Car Dealer Arrested
Former Local Car Dealer
Pleads Guilty To Charges
A former car dealer at Saluda Motor Sales has pled guilty multiple charges in Federal Distrct Court, including defrauding multiple individuals and businessess of $2,528,048.
According to a release on Facebook from SaludaNOW, in January 2017 Kelly Sanders took control of Saluda Motor Sales, a family owned and operated business in Saluda for over 75 years. He continued to sale at a high volume for almost three years.
However, prosecutors allege that shortly after beginning to manage the business he was scheming, and misleading investors. The charges brought forward by Federal agents allege that Sanders was using misleading documents, and invoices to ward off creditors.
Sanders pled guilty, and agreed to a plea agreement to make restitution to Benjamin Bradshaw, Ridge Group Investors, and Sandtander Bank. He also agreed to a fine of $250,000.00, a prison term of up to 20 years, probation for 3 years, and a Special Assessment Fee of $100.00.
According to the Federal Court documents obtained by SALUDANow through PaceMonitor, a Court Case clearing house, a plea date has not yet been set by the Court since first agreed upon on September 2, 2021.
Velie Recognized At
County Council Meeting
Brandon Velie of Ridge Spring’s popular Juniper restaurant was recognized at the Sept. meeting of Saluda County Council.
Miriam Atria, Chief Executive Officer at Capital City Lake Murray, recognized Velie as a Tourism Advocate for the Lake Murray area. The awards to several Tourism Advocates were presented at the Capitol City Lake Murray annual meeting, but Velie could not be present because he had to operate his restaurant.
Atria pointed out that Velie is one of seven area chefs chosen to compete in the World Food Championship in Dallas in November.
She also thanked Chairman Jerry Strawbridge for this service on the Capital City Lake Murray board.
In the old business portion of the meeting, Council voted to sell some county property in an Industrial Park to Butler & Son Funeral Home.
In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes by and between Saluda County and Project Maple Leaf. The ordinance includes having Project Maple Leaf in a multi-county business park.
Council also passed a resolution authorizing the negotiation of a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes by and between Saluda County and Project Maple Leaf.
Luke Downing from the Fire Board said F.D. Riley had submitted the low bid, $18,500, for land clearing at the Old Town Fire Department project. Council approved this and gave the Fire Board permission to pursue a grant from the Forestry Commission for fire equipment.
Council approved the appointment of Wayne Matthews to the Airport Commission.
At the beginning of the meeting Councilman Jack Atkinson recounted the story of his daughter-in-law who almost waited too late to get Covid treatment. He urged anyone who gets sick from the disease to go to the doctor immmediately.
Good Rainfall Continues
The good summer rainfall continued in August.
The 4.80 Aug. rainfall brings the year’s total to 39.62. This compares to 42.17 inches during the same time last year.
August’s temperatures were normal, with most days with highs in the 90s. The temperatures ranged from a high of 77 on Aug. 7, to 95 on Aug. 1 and 12. The lowest morning temperature, 65, was recorded on Aug. 5..
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.
9-11 REMEMBRANCE - In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9-11, Julia Wills and family decorated the hay tractors on her Chappells Hwy. property
Georgia Team To Visit
Saluda To Host
Georgia School
Saluda High School’s football team will play host to Rabun County, Ga., High School Wildcats Fri., Sept, 17, at the Bettis Herlong Stadium at Mathews Field
Rabun County features the No. 5 ranked quarterback in the country, Gunner Stockton, and is coached by Jaybo Shaw, the brother of Gamecock legendary quarterback Connor Shaw.
Read the following information released by the school:
Due to COVID and injuries, Ninety Six will not be able to play Saluda in football on Friday night. We are now scheduled to play the #2 ranked Rabun County High School out of Georgia. We are excited about the opportunity to play this level of competition, especially at home. We look forward to this game and hope that you can attend. Bring the energy, bring the noise, bring the PURPLE OUT!
Game time is 7:30. Gates open at 6:00. Join the Booster Club for a pre-game tailgate party featuring DJ Sparkle.
We will recognize the Baseball and Softball All-Star Champions, the Tigerette Cheer participants, and the Fall Recreation Players / Cheerleaders prior to the game in this order. All individuals should meet your coaches at the back gate no later than 6:30 to line up. All players will enter for free with jersey. Parents are required to purchase a ticket to enter.
Tickets will be available for purchase online on Wednesday, September 15th at 8:00 am through the end of the game. The link will be shared tomorrow, September 14th. Paper tickets will be available at The Added Touch, The Hardware Store and Saluda High School on Wednesday, September 15th through Friday, September 17th. Online tickets are $7.00 plus the processing fee and paper tickets are $7.00.
The Added Touch
116 N Main St, Saluda, SC 29138
The Hardware Store
102 Travis Ave, Saluda, SC 29138
By Jeanette Wilder
Traffic Stop Leads To Big
Drug Related Arrests
Three subjects have been arrested and charged with numerous offenses to include Trafficking Methamphetamine, Trafficking Heroin, Trafficking Cocaine, Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mark Harmon, William Beasley, and Brittney Cook are currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center after a traffic stop in the Ward area of the county led to a large drug seizure. All three subjects are currently on probation for offenses related to selling illegal drugs.
Sheriff Josh Price commented, “Drugs are destroying our communities and they are the leading factor in many other crimes. This is the result of the Sheriff’s Office’s proactive approach to law enforcement and I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
2225 County COVID
Cases, 43 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases total 2225 (1,867 actual, 358 probable), with 43 deaths.
The county had 904 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 669 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating. Eight weeks ago, the Saluda County figure was 14.7 cases per 100,000 with a low incidence rating.
The number of tests given in Saluda County is 24,447. Saluda County has had 8995 citizens who have started or completed the vaccination process.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: (last weeek - this week) Aiken - 16,324 - 16,999, Edgefield - 3,020 - 3,110; Greenwood 8,802 - 9,273, Lexington - 34,214 - 36,243; Newberry - 5,080 - 5,365.
Fri.., Sept. 10, 2,299 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by state Department of Health and Environmental Control, with 82 confirmed deaths.
Positive tests are at 12.0 percent.
This state total is 632,668, with probable cases 151,384. Confirmed deaths are 9,737 and 1,412 probable deaths.
Be Positive You’re Negative
DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. DHEC's testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations.
VACCINATIONS
In Saluda County, 8995 citizens have started vaccinations, including 1979 black, 4980 white, 2036 Hispanic, other or unknown. Saluda County ranks 41st out of 46 counites on the rate of vacine recipients per 10,000 residents, the same ranking as last week. The county’s population aged 12+ is 17,318.
The local sites giving vaccinations are Emmanuel Family Clinic - Saluda (Public health provider – Rural Health Clinic), 501 West Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138., and the Saluda County Health Department, Mondays and Wednesdays.,445-2141.
Harvey Padgett, Jr. Dies
Harvey Padgett Jr., who has submitted a weekly, religious poem to the Standard-Sentinel since 2018, died Sept. 5 from Covid complications. He was 93.
It was late in life when Junior gave his life to the Lord, and suddenly he was led to start writing poetry, something he had never done in his life.
We at the newspaper, and all his many friends mourn his passing.
2021 Night Out
1st Annual National Night Out
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Sauda sponsored the National Night Out, featuring inflatibles, food, activities, etc., plus a chance to meet the county’s first responders. (Standard-Sentinel photos)
Saluda County Woman Dies
In One-Vehicle Crash
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office responded to a one vehicle fatal collision near the intersection of Spann Road and Water Tower Road in Ward, Saluda County on Sunday evening.
The collision occurred on August 29, 2021, at approximately 8:05 PM. The driver of the vehicle died at the scene and was identified as Ms. Elisabeth A. Mizell, 46, of Saluda.
According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt, the 2021 Mazda hatchback driven by the victim was traveling west on Water Tower when it went off the left side of the road and hit a ditch and an embankment. The victim was wearing a seatbelt.
The collision is being investigated by the SC Highway Patrol, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office and the Saluda County Coroner’s Office. The Coroner’s Office extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Mizell.
The coroner would also like to thank all those who assisted. Special thanks to the Saluda County - Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, EMS and the SC Hwy Patrol.
2095 County COVID
Cases, 42 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases total 2095 (1,771 actual, 324 probable), with 42 deaths.
The county had 669 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 562 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating. Seven weeks ago, the Saluda County figure was 14.7 cases per 100,000 with a low incidence rating.
The number of tests given in Saluda County is 24,447. Saluda County has had 8845 citizens who have started or completed the vaccination process.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: (last weeek - this week) Aiken - 15,675 - 16,324, Edgefield - 2,931 - 3,020; Greenwood - 8,451 - 8,802, Lexington - 32,664 - 34,214; Newberry - 4,874 - 5,080.
Thurs., Sept. 2, 3,572 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by state Department of Health and Environmental Control, with 44 confirmed deaths.
Positive tests are at 14.5 percent.
This state total is 604,166, with probable cases 141,991. Confirmed deaths are 9,403 and 1,340 probable deaths.
Be Positive You’re Negative
DHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive you're negative by routinely getting tested if you're regularly out in the community. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. DHEC's testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations.
VACCINATIONS
In Saluda County, 8845 citizens have started vaccinations, including 1942 black, 4897 white, 2006 Hispanic, other or unknown. Saluda County ranks 41st out of 46 counties on the rate of vaccine recipients per 10,000 residents, the same ranking as last week. The county’s population aged 12+ is 17,318.
The local sites giving vaccinations are Emmanuel Family Clinic - Saluda (Public health provider – Rural Health Clinic), 501 West Butler Ave, Saluda, SC 29138., and the Saluda County Health Department, Mondays and Wednesdays.,445-2141.
DUE TO OUR EARLY LABOR DAY DEADLINE, the folllowing classified ad arrived too late to be included in the September 9 paper. HOUSE TO BE AUCTIONED at Courthouse on Sept. 13, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths. 864 396-0079.
Tigers Thrash Trojans
DEFENSE! - Saluda’s JT Lott, Hayden Stoudemire and Javarious Stevens team up to bring down Ridge Spring-Monetta’s Nehemiah Brooks. Also, pictured is the Trojan’s William McKinney (66). (SHS photo by Dean Roesner)
Tigers Thump
Trojans, 43-6
In their second straight lightning delayed game, the Saluda Tigers got the same results, a blowout win over an old rival.
The victim this time was Ridge Spring-Monetta, who fell 43-6 at the Bettis Herlong Stadium at Matthews Field.
Saluda led Strom Thurmond 14-0 last week before the delay. Friday, the Tigers ran only one offensive play, and it resulted in an interception by the Trojans of a Jonah McCary pass.
From their seven, the Trojans moved to the 45, before the lightning delay was called.
After an over one hour break, the game resumed. On the second play, RSM elected to got for it on fourth and short and the Tigers Javarious Stevens threw Trojan quarterback Remedee Leaphart for a three yard loss and Saluda took over at the Trojan 43-yard-line.
Staying primarily on the ground, the Tigers drove in
the for the score in seven plays. The touchdown came on a three-yard run by Montrevious Baker. From their bucket conversion formation, McCary threw to Stevens for the 2-point play.
Saluda held the Trojans on their next possession, and began their second scoring drive from their 23, after a 41-yard RSM punt. The big play in the drive was a 48-yard pass from McCary to Zion Wright to the RSM nine. On the second play, Baker scored from the three. Once again, the Tigers got two points from the bucket formation. This one was on a run by McCary. The Tigers led 16-0 with 1:42 to go in the first quarter.
A personal foul penalty against the Trojans sparked Saluda’s next scoring drive. The Tigers mixed the pass and run to go the 69-yards in seven plays. Baker got his third TD of the night on a seven-yard run. This time, the Tigers sent Sam Espinoza to kick the extra and Saluda led 23-0 with 9:52 to go in the half.
The Tigers’ final scoring drive of the half covered 73-yards and used five McCary completions to pace the march. McCary scored the touchdown on a one-yard run. Espinoza’s kick made the halftime score 30-0.
Saluda received the second half kick-off and milked the clock on every play. They were able to take almost four minutes off the clock in the 63-yard scoring march. The touchdown came on an 18-yard pass from McCary to Stevens. Espinoza gave the Tigers a 37-0 lead with 8:14 to go in the third quarter.
Midway in the quarter, Saluda punted for the only time in the game, and the Trojans put together a nice drive behind Leaphart, who completed tree passes and rushed three times on the 77-yard drive. The touchdown came on a three yard run by Ben Kirk. Jaden Jeffery’s kick was no good, making the score 37-6 with 1:16 to go in the quarter.
The Saluda reserves came in and put together a 91-yard drive, begining in the third and ending in the fourth, continuing to snap the ball with only a few seconds from a delay of game penalty. Saluda used four different running backs along the way. The big play came on a 36-yard run by sophomore Arryion Brown to the Trojan one-yard line. Brown stayed on to score the touchdown. A bad snap foiled with extra point and Saluda led 43-6 with 4:10 to go in the game, and it stayed that way.
McCary was once again the offensive statistical leader, completed 17 of 23 passes for 202 yards and one score. He also rushed for a touchdown and a two-point play.
Baker had 64-yards rushing and three touchdowns. Wright led the receiving with seven catches.
The Tiger defense had its second straight outstanding game. They only claimed one turnover, compared to last week’s five, but they held the Trojan team that beat Batesburg-Leesville last week to 47-yards rushing and 109 through the air.
Due to McCormick’s region’s decision to move their region schedule to the front of the schedule, Saluda had to find and new opponent, and came up with a game at Midland Valley in two weeks.
This Friday’s game with Ninety Six has been postponed due to a Covid issue with the Tigers.
TOP AGRICULTURE GRADUATE - Makayla Porter of Saluda was named Piedmont Technical College’s outstanding agriculture graduate at the 45th Annual Student Awards and Recognition Program.