presentation on how the homes are built and said their are eight to ten designs.
   Council took the presentation as information.

Happy New Year 2023

SALUDA COUNTY FORESTRY ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - Pictured, L to R, Baron Buzhardt (President), Drew Proctor, Makayla Porter, and Layne Crouch

Saluda County Forestry

Association Christmas Banquet

By: Stephen Pohlman,
      Clemson Extension Forestry Agent

  The Saluda County Forestry Association held its annual Christmas Banquet at the Saluda High School cafeteria this December and hosted 220 landowners and guests.  This was their first Christmas banquet in 3 years due to the COVID pandemic.  Senator Shane Massey, Representative Cal Forrest, county council members, and Troop 21 Boy Scouts were in attendance.  A most delicious meal was prepared by Parklane Seafood and enjoyed by all.  Musician Luke Moore provided this year’s special guest entertainment.  
  Historically the Association has presented a scholarship to Saluda County youth looking to continue their education in forestry and forestry-related topics at higher learning institutions.  This year’s recipients were Layne Crouch, Makayla Porter, and Drew Proctor.  A special Thank You to our Saluda County Forestry Association members, local businesses, and organizations who help make these scholarships possible each year through their generous donations.
  Mr. Brad Forrest received the 2022 Saluda County Forestry Association Landowner of the Year Award.  Brad graduated from Saluda High School and Newberry College and is a third-generation landowner in Saluda County.  His family business has been in Saluda since 1922 and provides clothing and shoes to our area.   The company has since grown to a second store now covering the Cayce area.  Brad also finds time to attend educational opportunities to learn more about managing livestock for his cattle operation and forestry/wildlife for his timberlands.  His timberland management strategies help support his cattle operation and other diversification opportunities.   
  During the three-year absence of Saluda County Forestry Association’s Christmas Banquet, the group lost its Vice President, Mr. Harvey Sauls.  As many in Saluda County know, Harvey Sauls was a tremendously kind individual.  He was a hard worker who never looked at obstacles with a can’t attitude but rather as an opportunity to succeed.  The Saluda County Forestry Association took a moment to thank Harvey’s wife, Sally, and two daughters (Rebecca and Elizabeth) for everything Harvey meant to us.  Sally was presented with a wooden tray that read in memory and appreciation of Harvey’s service to the organization.  In Sally’s speech of appreciation, it is obvious that Harvey’s light will continue to shine in his family.
  The Saluda County Forestry Association and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.  

Merry Christmas 2022

Saluda High  Art Students Designed Ornaments
For The 2022 National Christmas Tree Display

  Saluda High School is this year's state representative in the America Celebrates Ornaments Program.
  Ornaments created by our own SHS art students will be on display at this year's National Christmas Tree Display in Washington, DC. Many thanks to Wayne Bell and his students for creating some amazing ornaments that are currently on display in our Nation’s Capital.
\  The art work from Saluda High School takes viewers on a journey around South Carolina.  From the azure blue waters of the Grand Strand through the race car dirt tracks of the Midlands to the cattle fields of the up country and everywhere in between.  Other pictures depict the images that define our state: The Boykin Spaniel, Yellow Jasmine, The Carolina wolf spider as well as the indigo blue State Flag. These students have worked hard to capture the essence of this great State.  Hours of research and work have culminated in artwork that defines a school, community and a State.
  Congratulations to Wayne Bell, Art Teacher, and the following students: Alex Pascual Guzman de Leon, Amy Gonzalez, Aryana Hazelton, Emily Glendening, Brianna Walker, Christopher Contreras, Emelin Lo-pez, Gracelyn Deal, Haley Taylor, Jacob New, Mary anne Summer, Owen Stoudemire, and Shey-Dan Smit.

PARADE GRAND MARSHAL - State Superintendent of Education, Saluda County native Molly Mitchell Spearman, served as Grand Marshal for the Saluda Christmas Parade on Sat., Dec. 10. She was accompanied by her two granddaughters. Driving her was retired teacher and newly sworn in school board member, CeCe Yonce. (Standard-Sentinel photo)