Lengthy Sentence
JOHN L. WERTZ
27 Year Sentence for
Saluda County Man
John Lavan Wertz, 40, of Saluda, has received a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor – 2nd degree and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Wertz was sentenced to twenty-seven (27) years in Saluda County General Sessions Court last week.
Under South Carolina
law, these offenses are classified as violent crimes and Wertz is not eligible for parole.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation in June of 2021, following the discovery of video evidence related to the crime. The investigation determined that multiple offenses had occurred over a period of time. In addition, Wertz wrote several incriminating letters while being housed in the Saluda County Detention Center.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Erik Drylie on behalf of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The investigation was led by Investigator Christopher Hartless, Chief Deputy Jesse Quattlebaum, and Sheriff Josh Price of the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the sentence, Sheriff Price stated, “We are relieved that a sex offender is off the streets of Saluda County and that this behavior will always be investigated to the fullest to keep our children safe. Our thoughts are with the victim in this case who will live with this trauma for the rest of their life.”
Wertz is being transferred to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to immediately begin service of his prison sentence.
Drug Arrests Made
Sheriff Josh Price is announcing the arrests of multiple persons after the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office has executed two narcotics search warrants in Saluda County.
On May 5, 2022 deputies executed a narcotic’s search warrant at a residence on Daniel Avenue that led to the arrest of four persons.
Victoria Zachary was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine. Michael Bunch was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. Sarah Zail was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Joey Cockrell was arrested at the residence for an out standing bench warrant. All subjects were taken to the Saluda County Detention Center.
On May 13, 2022 deputies executed a narcotic’s search warrant at a residence on Butler Road that led to the arrest of two persons. Robert Stancel was arrested for Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Trafficking Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule ll Narcotic, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana. Kristen Fields Coleman, who was at the residence, was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. Both subjects were taken to the Saluda County Detention Center.
The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently to keep dangerous drugs off the streets of Saluda County.
Council May 2022
Council Explores
Government Change
At the May 9 meeting, Saluda County Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would allow voters to decide if they want a change in form of government.
If the ordinance passes in three readings, a referendum will be held and the county voters will decide of they want to keep the present council form of government with five council members, or adopt the council-administrator form of government with five council members.
Scott Neely of Dominion Energy informed Council of a planned power outage in a small section of the Ridge area of the county on May 22. The outage will run from midnight to 4 a.m., and will allow Dominion to switch out equipment. If it rains, the outage will be held on May 29.
Neely said the company has sent post cards to all residents who will be affected. Another planned outage will be held in October in the Batesburg area of the county, Again, residents will be contacted in advance by post cards.
Council gave second reading approval to the Saluda County Schools and county budget.
The local support portion of the school district’s $23,159,456 budget is $8,476,594, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier for a net amount of $5,343,556 from ad valorem taxes.
The county’s budget stands at $14,999,977, and is currently balanced. One more readings is required for both budgets.
The purchase of a $37,400 heavy equipment trailer was approved. It will be funded from the Heavy Equipment Reserve Fund.
The low bid for the purchase of an ambulance remount was awarded to EPA for $128,126.18. It will be paid from the Ambulance Fund.
Timothy Taylor was appointed to the Fire Board to fill the unexpired term of Tanner Quattlebaum. Randall Porter was appointed the alternate.
Inducted Into S.C. Lions
Club Hall of Fame
At the SC Lions State Convention on April 30, late Saluda Lions Club member Charlie Rentz was inducted into the S.C. Lions Hall of Fame for his leadership as a Lions District Governor and his support of Lions charitable causes. Accepting the award is Lion Brooksie Rentz, his widow.
Special EMS Project At
‘One Saluda’ Fireflies Game
Come celebrate with the Saluda community for “One Saluda” night at Segra Park in Columbia on Sunday, May 22. Included will be a special county EMS promotion.The Fireflies play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at 5:05 p.m.
Each ticket purchase will include a Fireflies group hat voucher. Tickets will be left at will-call!
To order tickets for the One Saluda game, go to: https://www.firefliestickets.com/group/event/Saluda22/
Things to know before you go:
Segra Park is a clear bag policy and cashless! Saluda & The Fireflies have partnered together for exciting festivities! 1.) Community Organization of the Game: GOLDEN GATE MOVEMENT 2) Saluda HS Band on the field 4 minute performance in the outfield 3). National Anthem Group: TANYA GOFF & TONIA HUDSON.
Saluda County EMS has issued the following announcement:
“We have been working together with the Columbia Fireflies and on May 22nd we will be showcasing one of our new ambulances at Segra Park.
As you enter the park please bring two or more non-perishable food items and help us “Stuff A Ambulance” All food items will be brought back to a local food pantry in Saluda.
As a gift for bringing the non-perishable items you will recive a discount booklet to local stores and restaurants in Saluda while supplies last. Included in the booklet are: Punks PB and Jam; File and Style; A Touch of Country; Southern Roots; Migs Pizza; Three Maria's; Root 121.
Please help get the word out! Together we can make a difference.
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Punks PB and Jam; Crouch’s Hardware; Southeastern Helicopters; Do it Best Hardware; H&R Block - Marcia Shealy; State Farm Agent Kelly White; Cromley’s Ford
Also thanks to the businesses participating, SHS printing department and all those who made it happen.
Keep a watch on our Facebook page for more exciting info in the upcoming days...we worry that all the excitement released at one time will blow your mind.”
Also thanks to the businesses participating, SHS printing department and all those who made it happen.
Keep a watch on our Facebook page for more exciting info in the upcoming days...we worry that all the excitement released at one time will blow your mind.”
Duggins Honored
(Left to Right: The Honorable Molly Spearman, Dr. Abbey Duggins, and Dr. Harvey Livingston)
Dr. Duggins Receives
State Recognition
Saluda County Schools is proud to announce that Dr. Abbey Duggins has been named the South Carolina Association of School Administrators’ District Level Administrator of the Year.
Dr. Duggins currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Saluda County Schools.
In additional to her role in our district, Dr. Duggins serves on several state boards and committees, most notably serving as Chair of the South Carolina English Language Arts standards revision committee.
Dr. Duggins is well known throughout the State as an expert in literacy and learning.
County Man Dies In Greenwood Wreck
A Saluda County man was killed Mon., May 2, in a one-vehicle accident in Greenwood.
Jabacus Kawanza Culbreath died of blunt force trauma when the pickup truck he was driving crashed into a guard rail on a bridge, according to Greenwood County Coroner Sonny Cox . The 40-year-old resident of the Saluda County portion of Batesburg died at the scene.
The single-vehicle collision happened at about 1:20 a.m., according to Cpl. Joe Hovis of the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Culbreath was driving a 2012 Dodge pickup north on Airport Road when the truck hit the guard rail on a bridge at Rocky Creek , officials said. That’s near the Greenwood County Airport, about four miles from the intersection of U.S. 178 and U.S. 221.
The crash caused the pickup to flip over, Hovis said.
The crash remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol and coroner’s office.
Left to Right: Holly Brazell, Dr. Abbey Duggins, Megan Schulte, Alyssa Ball, Elizabeth Schumpert and Dr. Harvey Livingston
Induction Teacher Of
The Year Named
Saluda Elementary School fourth grade teacher, Ms. Alyssa Ball, has been named Saluda County Schools’ first ever Induction Teacher of the Year!
Induction teachers are first-year teachers. During their Induction year, these teachers participate in specialized professional learning and are assigned a mentor in order to ensure success in the classroom.
Alyssa is a graduate of Newberry College and fell in love with Saluda through her student teaching experience. She is incredibly committed to her students and has said, “My students have inspired me to be the absolute best teacher I can be every single day, and in turn this allows me to hopefully inspire them as well.”
Alyssa will represent Saluda County Schools at the state level. South Carolina ASCD awards the statewide Induction Teacher of the Year honor at the organization’s 2022 Fall Conference at Furman University in Greenville.
Strong Armed Robbery
Arrest Made In
Strong Armed Robbery
An arrest was made last week in a strong armed robbery at a resident near Lake Murry.
April 26, the Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Windwood Acres Road in reference to a robbery involving a handgun.
Upon arriving on scene, deputies learned that Justin Whitt had assaulted the victim while robbing him. Whitt then fled into the woods on foot.
The Bloodhound Tracking Team and Special Operations Teams responded to the scene. A perimeter was established and the bloodhounds began tracking.
Whitt was located off of Cold Harbor Road after he stole a kayak and attempted to flee into Lake Murray. Whitt has been arrested by the Sheriff’s Office and charged with Strong Armed Robbery, two counts of Larceny, and Trespassing. He is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center.
AMERICAN LEGION MEETING - Pictured left to right: Post 65 Legionnaires James Etheredge, Mary Andrews, Emergency Management Director Josh Morton, Post 65 Commander John Hood, and Past Commander Al Butler. Josh Morton, Saluda County’s Emergency Management Director was the key note speaker at the April Post 65 American Legion meeting and delivered a very interesting presentation. Emergency Services is composed of five distinct disciplines covering Emergency Management, Public Works, Fire and Rescue Services, Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services. Morton stated “that on a day to day basis EMD tries to prevent disasters from happening. “ But in time of need, EMD rolls out the emergency management services whether they are short term or long term disasters.
