Council recognizes employees, fire department for service

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Keeping up with tradition, Newberry County Council took the opportunity to highlight the years of service (and one retirement) of county employees during last weeks county council meeting.

Daniel Long, who was unable to attend the meeting, was recognized for five years of service in the Facilities Department. Long joined the county in 2020 after a 24-year tenure at Newberry College where he served as a building maintenance technician. County Administrator Jeff Shacker said Long’s experience and knowledge are critical to keeping buildings in the county up and running. He said some of Long’s strengths include electrical systems, plumbing and carpentry although his knowledge is not limited to those disciplines. Shacker called Long hard-working, loyal and talented. Like his wife Jessie, who has directed recreation and works in economic development, he was called an asset to the county who is always available and willing to respond to after-hour emergencies.

Next to be recognized was Christopher Cleveland for 10 years with the Newberry County Detention Center. Cleveland joined the Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer in 2015 and progressed through the ranks to his current position of sergeant over C-Shift during the daytime. Cleveland’s wife Rachael has worked in the 911 call center since 2014 and they have one son named Jackson.

Barry Koon was recognized for 30 years with Newberry County Central Court. Shacker said Koon started his career as the youngest appointed magistrate in the history of the state of South Carolina and still holds that distinction today. He is known by many to be one of the most fair and impartial magistrates in the system – and his work ethic has helped shape and improve Newberry County Central Court over the years.

Liz McDonald, who was unable to attend the meeting, was recognized by council for her retirement from the Assessor’s Office. McDonald came to work for the county in late 2020 as county assessor – a position that she held in Richland County — after a lengthy career as real estate appraiser in the private sector. Shacker said McDonald has good technical knowledge and skills in the areas of real estate appraisal and public tax assessment.

As part of a newer tradition for the county, the Bush River Fire Department was recognized for their service to the community. Newberry County Director Tommy Long said last year the department responded to 182 and this year, so far, they have responded to 120 calls. There are currently 19 members who have various qualifications and certifications, with years of service ranging from 20 years to one year.

In other business, a proclamation was unanimously passed recognizing August 25-31 as Therapy Dog Appreciation Week in Newberry County. Therapy dogs are in a variety of settings including nursing homes, hospitals, schools and crisis situations, to name a few. The proclamation honors the local handlers, trainers and organizations whose time, skills and compassion make the presence of therapy dogs in our community possible.

Chairman Robert Shealy presented a copy of the proclamation to Greg Kitchens, director of EMS and Sage, a therapy dog, both with Newberry Health.

Other business:

• Newberry Museum Executive Director Steven Knapp briefed council on the good news coming from the museum. Knapp said they are stay very busy and promoted their newest exhibit, which highlight the cotton mills in Newberry County. A display was also set up outside of the council chambers highlighting the history of the Rosenwald School.

• The second reading of an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of roads within Stewart Landing Subdivision — Stewart Landing Drive, Shoreview Drive, and Timber Trail Lane, into the Newberry County Public Road System was unanimously passed. No one signed up to speak during the public hearing prior to the second reading.

• Council unanimously approved State Accommodations Tax (State A-Tax) funding of the Newberry County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (ATAC). ATAC Chairman Ernie Shealy highlighted the funding requested. In summary, the ATAC has $31,142.41 to allocate from within the promotional fund and $72,519.97 within the tourism fund to work with. Total funds requested for the promotional fund was $62,000 and $151,930 for the tourism fund.

• Council unanimously approved bids for the construction of the Newberry County Detention center Housing Unit, a 2022 CPST Project. It was recommended council award to the lowest bidder, Solid Structures in the amount of $10,167,000.