Second COVID Death

County Has Second COVID-19 Death

  Saluda County recorded its second  COVID-19 death last week.
  The victim was an elderly patient.
  Sun., July 12, word was released that the disease had been detected on one wing at Saluda Nursing Center.
  Saluda County’s total cases has risen to 281,
  The latest DHEC report says the county had 1726 estimated cases, and 207 possible cases. Of the county’s cases, 252 are in the are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 124; Aiken - 695; Greenwood - 798; Lexington - 2919; Newberry - 419.
  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,952 new confirmed cases and no new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 10 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths. There are currently 1,472 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19, and 188 of those patients are on ventilators.
 This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 56,485, probable cases to 163, confirmed deaths to 950 and 11 probable deaths.
  Sun., July 12, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed the state’s first cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.
  Two children are the first in the state with a confirmed diagnosis of MIS-C, a rare health condition recently recognized to occur in some children and teenagers who have contracted COVID-19 or been in contact with someone infected with the virus. One child is from the Midlands region and one is from the PeeDee region. Both are under the age of 10. To protect the privacy of the children and their families, no other information will be disclosed at this time.
 “We continue to see more and more young people, especially those under 20, contracting and spreading COVID-19, and we know MIS-C is a threat to our youngest South Carolinians,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “MIS-C is a serious health complication linked to COVID-19 and is all the more reason why we must stop the spread of this virus. Anyone and everyone is susceptible to COVID-19 as well as additional health risks associated with it, which is why all of us must stop the virus by wearing a mask and stay six feet away from others. These simple actions are how we protect ourselves and others, including our children.”
  The first reports of this syndrome came from the United Kingdom in late April. Cases in the United States were first reported in New York City in early May.
  On May 15, 2020, DHEC sent a health alert informing healthcare providers and facilities of the condition and requesting that all providers report suspected cases of MIS-C to the agency. Symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, and feeling tired.
  DHEC recommends parents and caregivers learn and watch for the signs for MIS-C in their children. Emergency warning signs of MIS-C include trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that does not go away, confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, and severe abdominal pain.

Students Recognized
For Kindness

In order to recognize kindness in this world, retired Saluda educator Dibbie Shealy  established the D.E.M. Kindness Awards, and the recipients have been announced.
  The award is named in honor of her grandchildren Deacon, Emoree, and Madden Donlon, and her children
Morgan Jones and Mayson Donlon.
  She gave five $200 awards to Saluda High School graduates, Class of 2020, who exhibit kindness and compassion through their actions.
  “Congratulations to these five outstanding Saluda High graduates who received the D.E.M. Kindness Award. The award was based on the applicants’ kindness, compassion, and volunteerism. This group had done so many good things for others, it brought me to tears. Believe in this generation. They are going to make a difference,: Ms. Shealy said.
  Alaiza Abney - Alaiza said her favorite quote is 1 Corinthians 13:4. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” She said, “This scripture reminds me to be patient, show kindness and that there is no room for jealousy. We have to take some time to understand others, empathize with others and love others without looking for an award or an entourage.”
  Kathryn Castro (not pictured) - Kathryn said, “The quote that pertains to my actions is by Aesop. It says, ‘No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.’ A simple smile or holding the door for someone can make someone’s day so much better. There’s no reason not to be kind to someone.”
  LeeAnna Fingerlin - Lee Anna said the quote that pertains to her actions is, “No joy can equal the joy of serving others,” by Sai Baba. She said, “Of all the times I have helped others with remodeling their houses or by visiting a shut in, the joy I received was immeasurable and immensely rewarding, more so than any payment I could have received.”
  Kaylee Long - Kaylee said, “One of my most favorite volunteer experiences is the animal foster program my family is a part of. The program is sponsored by Pawmetto Lifeline in Columbia. We take in one or two dogs at a time and keep them until they are ready to be adopted.”
  Jacob McCary - Jacob chose the quote, “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one,” by John Lennon. Jacob said, “If everyone were to take a little bit of time out of their day and be kind to someone, help the elderly across the street, ask someone how they are doing, hold the door for someone, then the world will be as ONE and will change.”

Chairman Election July 14

Chairman Election July 14

  The third time will be the charm as the election for Saluda County Council Chairman will be finally be held.  on July 14.
  Originally scheduled for March 24, the election was postponed until May  by the pandermic. That month did not work out either, so the election date was finally set for Tues., July 14.
  Polls open at 7a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
  Seeking the posiotion are Democrat Darren Horne and Republican Jerry Strawbridge.
  Both candidates are retired.
  “I am currently own businesses/properties in four separate counties,’’ Horne said. “My work ethic that I have built throughout my life will be an asset you can rely on to keep Saluda County moving in the right direction.
  I will work very hard to promote business and economic development for Saluda, Ridge Spring, and Ward. I am aware of the current financial challenges but I’m willing to work very hard to address the current and all future concerns. Being a super conservative, I am a firm believer in being debt free and will be a watchdog for the County finances and spending. I will be grateful to work beside all county employees to Move Saluda County Forward. I will fight to keep lower tax rates and eliminate current and future unnecessary fees.”
  “Saluda County is in a difficult position,” Strawbridge said.  “It wasn’t any one person’s fault.  It is a systemic problem and a challenge that was made more pronounced by the State’s requirement for a new jail.  Saluda County employees want to help!  They have provided a great number of documents that have helped me evaluate the County’s position in the last few weeks.  Their helpfulness it to be commended!  The good news is I believe this financial problem can be fixed.  However, the hard truth is it won’t be easy.
“The position of Chairman requires someone that can face the hard reality of the situation and provide unwavering optimism that Saluda County will come out of this fine.  Luckily, I’ve been part of a similar mission with Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority (SCWSA).  SCWSA has been a part of a 20-year odyssey to build its own Water Treatment Plant.  I was honored to be selected by the Legislative Delegation nine years ago to be on SCWSA’s Board and to serve as its Chairman for the last seven years.
  Horne and his wife have two daughters and two granddaughters. As a kid around the age of  eight,he worked in our family owned business, Horne’s Convenience Store. At 15, he started work at Adams Red & White while attending school. He then worked at Cromley Ford in Saluda and Newberry for 30 years as a manager.
  Strawbirdge is a retired as a Sargent Major in the South Carolina National Guard with 40 years of service.  He is married, with four children and seven grandchildren that we adore.   He is a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church and serves as the Chairman of its Administrative Council.  He  I also served six  years as Chairman of the Saluda Republican Party.
  With the COVID-19 social distancing requirements some precincts will be combined to allow for bigger spaces, and one will move to a larger location
  Richland, Ridge Spring-Monetta and Ward precincts will vote at the Ridge Spring Civic Center.
  Saluda No. 1 and No. 2 will both vote at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
  Higgins-Zoar will vote at Zoar United Methodist Church.

County COVID-19
Cases Reach 219

  Saluda County’s COVID-19 case total has grown to 219.
  The latest DHEC report says the county had 1345 estimated cases, and 1564 possible cases. Of the county’s cases, 197 are in the are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 86; Aiken - 434; Greenwood - 526; Lexington - 2224; Newberry - 270.
   The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Thurs., July 2, announced 1,629 new confirmed cases and 3 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 19 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths. There are currently 1,125 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 39,587, probable cases to 114, confirmed deaths to 777, and 7 probable deaths.
  Testing in South Carolina
  As of July 2, a total of 442,263 tests have been conducted in the state. See a detailed breakdown of tests in South Carolina on the Data and Projections webpage. DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory is operating extended hours and is testing specimens seven days a week, and the Public Health Laboratory’s current timeframe for providing results to health care providers is 24-48 hours.
  Percent Positive Test Trends among Reported COVID-19 Cases
  The total number of individuals tested yesterday statewide was 9,634 (not including antibody tests) and the percent positive was 16.9%.
  50 Mobile Testing Clinics Scheduled Statewide
  As part of our ongoing efforts to increase testing in underserved and rural communities across the state, DHEC is working with community partners to set up mobile testing clinics that bring testing to these communities. Currently, there are 50  mobile testing events scheduled through August 1 with new testing events added regularly. Find a mobile testing clinic event near you at scdhec.gov/covid19mobileclinics.
  Residents can also get tested at one of 172 permanent COVID-19 testing facilities across the state. Visit scdhec.gov/covid19testing for more information.
Hospital Bed Occupancy
  As of Thursday morning, 2,836 inpatient hospital beds are available and 7,830 are in use, which is a 73.41% statewide hospital bed utilization rate. Of the 7,830 inpatient beds currently used, 1,125 are occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.

2020-21 Budgets Passed

Council Passes
2020-2021 Budgets

  Saluda County Council gave third and final readings to the School District One and County budgets at a called meeting Mon., June 22.
  Public hearings were held for both budgets, but no one spoke.
  The local support portion of the school district’s budget is $7,685,254, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier for a net amount of $5,001,100  from ad valorem taxes.
  The County operating budget is $13,540,024. Debt Service Bonds total $131,452, bringing the total budget to $13,671,476.
  Piedmont Technical College is funded through millage.
  Council had to change the total of the money to be transferred to the budget from reserve, due to lower fine collections from the Clerk of Court’s office than was originally estimated. Council added $9000 to the transfer for a total of $218,060.
  Vice-Chairman Frank Daniel, and Councilmen Justin Anderson and Jones Butler were present for the meeting. Councilman Wayne Grice missed the meeting due to the serious illness of his sister, Beverly Grice, who passed away later in the week.

County COVID-19
Cases Now Top 200

  Saluda County’s COVID-19 case total has grown to 203.
  The lated DHEC report says the county had 1247 estimated cases, and 1450 possible cases. Of the county’s cases, 185 are in the are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 73; Aiken - 345; Greenwood - 457; Lexington - 1889; Newberry - 221.
   The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Sun., June 28,  announced 1,366 new confirmed cases and 4 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 5 additional confirmed deaths and zero additional probable deaths. There are currently 954 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.
  This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 33,221, probable cases to 99, confirmed deaths to 712, and probable deaths remains 4.
  How South Carolinians Can Stop the Spread
  Evidence is increasing about the high rates of infection in people who do not have symptoms and don’t know they are infectious. This places everyone at risk of getting the virus or unknowingly transmitting it to someone else. Steps we can take to protect ourselves and others include:
    Practicing social distancing
    Wearing a mask in public
    Avoiding group gatherings
    Regularly washing your hands
    Staying home if sick
  For the latest information related to COVID-19 visit scdhec.gov/COVID19. Visit scdmh.net for stress, anxiety and mental health resources from the S.C. Department of Mental Health.

ATTENTION SENlORS!!!

  You may qualify to receive $25 worth of coupons to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers this summer!
  HOW TO QUALIFY:
 •Must be a low-income senior aged 60 or older
  •Have a valid driver’s license or state issued ID (must be presented to pick up)
  •Live in Saluda County
  HOW TO APPLY:
  If you missed the earlier deadline to apply online, please call the number below or apply in person at either location below. If you already applied online, you do NOT need to apply again.
  Becky Wilson at Piedmont Agency on Aging 884-223-0164 ext. 8
  Vouchers can be picked up at either location:  Ridge Spring Town Hall 906 West Main street Ridge Spring, SC  July 9, 2020  , 9:00am - 1:00pm. Saluda Senior Center,  403 W. Butler Avenue,  Saluda, SC, July 7, 2020, 8:30am - 12:00pm
  In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age  or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil tights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of  communication for program information (eg. Braille, large print, audiotape. American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.