Gingrich Wins

County

　　Following the statewide trend, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich won in convincing fashion in Saluda County in Saturday’s Republican Presidential Primary.

　　Gingrich totaled 1267 votes, or 47.44 percent of the 2671 ballots cast.

　　Mitt Romney finished second with 634 voted. Rick Santorum totaled 459, and Ron Paul finished fourth with 282.

　　The candidates who had previously withdrawn were still on the ballot, but their totals did not count.

　　These include: Michele Bachman (1), Herman Cain (10), Jon Huntsman (3), Gary Johnson (1), and Rick Perry (14).

　　Of Saluda County’s 11,397 registered voters, 23.53 cast ballots in the primary.

 

 

 

 

EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR - Lynn Wertz, left, and Jessie Quattlebaum, right, with Sheriff Jason Booth.

Sheriff Booth Names

2011 Employees Of Year

　　Since taking office in 2001, Sheriff Booth has annually recognized employees who have excelled in their respective areas of service to Saluda County.

　　"I believe in showing my employees that I appreciate the hard work they do for me and our citizens every day and these end of the year awards are one way to recognize exemplary job perform-ance," stated Booth.

　　For the third time in 9 years, Lynn Wertz was named the "Dispatcher of the Year". Lynn now serves as the Administrator over 9-1-1 dispatch and therefore has assumed additional job responsibilities. As director, she works cooperatively with all law enforcement in the county, talks regularly with all Fire Chiefs to enhance the services provided by our volunteer firemen, and is in constant communication with EMS personnel. These entities all provide a valuable service to Saluda County citizens but could not respond so effectively without well-trained and dedicated dispatchers. Lynn is also responsible for working with SLED to make sure all sex offenders living in Saluda County are registered as required by law and report to the Sheriff’s office at least four times per year for updates to their public information..

　　"Lynn has worked with dispatch since 2002 and has always been an outstanding employee," states Booth.

　　"She is the one everyone depends upon to fill in when a dispatcher is sick or unable to work and to offer assistance when bad weather or other extenuating circumstances threaten the safety of Saluda County."

　　"She is professional, very organized and responsive to people on a daily basis."

　　Mrs. Wertz responded by giving much credit to the well trained dispatchers who assist her in getting the job done.

　　"Their experience and expertise make my job easier and I can depend on them to offer advice about needed changes or implementing new policies."

　　"I also need to thank my husband, Jeff Wertz, for being so supportive and standing behind me."

　　"I take my job responsibilities very seriously and am often called in to work at times that interfere with family plans, but I never have to worry about Jeff reacting negatively and in fact can depend on him to help me however he can." Mrs. Wertz also thanks Sheriff Booth for the leadership he has provided and the trust placed in her as Administrator of Saluda County’s dispatch services.

　　"He is a great boss who stands behind me and I am thankful for his leadership."

　　Deputy Jesse Quattlebaum was named the 2011 "Deputy of the Year". Officer Quattlebaum began his law enforcement career in 2006 as a jailer at the Saluda County Detention Center. He began his duties as a patrol officer in 2007 and according to Sheriff Booth has "continuously displayed a good work ethic, has displayed professionalism in his job duties, and is a real team player."

　　"Deputy Quattlebaum is not about himself but believes in working with everybody to get the job done."

　　"He is a well trained and thorough officer who has served this office and Saluda County well."

　　Deputy Quattlebaum is a member of the Bloodhound Team, the Special Weapons and Tactical Team, has served in the Narcotics division and presently works as a Criminal Investigator.

　　Upon receiving the award Deputy Quattlebaum’s response was to give credit to his fellow officers.

　　"Everyone in this office works as a team and any success that I might have achieved is because of my fellow officers and Sheriff Booth and his command staff."

　　"As a fairly young deputy, I am thankful for the opportunities that Sheriff Booth has given me to serve in various capacities and to receive the training necessary to keep myself and our citizens safe."

　　Deputy Quattlebaum further stated that he enjoys giving back to the community that "raised me" and considers it an honor to serve as a Saluda County deputy.