STEPHEN BUTLER

Suspect Arrested In

4-Wheeler Theft

　　According to Sheriff Jason Booth, Stephen Butler of Florence County has been arrested and charged with Larceny for steeling a 4-wheeler form the Ridge Spring Highway area of Saluda County.

　　On or about July 17th Butler had been working for the Aspen Company, which is the company contracted to cut and clear trees from the power lines. Butler made several remarks to the owner of the 4-wheeler when they were clearing trees on his property. Later that evening around midnight Butler returned to Saluda County from Florence and stole the 4-wheeler.

　　Stephen Butler was still on probation in Florence County for a March 2009 conviction of Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature when this incident occurred.

　　"We can’t say for sure if the company knew this before hiring Butler or if they or other companies like them run a criminal history on their employees, but they do have that obligation and opportunity thru SLED in Columbia. You just never know who’s working for these companies," states Sheriff Booth.

　　With so many people losing their jobs and with the economy in the shape that it’s in, crime is up and theft of power tools, trailers and ATVs are high on the list.

　　"I would like to encourage everyone to secure all your property and to do your homework before you hire anyone to do work around your home," states Sheriff Booth. "You can also do your part by starting up a Neighborhood Crime Watch."

　　For more information on starting up a Neighborhood Crime Watch in your area, please contact the Saluda Sheriff’s Office and ask for Nicole.

 

　

WORLD WAR II VETERAN RECOGNIZED - From Left to Right: Carey Bolt, Chris Benson, Linda Ann Keen, Laura Rauch Hebbits, J.T. Rauch, Janet Rauch Keen, Annie B Rauch, Bob Keen, Pastor Ed Miller. (Standard-Sentinel photo by Ryan D. Metts)

WWII Veteran Awarded

Medals 65 Years Later

BY RYAN D. METTS

　　Ninety-year-old Saluda native J.T. Rauch, who currently resides at the Saluda Nursing Center, is an honored veteran, who was presented some of his medals from World War II on Monday, 65 years after the war ended.　

　　Recently, his nephew Chris Benson asked his Uncle J.T. and Aunt Ann if they had ever received all of Mr. J.T.'s medals from the war.　 They did not think that they had.　

　　Immediately, Chris contacted Carey Bolt, a Veterans Affair Officer for Greenwood and Laurens County.　 After researching the matter, Bolt realized that Mr. J.T. had not in fact received all of his World War II medals.　

　　He also discovered that Mr. Rauch had served in the war from 1942-1945 in Italy and Central Europe, without leave.　 He fought in a total of seven campaigns: Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, North France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe.

　　On Monday, July 26, 2010, Carey Bolt drove down from Laurens to the Saluda Nursing Center in order to present the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star to Mr. J.T.　 As Bolt pinned the medals to Mr. Rauch’s shirt, he said, "I present these awards to J.T. Rauch on behalf of a grateful nation."

　　J.T. is a longtime member of the American Legion Post 65.　 He is also a member of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church.　 In addition, he and his wife Ann owned Rauch's Home and Auto in Saluda for over forty years.　
　　Reverend Ed Miller also participated in the prestigious ceremony.　 Reverend Miller is the Department Chaplain of South Carolina American Legion, and is also Mr. J.T.'s pastor.

 

33rd Annual Truck and

Tractor Pull August 13-15

　　The Saluda Young Farmers 33rd Annual Truck and Tractor Pull, "Hottest Pull in the South" will be held August 13th - 15th at the Young Farmer Stadium at the County Recreation Complex.

　　The NTPA professional pull will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th and will begin at 7:30pm. 　　Classes this year include: Super Stock Open (tractors), Super Farm (tractors), Mini Rods (tractors), TWD Trucks, and FWD Trucks. NEW THIS YEAR, an amateur pull on Sunday the 15th will begin at 1:30pm.

　　 Classes for the amateur pull are located at www.SaludaYoung Farmer.org. Rules for the amateur pull are located at WWW.Straight DieselTruckPull.com.

　　Ticket prices are as follows: Friday and Saturday - Adults $20; Children 6-12 $15; Children 5 and under Free. Weekend passes (Friday and Saturday): Adults $35; Children $25. There will be no advance tickets for Sunday’s pull. They can be purchased for $15 adults and $10 children (6-12) at the gate.

　　Advance weekend passes (Friday and Saturday) and one day passes are being sold at Rodger’s Fertilizer in Saluda or Johnston Auto Parts in Johnston until August 13. Sunday passes are only available the day of the event at the gate.

　　The William A. Whitfield Young Farmer Scholarship winners will be recognized. The 2010 winners are Brian Bushey, Creighton Price, Drake Yon, and Sally Yon.

　　Come and enjoy a weekend of high-powered action!

　　Check out www.SaludaYoung Farmer.org for the latest information.