Town Election Results

Congratulations to Donald Prioleau and Rufus Jones who were elected to the Ridgeway Town Council on April 8, 2008. These members will serve four years. A note of gratitude to Robin Kinard who served on the Council for the past year by filling the unexpired term of Bobby Arndt. Mrs. Kinard was instrumental in beginning our Ridgeway Farmers’ Market and serving on various committees.

Arts on the Ridge

May 3, 2008

The 2^nd Annual Arts on the Ridge is Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Visual artists, quilters, and storytellers will feature their work on this day at the Century House and in various downtown businesses. Restaurants will be open for you to enjoy a light lunch. The Town will also kick off “Ridgeway Reads”, a program to involve community members in reading various books: At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon; Marley and Me by John Grogan and favorite selections from children for children. Book study groups will meet in September at the Century House to discuss the books.

A special thanks to the Historical/Cultural Committee for their excellent work and community spirit in hosting the Arts on the Ridge Event. The Town commends the following committee members: Virginia Lacy, Chair; Mavis Anthony, Peni Chandler, Liz Henry, Serena Magill,  Karen Ruff, Amanda Sanders, Myrtle Thompson, and Belva Wilcox.

Farmers’ Market

May 3, 2008

Don’t forget to also visit the Ridgeway Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 3, 2008 being held in the center of town. Vegetables, fruits, flowers and products grown in South Carolina will be offered for sale. The Farmers’ Market will operate in Ridgeway on the 1^st Saturday of each month from April through November.

Cities Mean Business

Ridgeway’s newest business, Laura’s Tea Room, will open in the Thomas Company Store building in May/June 2008. Owned and operated by a mother and daughter team, Carol and Eleanor, will offer candles, gifts, and a cup of coffee and refreshments in the Tea Room. Let’s support this business by shopping at Laura’s Tea Room.

Midland Technical College Meeting

Over the years, Fairfield County and Midlands Technical College have traditionally enjoyed a strong partnership that has benefited numerous county residents. The college is extremely appreciative of the relationship and will be discussing how best to serve students and promote economic development in the region at a meeting on May 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Century House in Ridgeway.

Free Fairfield County Prescription Discount Card

Fairfield County in conjunction with the National Association of Counties is offering a free Fairfield County Prescription Discount Card. The program begins July 1, 2008. Cards can be picked up in Ridgeway at the Ridgeway Library and at Ridgeway Family Medical. There is free enrollment for residents with an average savings of 20%. There are no age or income requirements. The card provides family coverage and can be used any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. Call Fairfield County at (803) 635-1415 for questions.

Going Green

Let’s remember to reuse, recycle, and preserve our environment. Suggested activities for May are as follows:

1. Provide your own reusable tote, bag, etc. for shopping instead of using plastic or paper bags.
2. Save paper by not printing emails.
3. Conserve gasoline by buying local goods and services and not exceeding the speed limit.
4. Ride your bicycle or walk to work if you live close by.

New Residents

Welcome to our newest town residents! They are Bill Coleman, Albert Kennedy, Anthony Jeter, Sharon Knizekewich, Gawanda Woods, and David Eisenreich.

Town Business Facts

Someone once said, “Opinions are like noses, everyone’s got one.” In the recent Town Council Election, many opinions were expressed about the business of the Town of Ridgeway and the expenditure of funds. As your Mayor, I would like to address those opinions and share the facts. Also, I would like to remind all citizens that they are welcome to call me with questions at (803) 337-3316 or visit me at the Century House on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. for a time to discuss town business and concerns.

Facts

1. A recent audit of our town business by Town Auditor, Howard Nichols, found the Town of Ridgeway to be financially secure. The auditor was even asked a question by Councilmember Robert Hartman to the effect if the Town was financially sound enough to sell bonds for extending water services. The auditor responded confidently, “Yes”. Ridgeway is not Eastover or Gaston. Your Town Council and Town Clerk have been and continue to be committed to being fiscally responsible for the collection and expenditure of funds.
2. Regarding the contingency fund and CDs of the Town, there are funds to meet emergency needs as well as insurance to address a crisis. The Town of Ridgeway cannot exist and continue to move forward without investing funds in the maintenance of buildings, grounds, and the pursuit of grants. Successful businesses have to spend money to make money. A reminder that the Town recently received $30,000 in grant monies and sold the former Town Hall building. These funds will be used to move forward to expand water lines to new customers and as source of revenue for other needs of the Town.
3. The recent expenditures of the Town for a new police car and a HVC unit for the sewage waste plant were voted on unanimously by the Town Council. Donald Prioleau made the motion for the purchase of the much needed police car. The Council did not have knowledge of a grant at the time of the car purchase. Car funds were applied towards the purchase. Grants are not as readily available as they once were and the matching portion the Town has to pay has doubled on most matching grants. Jay Kates, Water Director, requested the waste treatment plant to be supplied with heat and air. Jay Kates is spending more time in the plant as we pursue grants to develop expansion plans for water. Robert Arndt, Town Maintenance, also now uses the building. Doug Porter, Councilman and former water/sewer worker for the Town, made the motion for this request as one definitely needed.
4. The Town of Ridgeway has several credit cards to be used by the Town Clerk and Mayor with utmost oversight and discretion. All expenditures prior to purchase by a card are communicated and pre-approved in meetings by council or meet the ordinance requirements of the Town. Credit card purchases are generally for those purchases that cannot be made in the Town of Ridgeway due to the unavailability of goods and services.

Once again, please contact the Mayor or Council if you have questions.