Industry Expanding

$11.6 Million Investment
To Create 73 New Jobs

  Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. (Palmetto Gourmet Foods), a producer of innovative, sustainable ramen noodles, today announced plans to expand its operations in Saluda County. The company is continuing its growth by investing $11.6 million and creating 73 new jobs to add to the approximately 200 positions that it has already created.
  Founded in 2019 and headquartered at 782 Columbia Highway in Saluda County, Palmetto Gourmet Foods is the innovator and producer of the world’s first high protein organic ramen noodle, sold under the Chef Woo brand and the popular Ramen Express brand. Both products are available nationwide in over 11,000 stores, including major retailers such as Walmart and Costco. These products are also being exported coast-to-coast in Canada, with growing international demand. 
  With a focus on sus-tainability, the company strives to partner with local and environmentally friendly suppliers and use recyclable packaging. With its Chef Woo product, Palmetto Gourmet Foods has created an affordable, convenient, shelf-stable and planet-friendly instant protein meal that can help in the fight against protein malnutrition both domestically and on a world scale.
  The expansion is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2022. Individuals interested in joining the Palmetto Gourmet Foods team should visit the com-pany’s careers page.
  The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The council has also awarded a $300,000 Set-Aside grant to Saluda County to assist with the cost of building renovations.
QUOTES
  “We are thrilled to be in South Carolina and part of a community that has been involved in farming and food production for generations. True to our core values, we take pride in developing and mass producing affordable, quality food – particularly now – at a time when food inflation is the cause of distress in so many families nationwide. In addition to our investment of $45 million to date, we are undertaking a further investment of $11.6 million to meet the growing demand for our products.” -Palmetto Gourmet Foods, Inc. CEO Dr. Reza Soltan-zadeh
  “When a homegrown company like Palmetto Gourmet Foods experiences success within our borders, all of South Carolina wins. These 73 new jobs the company is creating will make a big difference in Saluda County, and we’re excited to celebrate Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ success.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
  “Palmetto Gourmet Foods’ latest expansion in Saluda County further proves that South Carolina has the recipe for success for companies. We congratulate Palmetto Gourmet Foods on this $11.6 million investment and the 73 new jobs they are creating, and we value our strong business relationship.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
  “We are excited to see one of our existing industries growing here in Saluda County. I am thankful for these new job opportunities for our citizens and the capital investment that will help strengthen our tax base.” -Saluda County Council Vice Chairman Justin Anderson
  “It’s exciting to see an existing industry in our region grow with new capital investment and jobs, and for that we are grateful. Congratulations to Palmetto Gourmet Foods and Saluda County on today’s news.” -Economic Development Partnership Chairman Gary Stooksbury

Body Discovered

  The Saluda County Cor-oner’s Office was called to the scene on Monday, April 18, 2022 of a body being found on the side of Prosperity Hwy / Hwy 391 near The Circle.  
  The person was later identified as Keyvon Anderson, age 21 of Lexington, SC.  After preliminary investigation and autopsy no foul play is suspected at this time.  The death is still under investigation by the Saluda Sheriff’s Office and the Saluda County Coroner’s Office.
  The Coroner’s Office would like to thank Saluda County EMS and Saluda Sheriff’s County Office, along with several citizens of the area for their assistance in this case.  Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Anderson.

 

Special Burial
Service Held

  The Saluda County Coroner’s Office held a special burial service early Monday morning (April 11, 2022) at Trinity Cemetery, where three individuals were given their final resting place.
  The service was dedicated to individuals who lived in Saluda County at the time of their death and whose remains were unclaimed, according to Coroner Keith Turner.  Rev. Doris Hicks shared a message of love and family for these three individuals in words and scripture.  Mrs. Sheila Shealy sang a beautiful “a cappella rendition” of Amazing Grace.
  Those decedents buried were: Ms. Bernice S. Huckabee, Ms. Mary A. Gibson and Mr. Carroll Ellis.
  The Coroner’s Office would like to share special thanks to the following for their assistance in making this service possible: Rev. Doris Hicks, Mrs. Sheila Shealy, Trinity Cemetery Group, Saluda County Administrator - Mrs. Sandra Padget, Mrs. Regina Turner, Saluda County Council and staff of the Coroner’s Office

April 2022 Council

Council Begins
Budget Process

 
  Saluda County Council gave first readings to the 2022-23 school and county  budgets at the April 11 meeting.
  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 currently stands at $14,995,066, $785,209 over projected revenue. Two more readings are required for both budgets.
  A public hearing was held on an ordinance authorizing the expansion of the boundaries of a multi-county business park. No one spoke at the public hearing. In the old business portion of the meeting, third reading approval was given to the ordinance.
  Council gave second reading approval to an ordinance that will provide for the recovery of costs for service charges from users of fire protection and emergency services through a citizen’sinsurance. Councilman Jack Atkinson said he had a problem with fees being collected by a third party. He said he thought the county should do its own collecting. Atkinson voted against second reading approval.
  In new business, Council gave first reading to an ordinance permitting Saluda County to enter into a lease agreement with Southeast Aviation, LLC.  The lease would allow the establishment of a flight school at the airport, assistant Emergency Management Director Jill Warren said.
  The annual Fair Housing Resolution was approved, as was a resolution saluting Bonnie Forrest on her retirement after 21 years of service to the county.
  Fire Service coordinator Luke Downing asked Council to consider purchasing to a mini-pump truck for the Circle Fire Department, replacing a 1997 ambulance used as a squad truck. The truck under consideration is a 2006 model with a 250 gallon water tank, 15 gallons for foam and a light tower for night duty.
  The truck has 15,000 miles on the odometer and cost $99,900. Downing said Circle fire chief Donnie Longshore approved the purchase, as does the Fire Board.
  The truck is located in Pennsylvania, and fire officials will travel there and thoroughly inspect the vehicle. If it is found acceptable, it will be driven home. Coincil approved the purchase.
  Council approved an Economic Development Set-aside Grant. Will Williams from the Economic Development Partnership, said the grant funds will  be issued by the state to the county, and the county would disburse the funds to an industry, which will pledge to further develop its location and hire more employees.

King Academy To
Celebrate 50 Years

  W. Wyman King Academy’s will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on April 30, 2022, with a special observance at the school.
  Alumnus Jonathan Rush will serve  as the emcee, and alumnus Matt Carson with the East Wind Band will be providing entertainment. Memorabilia rooms from all 50 years and special speakers and honorees will also  be featured
  Open house begins at 5 p.m. and dinner will be catered by Shealy’s BBQ at 6:30. Cost is $25 for one person and $45 for a couple.
  This event is open to all alumni and WKA Parents. They must RSVP by contacting the office at (803) 532-6682 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

April Job Fair

SALUDA COUNTY EMS SEEKS EMPLOYEES

Saluda Government Job Fair Will Provide

Local Career Opportunities for Job Seekers

  High gas prices, long commutes, and time away from home can make working out of town less desirable.
  Saluda residents who would like to avoid that scenario can learn about opportunities to work in their home community at a drop-in job fair from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21.
   The event will be held at the council chambers inside the Saluda County Administration Building at 407 W. Butler Ave. The fair will highlight full-time jobs with benefits including some with state health insurance and state retirement.
  “There are several positions open at the (Saluda County) Sheriff’s Department and Detention Center,” Saluda County Finance and Human Resources Coordinator Joni Drafts said. “There are a few positions open at EMS, and in our Roads and Bridges Department.”
  Applications will be accepted at the event and staff will be on hand to answer questions.
  Saluda County EMS Director Jacob Starnes prefers local hires in his department.
  “I particularly like people who live in the county,” Starnes said. “It helps when we are short-staffed. It helps with call-ins because people live close by. It helps the community, not only working on the public safety side but you live in and are involved in the community.”
  Starnes has worked almost 23 years in the EMS department, including as assistant director, supervisor, paramedics crew chief and EMT. “I live five minutes from our headquarters.”
  Working close to home isn’t just beneficial to the employee but also the community.
  “I believe the majority of people in Saluda do commute outside of the community for work,” Starnes said. “I think it hurts our community because if you are commuting to Lexington or Greenwood for work, when you get off work and if you need gas, you are probably going to get gas in a different county. You are likely to stop by a grocery store in a different county.”
  Saluda County Deputy Coroner Angie Rita agrees.
  “You pass the Wal-Marts of the world everywhere else and have a tendency to stop and not bring your money back into our community,” Rita said. “But if you live and work in our community, hopefully we do a good job patronizing our local businesses.”
  Rita has been on both sides, having retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice where she had an office in Saluda but also worked in regional and state offices.
  “I spent an hour or more each morning and each afternoon depending on the traffic,” Rita said of her commute. “In Saluda, that (traffic) is not something that we have to contend with. Having a short commute is a blessing.
  “A lot of people tend to go out of town (to work) because they feel they can make more money. But when they boil it all down, it probably equals out in a lot of ways if they can stay in their community if there is a job that meets their career ambitions,” Rita added. “I was born and raised in Saluda and I love my community.”
  Drafts has spent almost 11 years working for the County. “It’s home. It’s a quiet atmosphere. We get to serve our community and be neighborly.”
  Loraine Kelly, Detention Center Captain and Assistant Jail Administrator, said, “In today’s world, with gas prices and not knowing when they are going to rise and fall, being close to work is a big advantage. Your travel time is low and you aren’t wasting a lot of money on gas. If you are driving 45 minutes away, you are naturally spending more money.”
  Kelly said there are 11 openings at the Detention Center. She said working with the housed inmates is a tough environment and not for anyone with “thin skin.” But you work as a team and “you might make a difference for someone (an inmate) who comes in.”
  Kelly said she believes many workers are just looking for a paycheck and not a career.
  “If you are young, you can work 25 years (at the Detention Center) and then retire,” she said.
  Picking a career can change the rest of your life. A new hire might take an entry level job and through training or apprenticeship programs obtain a higher-level position or advancement in their department.
  There is no registration for the job fair. Applications will be available and job seekers can also bring a resume.
  The job fair is coordinated by Upper Savannah Council of Governments and SC Works. The Saluda SC Works center is located at the County Administration Building across the hall from council chambers.
  Job seekers can prepare a resume, search jobs and find out about free training including Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), welding and manufacturing certification at the SC Works Center. Upper Savannah has a federal grant which helps local residents prepare for emergency medical technician and paramedic careers.
  SC Works is federally funded primarily through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
  County job are listed at https://saludacounty.sc.gov/jobs.

Spring Fest Attracts Big Crowd

Despite Easter temperatures colder than the Christmas Parade, Saluda’s Spring Fest attracted a big turnout at the Saluda Park Sat., April 9. Inflatables, vendors and egg hunts were among the highlights. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

School Board Summary

  Saluda County School District Board of Trustees met
April 5, 2022 at Saluda’s District Office for a special called Board Meeting.
  Dr. Kathy Coleman called the meeting to order.  Mr. Jeffery Jordan gave the invocation.  The agenda was approved as submitted.  Dr. Kathy Coleman, Dr. Arlene Puryear, CDR James Moore, Ms. Sharon Holloway, and Mr. Jeffery Jordan were all in attendance. The meeting began at 8:15 a.m.
  New Business
  Mrs. Sharon Setzer presented to the Board the 2022-23 Saluda County School District One Budget. The first reading passed unanimously.
  Next, on the agenda was the District’s Audit Firm. After extensive research Mrs. Sharon Setzer recommended Manley Garvin be retained as the District’s 2022-2026 auditors. The vote passed unanimously.
  Lastly, Dr. Puryear made a motion for the Superintendent to move forward with the construction at Hollywood Elementary School with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The vote passed unanimously.
  Adjournment
  Mr. Jordan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It passed unanimously.
  The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:07 a. m.