Happy New Year 2020
Saluda County Forestry Association Scholarship Winners
By: Stephen Pohlman,
Clemson Extension
Forestry Agent
Though the Saluda County Forestry Association was unable to hold their annual Christmas Banquet this year, the group was excited to be able to carry on the tradition of supporting Saluda County youth.
Each year the association provides scholarship to Saluda County youth who are currently pursuing college degrees in forestry or other natural resources related fields. This year $2,000 scholarships were provided to Grantt Doolittle, Jessica Eidson, and Drew Proctor.
A special Thank You to our Saluda County Forestry Association members and local businesses and organizations who help make these scholarships possible each year through their generous donations. Typically these gracious sponsors are listed on the Christmas Banquet program. This year, however, we will be featuring them on a billboard in the town of Saluda to recognize them for their continued support of youth and forestry.
If anyone is interested in learning more about donating to the forestry scholarships or becoming a part of the Saluda County Forestry Association can contact Stephen Pohlman, Clemson Extension Area Forestry Agent at spohlma@clemson. edu.
The Saluda County Forestry Association and Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
969 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 969 (913 actual, 56 probable), with 23 deaths.
The county had 440 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 386 cases per 100,000 with a high incidence rating.
Self Regional Healthcare is offering free testing Jan. 12 & 27, 12 noon-4 p.m., at Family Healthcare North, 595 Newberry Hwy., Saluda. Call 864 725-8200 to register.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6564, Edgefield - 1250; Greenwood -3322 Lexington - 11,931; Newberry - 2121.
Sat.., Dec. 24, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 3,111 new confirmed cases and 151 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 74 additional confirmed deaths and seven new probable deaths. Positive tests at 21.6 percent.
This state total is 266,678, probable cases to 22,214, confirmed deaths to 4,736, and 388 probable deaths.
Fireworks Ban In Saluda
The COVID-19 year has hit another holiday tradition, fireworks.
The Town of Saluda has issued a statement that there will be no fireworks allowed in the town limits over the holidays. Violators are subject to fines.
Town Hall is also open by appointment only. Citizens are urged to use the outdoor drop box for payments. Call 864 445-3522.
Merry Christmas 2020
917 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 917 (869 actual, 48 probable), with 23 deaths.
The county had 386 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 273.1 cases per 100,000 with a highe incidence rating.
Self Regional Healthcare is offering free testing Dec. 30, 12 noon-4 p.m., at Family Healthcare North, 595 Newberry Hwy., Saluda. Call 864 725-8200 to register.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6564, Edgefield - 1250; Greenwood -3322 Lexington - 11,931; Newberry - 2121.
Sun., Dec. 13, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2,583 new confirmed cases and 25 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 36 additional confirmed deaths and four new probable deaths. Positive tests at 22.4 percent.
This 253,034, probable cases to 20,372, confirmed deaths to 4,566, and 369 probable deaths.
Counties With Most Value
For Their Property Taxes
When purchasing a home, you’ll need to consider property taxes as an ongoing cost.
Since not all property taxes are created equal, it’s important to know what your tax dollars are paying for. A sixth annual study from SmartAsset finds the places in the U.S. where residents are receiving the most value for their property taxes.
SmartAssest ranked Saluda County among the top places in South Carolina where property tax dollars are going the furthest. The study analyzed the following metrics, including quality of local schools, home values and effective property tax rates to find where people were getting the most value.
Take a look at the top counties in South Carolina below:
The full study results, methodology and interactive map can be found here:https://smartasset.com/taxes/south-carolina-property-tax-calculator#southcarolina
Trafficking Task Force
Human Trafficking Task Force
Dec. 8, Attorney General Alan Wilson announced the launch of the Lexington, Edgefield, McCormick, and Saluda (LEMS) Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.
Solicitor Rick Hubbard gave a few remarks about the need for this task force to fight against human trafficking in the 11th Circuit. Solicitor Hubbard stood proudly with law enforcement agencies and other community partners and leaders throughout the Circuit publicly acknowledging our commitment to ending human trafficking.
Repesentatives attending included: Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Police Department, Irmo Police Department, Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, Cayce Department of Public Safety, West Columbia Police Department, McCormick County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda County Sheriff-elect Josh Price.
From The Chairman’s Desk
By Jerry Strawbridge
My Friends, I want to let you know the $25.00 road fee that has been in effect for this year has been repealed beginning with January 2021 vehicle property tax renewals, and every wheeled and titled vehicle required to be registered and licensed in Saluda County by the South Carolina Department of Transportation purchased after December 31, 2020.
Please be aware if you have a vehicle tax bill for December that has the fee on it, then you must pay the fee. If you wait until January, and your taxes were due in December, the Department of Transportation penalizes late registration.
On a side note, we will have a new County Council mix beginning in January and we have a lot of work to do. As I have said before, we intend to live within our means. That is our prime concern. I think all other matters in the conduction of business for the County will follow.
If anyone would like to talk to me, I am in the Council Administration building most every morning. Merry Christmas!
868 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 868 (823 actual, 45 probable), with 23 deaths.
The county had 273.5 cases per 100,000, classified as a high incidence. Last week, the figure was 185.61 cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
Saluda County is reporting 7547 tests, which a story on WRDW-TV says is the lowest per capita in the state.
Self Regional Healthcare is offering free testing Dec. 16 and 13, 12 noon-4 p.m., at Fa ily Healthcare North, 595 Newberry Hwy., Saluda. Call 864 725-8200 to register.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6564, Edgefield - 1250; Greenwood -3322 Lexington - 11,931; Newberry - 2121.
Sun., Dec. 13, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2,924 new confirmed cases and 61 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 44 additional confirmed deaths and 11 new probable deaths. Positive tests at 21.3 percent.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 234,392, probable cases to 17,814, confirmed deaths to 4,387, and 352 probable deaths.
LEGION MEETING - Pictured left to right: Entertainers Jerry and Rose Farmer, Santa Claus, First Vice Commander Al Butler, Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Padgett and Commander John Hood. Saluda American Legion Post 65 and Ladies Auxiliary celebrated the Christmas season at their December meeting which included following Saluda County Covid-19 protocols. Following the meal catered by Matthew’s BBQ, was singing and music by Jerry and Rose Farmer. Chaplain Bob Albert shared the Christmas story. A surprise visit by Santa Clause helped with the door prizes. Thanks to all who helped make this Christmas celebration a success and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
2020 Tree Contest
Courthouse Tree Contest
The annual Courthouse Christmas Tree contest is underway. The public is invited to go by the Courthouse, see the trees, then vote for their favorites. (Photos by Tiffany Rodgers Shaw)
828 County COVID
Cases, 23 Deaths
Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases have risen to 802 (788 actual, 40 probable), with 23 deaths.
The county is classified as moderate incidence with a rate of 185.6 per 100,000. Last week, the figure was also 166.11 cases per 100,000 with a moderate incidence rating.
Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Aiken - 6016, Edgefield - 1180; Greenwood -3102 Lexington - 11,067; Newberry - 1989.
Sun., Dec. 6, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 2583 new confirmed cases and 51 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 43 additional confirmed deaths and six new probable death. Positive tests at 21.2 percent.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 216,378, probable cases to 15,721, confirmed deaths to 4,237, and 329 probable deaths.
Good Rain Returns
After a month’s absence, good rainfall returned to Saluda in November
November’s rainfall total was 4.52, and big increase over October’s 1.12 inches, the lowest total since 0.76 inch of rain fell in Sept. 2019. The 4.52 brings the total for the year to 50.18 inches. This compares to 42.33 inches during the same time last year.
November’s temperatures were almost spring-like with 15 days with highs in the 80s and 70s. The temperatures ranged from a high of 57 on Nov. 18, to 83 on Nov. 12. The lowest morning temperature, 30, was recorded Nov. 3 and 19.
This information was reported by NWS observer Edwin Riley at the Saluda CPW.