Saluda citizens urge city to place “In God We Trust” on city hall

During the City of Saluda’s Monday, May 9 meeting, commissioners heard from Archie Hardy who said he intends to push to have the words “In God We Trust” place on city hall and he plans to submit an agenda item request for a future meeting. Resident Dottie Eargle also spoke in favor of placing “In God We Trust” on city hall as well as bringing back a prayer recital prior to board of commissioner meetings. Eargle also announced that former Saluda Mayor Edwin “Cater” Leland Jr. had passed away Monday morning and asked the board to observe a moment of silence, which the board did in remembrance of the former mayor. The board of commissioners earlier this year denied a request to place the words “In God We Trust” on city hall.

Saluda sidewalk project on Carolina Avenue complete

Saluda streets commissioner Leon Morgan updated the board of commissioners during the May 9 meeting that the sidewalk project along Carolina Avenue is complete. Morgan also reported that Saluda will begin taking bids for repairs to Spring Street. Commissioners later approved reallocating $25,000 from transportation salaries to repairs and the use of $10,000 in Powell Bill funds to do repairs on Spring Street, the sidewalk on Carolina Street and repairs to the sidewalk on Main Street in front of Thompson’s store.

Bulletin board/children’s area to be placed in downtown Saluda

The Saluda Board of Commissioners on Monday, May 9 approved accepting a grant from the Polk County Appearance Commission to place a bulletin board for community events and a small children’s area in the city-owned space between the library and depot. Mary Mason presented the proposal. Commissioners unanimously approved the use of city property on the condition that the city has control of the property and can withdraw the use privilege if the needs to use the property at any time.

Rabies clinic scheduled for May 21

A rabies clinic is scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Owners of cats and dogs will be able to bring in their animals for rabies vaccinations for $8 per animal. The clinic will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the sheriff’s office, located on Ward Street in Columbus.

Business license tax bill, H5109, to be stalled until next year

The South Carolina legislature has decided to stall H5109, which would standardize the rates and due dates of business license taxes annually across South Carolina, until the next legislative year, according to Landrum City Administrator Caitlin Cothran. The House is still discussing both this bill and H4967, the South Carolina Business License Tax Reform Act, and both will be brought up again next legislative year. Cothran stated the City of Landrum is still working on gaining support for H5109 because of the support from the Municipal Association of South Carolina. City council officials have mailed letters to state representatives asking for support of the H5109 bill.

Landrum declares May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day 

Landrum Mayor Robert Briggs presented Landrum Police Chief Tim Edgens with the proclamation of May 15 being Peace Officers Memorial Day on behalf of the president of the United States and the U.S. Congress at the monthly city council meeting on May 10. The proclamation states members of the City of Landrum’s police department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of residents of the community and the day will be remembered in honor of law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice by serving the community or have become disabled in the line of duty.

School board hears information about 2016 spring testing schedule

Dave Scherping, Polk County School Board’s technology/accountability director, presented information at the May 9 school board meeting regarding end of grade (EOG), end of course (EOC), and North Carolina Final Exam (NCFE) tests for all Polk County schools. Students who have taken yearlong courses will be tested May 27 through June 10. Students who have taken semester-long courses will be tested June 6 through 10. Polk County Early College students will take their final exams May 20 through May 26.

School board approves increase in school lunch price

At their May 9 meeting, the Polk County School Board authorized an increase of 10 cents to high school lunch prices up from $2.65 last year. School lunches see a 10-cent increase each year because these prices have to be equivalent to the price reimbursed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for free and reduced lunches, according to Charlotte T. Sullivan, finance officer for the board of education.

School board approves Polk County Early College 2016-17 calendar

The Polk County School Board approved the 2016-2017 calendar for the Polk County Early College on first reading at their May 9 board meeting. Students at the early college will begin classes on August 10. The last day of school will be May 19, 2017. Students will have November 23-25 for Thanksgiving break, December 21-30 for Christmas break and April 17-21, 2017 for spring break.