The house fire that took the life of a 13-year-old girl on Fri., Nov. 7, has now claimed the life of her 64-year-old grandmother.

  According to Saluda County Coroner Keith Turner, Lizzie Etheredge Pugh died Fri., Nov. 14, at 11:48 p.m., in the Burn Center of Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta of injuries she suffered in the fire.

  Her granddaughter, Mecosha Pugh, an eighth grader at Saluda Middle School, died in the fire from smoke inhalation, and was buried Friday, a few hours before her grandmother passed away.

  Out of the death of Mecosha came a heartwarming story.

  According to WIS-TV, 13-year-old Natalie White of Irmo saw the story of Mecosha’s death on Channel 10 news and decided to dedicate her birthday party to the Pugh family.

  All gifts and monetary donations at Natalie’s birthday party on Nov. 15 were donated to the Pugh family.

  Natalie began donating her birthday gifts to a good cause on her tenth birthday, after Hurricane Katrina.

  Her mother, Bea, told WIS Natalie has been her hero since she started this.

  WIS helped connect the White family with the Pugh family, and Mrs. White was able to talk to Mecosha’s mother, Cassandra.

  "She ended up comforting me and saying how grateful she was that God had given her that child of 13 years," Bea told Channel 10.

  CLARIFICATION: Last week’s article on the fire tragedy said Sheriff’s Office Victim’s Advocate Nicole Maffett had worked with Saluda Middle School to help set-up counseling for the students. In actuality, Mrs. Maffett said she attempted to inform the school of the tragedy from the scene of the fire, but couldn’t get a call through. Law enforcement did inform the school, but the school set up the counseling for students.

  "The staff, teachers and counselors at Saluda Middle School did a wonderful job, and I want to give credit where credit is due," she said.

  Saluda Nursing Center Adminis-trator and close friend, Bob Bowles presented the award.

  Mr. Gentry was the oldest of five children. He grew up helping on the farm, left for a brief time to work in Charleston, and returned to join his father in the poultry business until his father’s retirement.

  Construction of the poultry processing plant began in 1958 at its current site. Later that year, W M took over the management of the business. His late first wife, Trannye, was an integral part of the family business as well as mother to their two sons, Wesley and Larry. After college Wesley worked as a high school football coach before returning to Gentry Poultry where he is currently CEO and Vice President. Prior to his untimely death, son Larry was an advisor and attorney for the company. He also served as Saluda County’s State House of Representative and had a private law practice in the town of Saluda.

  Gentry Poultry Company, Inc. has experienced significant growth through the leadership of W M Gentry. It was the first USDA inspected plant in Saluda County and is a member of both the South Carolina and Saluda County Chamber of Commerces. The business has stayed the course in difficult times and continues as a family owned and operated business, which provides jobs to over 150 individuals.

  Gentry’s Poultry is a strong supporter of Saluda County as evidenced by their monetary support of Palmetto Girls State, Ridge Spring Harvest Festival, Saluda Festival, Saluda Relay for Life, SC Poultry Festival, Saluda Farm-City Events, and numerous other worthwhile organizations.

  As President of Gentry Poultry, Mr. Gentry presented the clock that sits on the Courthouse grounds to the citizens of the town and county. He also makes an annual contribution to Saluda Nursing Center in memory of his late wife Trannye. To date, the business is the only corporate sponsor of Saluda Nursing Center. Mr. Gentry has designated these annual contributions to be used to upgrade the oldest section of the Center, which is 40 years old. He supports the Larry Gentry Memorial Golf Tournament, which has awarded eleven scholarships to young people of this county.

  Mr. Gentry is a charter member of Saluda Baptist Church. He is fortunate to be married to Jody Mitchell Gentry. They enjoy their grandchildren, great grandchildren and pulling for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Giving back to the people of Saluda County is very important to him and is a way of showing the great love he has for Saluda County and its people.

  It was the pleasure of the Farm City Committee to select W M Gentry as our 2008 Farm City Citizen of the Year in appreciation of his outstanding support of Saluda County.

  Each year the exhibits increase in interest. A list of exhibitors is listed elsewhere in this newspaper. Displays include agricultural agencies, educational, health care, and many others. Columbia Heart will again be checking cholesterol & blood pressure as well as other health care facilities. American Red Cross will be accepting blood donations from 2:00 – 6:00 PM. Contact Glenda Risinger at 445-3668 or 445-8118, ext. 108 to schedule an appointment to donate blood.

  Exhibitors are asked to pay a $20.00 fee for a table and/or electrical outlet. Exhibitors should call to reserve a table, those needing electricity are asked to call Clemson Extension (864-445-8117) as soon as possible.

  The Taste & See continues to be a special event that draws the town and country folks together. The community comes together to enjoy the time set aside each year to visit with friends, enjoy the entertainment, and sample the delicious food items that are produced in Saluda County. The event begins at 3:00 PM and ends at 7:00 PM.

  Each person attending the event is asked to bring one canned food item to be donated to the local Helping Hands Food Bank, a collection box will be set up near the entrance to accept these food items. A $1.00 donation will also be collected at the door for ages 12 and over. The donation is used to offset Farm City expenses.

  Drawings for door prizes will be held throughout the evening. Please patronize the merchants and businesses that have so generously donated the many door prizes.

  Please help make this year’s event a great success by attending the Taste & See, donating canned goods, donating blood and enjoying all this event has to offer. The event is so successful that it has received National Recognition from the National Farm City Committee year after year.

  We are surely "Partners in Progress" as the agricultural and urban communities join hands to observe our "United We Stand" theme during this event.