August Council Meeting
Fee Protest Presentation
Cut Short At Meeting
At the Aug. 9. County Council meeting, a citizen’s protest of last year’s road user fee, was cut short when his presentation exceeded the allotted time limit.
Sean Howard had been seen at the Courthouse last week holding up signs saying the road fee was illegal and the $25 should be refunded. Signs about the County Council meeting were also placed at the Traffic Circle.
Before Howard began his presentation, County Council Chairman Jerry Strawbridge informed him he had seven minutes, as per meeting policy.
Howard said he did not think he could complete his presentation in seven minutes, but would cut some portions.
The gist of Howard’s presentation was a ruling by the S.C. Supreme Court that a law in Greenville County, similar to Saluda, he said; was illegal.
He then explained what Saluda County should have done, like creating special tax districts, and holding a referendum.
As he read off more legal findings, Howard was informed that his time was up.
Howard asked the Council members to vote to extend his time, but that did not happen.
Strawbridge asked Howard to make five copies of his presentation, so staff and council members could read it.
Strawbridge then read a statement that a ruling against Greenvillle County does not invalidate anything to do with Saluda County. He said until Saluda’s fee is proved invalid, it will remain as an established county law.
Council established the $25 per vehicle road use fee due to a budget shortfall in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The funds collected were designed to go to the Road & Bridge Department, replacing that department’s budget allotment and moving that allotment to the general fund.
When the financial situation improved the next year, the fee was rescinded.
In old business, Council gave second reading to an ordinance to establish a county prohibition on the infringement of the right to keep and bear arms and designating Saluda County as a Second Amendment Sanctuary.
Council approved a request to seek bids for construction of the Old Town Fire Department.
A Covid Leave Policy update was approved at the recommendation of Hardee Horne, as was travel allowance changes.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Council members applauded the Recreation Department’s two youth teams that made it to their respective World Series.
SAVE THE DATE For a Celebration
Of the Life of Bela P. Herlong
On August 21, 2021, the family of Bela Herlong invite the public to join them at 2 p.m. at the Saluda Theater for a celebration of her life. The event, entitled “A Certain View: A Celebration of the Life and Poetry of Bela Herlong,” is modelled after Mrs. Herlong’s own Prism events. As director of the Saluda High literary magazine, Mrs. Herlong worked with Gloria Caldwell each year to craft a dramatic piece showcasing the student’s work.
“I did the same thing,” Madaline Herlong reported. “I used her poems to tell the story of her life.
“It felt so wrong for Mama to leave us without our giving her a proper goodbye,” Madaline continued. “And we know that there are dozens of students, friends, church members—all kinds of people—who felt the same lack we did.
“We hope EVERYONE can come and share with us our gratitude for her life, her poetry, and the love she held for family, friends, and the world.”
Museum Exhibit
A celebration of the life of Dr. Bela Herlong will be held at the Saluda Theater and Museum on August 21.
If you have any Saluda High School memorabilia that you’d like to share, please contact Bob Horne at 864-992-6754 -OR- call the museum at 864-445-8550 during regular hours M-F 10am-4pm or Saturday 10am-1pm.....you can also drop off at the museum.
ALSO, currently on display at the museum are five trophies won by the 10U Girls Angels All-Star District Champions, the 10U Angels Softball team - State Champions —AND— the 10U Boys Baseball State Runner-up , and 10U Dixie Youth World Series - Runner-up —AND— 8U Boys Baseball State Runner-up.
NEW TEAM - The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office would like to welcome the newest member of our team. Pictured is K-9 Grizzly along with his partner, Corporal James Schaffer. Grizzly and Corporal Schaffer recently graduated from an extensive certification training at Custom K-9’s. Grizzly will serve as a patrol K-9 and will work to keep Saluda County safe.
World Series Runner-Up
WORLD SERIES RUNNERS-UP
Saluda’s Minor League All-Star team (10u) made it all the way to the Dixie Youth AAA Division II World Series championship game, before falling to North Carolina, 7-3, Wed., Aug. 4, in Laurel, Miss.
Saluda made it to the World Series as S.C.’s runner-up, and made a remarkable run, defeating the those host team, and state champions from N.C., Fla., Ga., and S.C. A loss to Florida in the third round, send the local team to the loser’s bracket, where the defeated S.C.’s state champions, Lower Florence, 11-2. This set-up a rematch with Florida, and this time Saluda won, 2-1.
Saluda’s win left three teams with one loss, so one team got a bye, and North Carolina got the luck of the draw.
To win the World Series, Saluda would have two play a doubleheader on Wednesday and win both games. The local team got things off to a good start with a 5-0 win over Georgia in the 10:30 a.m. game. They then had to come back at 3 p.m. to meet North Carolina for the title, and the ran out of steam, and the team from the Tar Heel state won 7-3 to take the title.
Saluda’s march to the finals is remarkable considering the field included state champions from Florida, Mississippi, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and runners-up from Texas, Mississippi, and the local team, the S.C. runner-up.
Members of the team are Bryson Burnett, Will Wideman, Corbin Shaw, Cayden Rogers, Abraham Del Valle, Eduardo Dominguez, Javier Sorcia, Westan Rowe, Hayes Shealy, Maverick Quattlebaum, Tripp McCullough. Coaches are William Wideman, Dustin Burnett, Andrew Shaw.
Coach Dustin Burnett said, “I want to say Thank You to Saluda for all your support. We couldn’t have gotten here without y’all. Thanks to Paul Ergle for all he has done for us over the years. It’s been a long four year journey to get to this point. I’m so proud of the determination and grit these young men have shown. They have grown into some solid ball players and a band of brothers that fights for each other and do their part. It’s hard to beat someone who never quits and this team shows just that. They have dedicated their whole summer to accomplish the goals they set and they did just that. I’m honored to be able to be in these young men’s life and something we will cherish forever. I’m proud of our coaches, our players, our parents and, of course, proud to be from Saluda. We ain’t done yet! More things to come!”
Recreation Director Paul Ergle announced his resignation earlier, and he finished with the program accomplishing things that haven’t happened in the 60 years of youth baseball’s existence in Saluda County.
Three all-star teams won their District tournaments and played in the state championships. The 10u Angels softball team won the state championship and became the first youth team from Saluda to qualify for and play in the World Series. Saluda’s Minor League All-Stars finished second in the state and became the second youth team from Saluda to qualify for and play in a World Series. Finally, the Coach Pitch All-Stars played in the championship in their age group before losing to Central/Clemson. That team went on to win the CP World Series.
Armed Robbery Suspect
On Saturday night, July 30, shortly after 8:00pm, the County Line Store on Greenwood Highway was robbed at gun point. At this time investigators have several physical items of evidence that we believe will lead to the arrest of this individual. Any help from the public identifying this person is appreciated.
July Court Cases
NEW COURTHOUSE SECURITY SYSTEM - The Saluda County Courthouse has a new security system at the main and only entrance and it is used daily, not just at court. The scanning machine is similar to those found in airports and federal buildings. Deputy Sheriff Ted Maclaughlin operates the equipment. The security system is funded through a one-year COVID grant. Men are warned in advance to leave your pocketknives in your vehicle. (Standard-Sentinel photo)
Thirty-Four Sentenced
During Court Term
The latest term of Saluda County General Sessions Court concluded last week.
One trial was scheduled, but the defendant decided to plead guilty.
The following sentences were handed out on guilty pleas:
Jarred Terrell Coleman, assault and battery 2nd degree, three years, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Elijah Michael Phillips, domestic violence third degree, 16 days,
Davon Jeremiah Taylor, assault and battery 2nd degree, Youthful Offender Act (YOA) not to exceed three years, suspended to 30 months probation. Kwame Nkrumah Holloway, possession of a weapon by a person convicted of a violent felony, three years, suspended to time serves and three years probation; possession of less than one ounce of meth or cocaine base, 1st offense, three years, suspended to time serves and three years probation.
Dalton Wayne Senn, assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. Lewis Benjamin Barnes Jr., unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served.
Mayer Lee Burgess, domestic violence second degree, three years, suspended to time served and 18 months probation. Joseph Izell Mosley, petit or simple larceny $2000 or less, time served.
Dontavis Lamond Smith, unlawful carrying of a pistol, time served. Tabitha Lynn Lykins, felony DUI with bodily injury results, 45 days.
Shyheim Tyron Rauch, DUS 3rd or subsequent offense, time served. Amber Calvert Winkler, possession of other controlled substance, time served.
Amber Nicole Trent, neglect of vulnerable adult, five years, suspended to time served, three years probation. Jessie Franklin Brazell, burglary 2nd degree, non-violent, five years.
DeAnta Dehsawn Robinson, public disorderly conduct, time served. Jeremiah Christopher Blocker, possession of crack cocaine, one year, suspended to time served, six months probation.
Tyrone Ouzts, assault and battery 2nd degree, 18 months, suspended to time served and six months probation. Emmanuel Raewkwan Gordon, assault and battery 2nd degree, time served.
Bailey Elizabeth Gibson, possession of less than one ounce of meth or cocaine base, 1st offense, time served. Randy J. Rice, breach of peace, aggravated nature, five years, suspended to time served, 30 months probation.
Henry Garcia Gonzalez, assault and battery 2nd degree, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to two years probation Abel Perez-Sales, assault and battery 2nd degree, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to 18 months probation.
Franke Lane Medlin, possession of less than one ounce of meth or cocaine base, 1st offense, 57 days time served. Kristin Fields Coleman, burglary 3rd degree, five years, suspended to one year probation.
Alicia Rae Rorke, possession of other controlled substance, time served. Terrance Delano Gilchrist Jr., possession of other controlled substance, time served.
Shanna Anntwanett Padgett, possession with intent to distribute meth, four years. Byron Jaquez Stewart, possession of other controlled substance, $100.
Cody James Whittle, breach of trust, obtaining property under false token, more than $2000, less than $10,000, five years, suspended to time served and five years probation.
Nyasia Keirra Culbreath, assault and battery 2nd degree, time served. Quinshawn Shematt Jeffery, possession of less than one ounce of meth or cocaine base, 1st offense, YOA not to exceed three years, suspended to time served, and 18 months probation.
William Antonio Johnson, assault and battery 3rd degree, time served. Stephen Lee Burgess, manufacture, distribution of cocaine and meth, 1st offense, eight years, suspended to time served, three year probation.
Christopher Brandon Meetze, possession of other controlled substance, time served and $100.
GARY EUGENE LOTT
Arrest made in
sexual assault
Gary Eugene Lott has been arrested and charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 2nd Degree.
Additionally, Lott is a sex offender and has been charged with crimes relating to violating the Sex Offender Registry and not reporting information accurately to the Sheriff as he is required to do by law.
42nd Tractor Pull
42nd Annual Truck
and Tractor Pull
The Saluda Young Farmers 42nd Annual Truck and Tractor Pull, “Hottest Pull in the South” will be held July 31st at the Young Farmer Stadium at the County Recreation Complex.
The Carolina Truck & Tractor Pullers / Southern Pullers Association professional pull will begin at 7pm. Ticket gates and pit will open at 5pm.
Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - $20, Children 6 to 12 - $10, 5 and under – Free, and cooler/bulk beverage - $5.00 (no glass containers). Cash, credit and debit card ticket purchases will be available at the gate. Concessions will also be available.
The 2021 Saluda Young Farmer Scholarship winners will be recognized as well. Proceeds from the pull go towards the scholarship program. The Young Farmers have also donated to the Saluda Recreation 10u Angels State Champion softball team and the Minor League All-Stars to go toward their trips to their respective World Series.
Bring a chair – stand seating is limited. There will be no charge for parking and no additional charges for entering the pit.
To purchase trackside parking, contact Scott Wertz at (803) 924-3124 after 5:00 PM. All trackside parking spots are $50.00 for the night.
Come and enjoy a weekend of high-powered action!
Check out www.SaludaYoungFarmer.org or syftp.us for the latest information. Like us on Facebook at “Saluda SC Tractor Pull.”
SOFTBALL STATE CHAMPS
MINOR LEAGUE STATE RUNNERS-UP
Young Farmers Contribute
To World Series Teams
The Saluda Young Farmers organization has made financial contributions to the Recreation Department’s two World Series teams, the softball 10u state champions and the Minor League 10u state runners-up.
Saluda Young Farmers organization is so proud of the Saluda County Recreation Department’s young girls’ and boys’ accomplishments this year.
We are happy to be able to help them a little on their journey to compete at the next level. We thank them for their dedication and perseverance they have shown this season.
Parents, you have worked hard getting these kids to the games and practices and being there to cheer them on. Coaches, thank you for the many hours and personal time from your own family you have given to these youngsters who are the future of our little hometown.
Sports teaches young people so many things: discipline, dedication, loyalty, teamwork, meeting and overcoming challenges to name a few. These are valuable lessons will serve them well in the coming years. And we hope they will continue their love for the game into high school and beyond! Congratulations and best of luck to the teams who have competed and will be competing in the weeks to come! You have made us all immensely proud.
We hope everyone will come out on July 31St at 7 pm to support the 42"d annual Saluda Young Farmer Truck and Tractor pull so that we can continue to give back to Saluda thru agriculture scholarships and helping organizations like the Recreation Department that can assist in developing our young ladies and gentlemen into thriving adults that can accomplish so much.
STATE RUNNERS-UP
Saluda Recreation’s Coach Pitch All-Stars finished second in the state tournament, losing in the championship series to host Clemson Daniel on Wed., July 21.