November Council Meeting
Sheriff Says Employees
Need Higher Salaries
At the Nov. 8 meeting, Saluda County Sheriff Josh Price urged County Council to considered increasing the pay for all members of his department, from detention center workers to deputies.
Price said he is losing employees, because surrounding counties pay law enforcement personal $8,000-10,000 more a year. He cited one county that had used Covid relief funds to increase salaries by 25 per cent across the board.
Price said he can’t blame his employees, who can drive 15 to 30 minutes to make much more money.
“They have to look out for their families.”
Before asking increases for all employees, Price told of the problem he has had in hiring the replacement for the recently retired administrative assistant.
“An 18-year-old can make more money at a fast food restaurant, that what we pay for this position,” Price said.
The job is more of an office manager that an administrative assistant, he said, relaying that the employee is is regular contact with the FBI, SLED and neighboring agencies.
Price said he had rearranged his budget so more money could be paid for the position. He just needed Council permission.
Council voted to discuss the matter in executive session. Out of executive session Council voted to increase the pay grade for the administrative assistant from ten to 12.
Most of the earlier part of the meeting was taken up with public hearings and readings on ordinances.
Public hearings were held on the following:
An ordinance approving the transfer of real property located at to 101 Civic Street, Saluda, to the YMCA.
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.
An ordinance providing for the naming of roads and the addressing of properties in Saluda County.
An ordinance to repeal No. 11-91, naming of roads and the addressing of properties in Saluda County.
After the public hearing, third reading was to the fee in lieu of ordinance, second reading to the YMCA and road ordinances, second reading to an ordinance to adopt a false fire alarm ordinance for the County of Saluda. This ordinance it to encourage business and home owners to maintain alarms systems properly.
In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance to lease T-Hangars at the Saluda County Airport, first reading to repeal the old T-Hangar leasing ordinance, first reading to a fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes for Project Thunder, and passed a resolution authorizing the assignment by Roya Foods of a 2013 fee in lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement by and between Roya Foods and Saluda County to Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. and other related matters.
Council approved the 2020-2021 audit financial statements report by David Enzastiga, CPA, Rish & Enzastiga Firm.
After the executive session, Council voted to purchase the building a 307 West Butler Ave. from set aside funds, plus $60,000 from the Public Buildings account.
WREATH LAYING - Left to right, American Legion Post 65 Commmander John Hook, and guest speaker CMD Jim Moore, U.S. Navy, retired, lay the wreath at Saluda County’s memorial to the war dead, following the Nov. 11 Veterans Day program at the Saluda Theater. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Christmas Craft Show Returns
The annual Saluda Christmas Craft Show will be held Saturday, November 20th—10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, November 21st— 1:00PM to 5:00 PM at the Saluda National Guard Armory.
For more information or an application contact Johnnie Stevens (864-980-8760), Susan S. Berry (864-980-4557) or Stacie S, Goff (864-980-9995. Applications may also be picked up at The Hair Strand on S. Main Street.
October Court Cases
Term Features One Jury Trial
One jury trial took up most of the time in the recently completed term of Saluda County General Sessions Court.
In the trial Tommy Gene Williams, Jr. was charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor, 1st degree, and criminal sexual conduct with a minor, 2nd degree. He was found not guilty on both charges.
Sentenced on guilty pleas were the following:
Augustin Ensaldo-Martinez, public disorderly conduct, 30 days or $100. Anthony Lavon Holmes, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, 3rd degree, 10 years.
Ricardo Moreno Vasquez, domestic violence, 3rd degree, 90 days. Marcus Andre Govan, use of 911 unlawfully, seven days. Kendrick Cortez-Debris Daniel, unlawfully carrying a pistol, one year & $1000, suspended to 90 days or $250; unlawfully carrying a pistol, one years, suspended to six days.
Triquan Martez Lott, unlawfully carrying a pistol, one year & $1000, suspended to 30 days or $100, one year probation. Dennis Truitt Atchley, failure to comply with lawful direction of police, fireman or crossing guard, 30 days or $100.
Charzavia Keaonte Long, assault & battery 2nd degree, three years. Gertez Marque Walker, failure to register, 90 days, upon service of 10 days or $200, suspended to six months probation.
William Arther Jenkins, possession of less than one gram of meth, cocaine base, first offense, three years and $3000, suspended to $100 and one hear probation. Dionte Tyree Harris, possession of other controlled substance, 90 days or $250, six months probation.
James Carson Sellers, possession of cocaine, 1st offense, three years and $3000, upon service of 49 days and $100, suspended to two years probation. Lashawn Willie Chinn III, failure to stop for a blue light, no injury or death, 1st offense, three years and $500, suspended to 83 days and $100, one year probation,
Ashtin Dale Ritchie, malicious injury to property, $2000 or less, 30 months, suspended to six days. Tristan Caleb Vinson, failure to comply with lawful direction of police, fireman or crossing guard, 30 days or $100.
Leo Abney, possession of other controlled substance, 90 days, suspended to one probation. Fred Holt Duncan, public disorderly conduct, 30 days or $100. Cory Neil Duncan, public disorderly conduct, 30 days or $100.
Saluda Christmas Parade Announced
Saluda Operation Christmas Parade “Jingle around the Block” will be held on Saturday December 11, 2021 at 11:00am.
We would like to have many entries and lots of participation. The lineup will start on West Butler Avenue near the schools. Look for the route to be published in the Saluda Standard Sentinel as the parade time draws near. We encourage you to have your vehicle or float decorated. Please make sure people in your entry are visible.
The theme for this year’s parade is: “Operation Christmas.” If you have any questions about the parade, or the theme, please contact Mandy K Hess at Town Hall at 864-445-3522 or at hess@town ofsaluda.com.
We encourage vendors, restaurants, churches, and all stores to decorate and participate!
Please sign up online http://www.townofsaluda.com/festivals, 100 S Jefferson Street, or fax to 864-445-4928 Attn: Mandy by December 6th. Please be aware: if we do not receive your entry prior to the deadline your float may not be acknowledged by the announcer!
CMD MOORE
Veterans Day Program Set
Veterans Day began as Armistice Day ,on the “eleventh hour of the elev-enth day of the eleventh month” of 1918, and is a annual federal holiday marked on November 11.
Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday celebrated in May. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who had died while in military service. No apostrophe is used with Veterans Day because it is a day that honors all veterans.
United States Navy Commander Jim Moore (Ret) will be the Keynote Speaker at the local American Legion Post 65 Veterans Day Celebration. Some of Commander Moore’s decorations include: Defense Meritorious Medal, Navy Meritorious Medal two awards, Navy Commendation Medal two awards, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Southwest Asian Service medal, Sea Service Medal Seven Awards, Overseas Service Medal, and Service Warfare Office. Commander Moore started out as enlisted in February 1975, and for the next twenty years progressed through the ranks.
Upon retirement, CDR Moore accepted the position as Senior Naval Science Instructor at Saluda High School, where he started the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC) Program. He remained in the position for the next 17 years.
Come and help us celebrate Veterans Day! The event is free, open to the public at the Saluda Theater on Law Range. Please mark your calendar. November 11, 4 pm, Saluda Theater on Law Range, Saluda, SC 29138.
Spreaman Not Seeking Re-election
Spearman Through The Years
Molly Mitchell Spearman has been involved in politics for most of her life. In the top photo, she observes her father Rudolph Mitchell being sworn in as a member of the S.C. House of Representatives, as her mother Lenora and brother Randy look on. In the middle photo, Lt. Gov. Nick Theodore swears Molly in to the same House of Representative seat her father held. Her son Mitchell, husband Bill, and daughter Katie witness the event. In the bottom photo Spearman is sworn in as S.C.’s Superintendent of Education by Gov. Henry McMaster in 2015.
Spearman Will Not Seek Re-election
Saluda County’s Molly Spearman announced last week she will not run for a third term as South Caro-lina Education Superintendent, saying after 40 years of service as a teacher, lawmaker and education official she wants to devote more time to her family.
Spearman, 67, made the announcement in a statement five months before filing for the 2022 election begins and 13 months before the election. She also said she plans to keep working up until her replacement is sworn into office.
“Until the end of my term in January 2023, I will continue to work diligently to help us rise out of the pandemic stronger than before while advocating for the needs of our students, educators, and families,” Spearman said.
Spearman pushed for consolidating smaller school districts backing financial incentives passed by legislators. By the end of this school year, 11 districts will have merged into five, leaving the state with 73 traditional school districts in its 46 counties.
Spearman’s state Education Department also took over three districts from local officials after too many schools were rate
Spearman grew up on a dairy farm in Saluda County, starting her education career as a music teacher and assistant principal. She spent four terms in the South Carolina House before becoming an administrator at the state Education Department and executive director of the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.
“I am humbled that a little girl from a dairy farm in Saluda County has had the chance to serve her community and state for over forty years,” Spearman said. “My husband — Bill, children — Mitchell, Katie and Lee, and grandchildren — Molly Brooke and Marilyn Ann now deserve my full attention.”
BROWN
Arrest Made
Devonta Brown has been arrested and charged with two felony counts of Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child. On Monday October 25, 2021, Saluda County EMS responded to a residence in Saluda County in reference to a two month old infant being unresponsive.
The infant was transported to Palmetto Richland Hospital where the infant began receiving medical attention. Due to the nature of the medical incident, the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation.
The medical tests show the infant is suffering from injuries to the head and brain. Medical tests further showed that the infant had older head injuries to the brain as well.
The investigation has revealed that Brown caused these injuries and has been arrested by deputies. Brown is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center. Bail has been set at $200,000.
The two month old victim is stable at this time. Sheriff Price asks that you please pray for the full recovery of the infant.
2021 Hall Induction
INDUCTEES - Saluda County Schools inducted the 2021 Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor Class at halftime of the Saluda-Columbia football game, Fri. Oct. 22. Pictured, L to R, Ring of Honor - Wayne Grice and Charles Long; Hall of Fame - Luke Brown, Lindsay Hawkins, Steve O’Kelley, and Tracy Palmore. (SHS photo by Dean Roesner)
Recent Arrest
John Vance Canday has been arrested and charged for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
Canday is currently incarcerated at the Saluda County Detention Center. Bond has been denied.
Sheriff Price commented, “I commend the dedicated work of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and we will use every resource possible to bring those to justice who prey on the young and innocent.”
Saluda 14th
Safest City
According to a report on Safewise.com, Saluda has been named the 14th safest city in S.C.
The Top 20 is as follows:
#1 Woodruff
#2 Fort Mill
#3 Tega Cay
#4 Mount Pleasant
#5 Bluffton
#6 Isle of Palms
#7 Hanahan
#8 Walhalla
#9 Central
#10 Mauldin
#11 Duncan
#12 Port Royal
#13 Clemson
#14 Saluda
#15 Simpsonville
#16 Clover
#17 North Augusta
#18 Fountain Inn
#19 Charleston
#20 Lexington
For the purposes of this report, the terms “dangerous” and “safest” refer explicitly to crime rates as calculated from FBI crime data—no other characterization of any community is implied or intended.
70 cities met criteria to be considered for our 2021 list.
Half of the cities on our list moved up in the rankings this year.
Woodruff climbed 26 spots to land on top as South Carolina’s new number one safest city.
Duncan and Clemson each debuted on the safest cities list this year.
Isle of Palms fell from the top spot to number six this year, due to an increase in reported property crimes. It still boasts the lowest violent crime rate with just one aggravated assault reported.
Your odds of falling victim to violent crime in the safest cities are 2 out of 1,000, versus 5 out of 1,000 throughout the state.
Seven cities (35%) reported fewer than 10 violent crimes: Woodruff, Tega Cay, Isle of Palms, Walhalla, Central, Duncan, and Saluda.
The property crime rate in the safest cities is 18.9 incidents per 1,000—that’s 10 fewer incidents than the rest of the state.
Five cities (25%) reported fewer than 100 total property crimes: Woodruff, Isle of Palms, Walhalla, Duncan, and Saluda.
