Local Armory

Gets Unique Gift

BY RYAN METTS

  NUCOR Building System has recently constructed and donated a National Guard monument to Saluda’s Army National Guard to represent NUCOR’s immense appreciation to the Guard for keeping our country safe.

  NUCOR, located in Swansea, is also thankful to the National Guard for safely returning one of NUCOR’s own employees, James Porter of Saluda, when he was deployed to Iraq with the Saluda Guard.

  Receiving the life-sized, iron cut-out of the Guard’s Minuteman symbol at the National Guard Armory Mon., June 29, were Captain Taylor Riley, Sgt. Prevo Rodgers, Sgt. Carroll Dotson, and Liam Riley, Captain Riley’s son.

  NUCOR’s representatives included Porter, Greg Cole, and Al Behr, general manager. NUCOR also presented the Armory a miniature version of the statue.

  Even though the National Guard monument is the first military symbol they have built, they are no strangers to creative artwork. They have constructed many pieces of art, including palmetto trees, and Harley-Davidson logos, by plasma cutting iron sheets.

  In the future, NUCOR hopes to continue to construct and donate many more military monuments to the surrounding military stations to symbolize their thankfulness to the armed service members for keeping our country safe.

Tractor Pull

Tickets On Sale

  Weekend passes for the annual Saluda Young Farmer Truck and Tractor Pull to be held August 14-15 can now be purchased online at www.saludayoungfarmer.org. 

  Advance tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 6-12.  There is no charge for children up to 5 years old. Tickets are non-refund-able. 

  Advance weekend passes will be available at this site only.  One day passes may be purchased the day of the pull at the gate.  Adult passes are $20 and children 6-12 are $15.  A limited amount of track side parking spots are still available. 

  Call Chris Proctor at 864-993-8751.

Join Safe Kids South Carolina in

Celebrating Safety  This Fourth of July

  In 2007, an estimated 2,600 children ages 14 and under were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries involving fireworks during the fireworks season, which runs from the middle of June until the middle of July. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 40 percent of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.

  "Don’t ever let kids play with fireworks, period," says Heidi Vaughn, Safe Kids South Carolina Director. "They’re intended for use by adults in open spaces and children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision to make sure they don’t get too close."

  As with any activity involving hazardous equipment, keep all children under active supervision at all times and give them your undivided attention. "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks display," says John Reich, South Carolina State Fire Marshal. In 2008, 238 fireworks related fire incidents were reported by South Carolina fire departments.  Safe Kids South Carolina recommends these precautions for adults using fireworks:    

  * Only purchase fireworks from a licensed dealer selling certified fireworks.

  *  Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces; never shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

  * Aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.   

  * Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction, throw them away.

  *  Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.  

  *  Never have a portion of your body directly over a firework device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.  

  *  Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.  

  *  Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

  Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Parents often don’t realize that sparklers can cause more injuries to children under age five than any other type of firework.

  "Teach your children how to call 911 in an emergency.  Also teach them what to do if their clothing catches on fire - ‘stop, drop and roll,’" adds Vaughn.   Fireworks should be handled and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels.

  For more information about fireworks safety and burn prevention, contact Safe Kids South Carolina at 803.744.4029 or visit www.usa.safekids.org.   Safe Kids South Carolina, a program of The Children’s Trust of South Carolina, works to prevent accidental childhood injury, the leading killer of children 14 and under. Safe Kids South Carolina is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing accidental injury.  

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About The Children’s Trust of South Carolina Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting healthy, nurturning relationships between children and adults.  Our vision is that every child will grow up in a safe, loving and stable family.  The Children’s Trust of South Carolina is the state’s nonprofit organization leading efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect and to strengthen families.  For more information visit www.scchildren.org.