Estate Planning Attorney in Saluda, SC

Demolition is underway at Saluda’s Old Jaycee Pool and tennis courts as the town plans a new recreation space with community input.

SALUDA, S.C. — Demolition is now underway at the Old Jaycee Pool and Tennis Court in Saluda, clearing the site for what town leaders hope will become a new recreational space serving the entire community.

Heavy equipment now fills what was once Saluda’s Old Jaycee community pool. The area, built in the early 1900s, served for years as a gathering place where children swam and took lessons. The pool was operated by a local group before the property was deeded back to the city.

Town Mayor Milliken Matthews said the aging facility had reached the end of its lifespan.

“This is the first step. This is like phase one, phase one. You know, you have to come in and do the proper cleaning. And, you know, with older buildings, you have things like asbestos and all that. So, you know, you're required to do certain things to come up to state standards. So that's that's a that's the process that we're in now," Matthews said.

Town leaders say the project is backed by $1.5 million in combined state and town funding.

As demolition moves forward, some residents say they hope previous partnerships continue — particularly with the YMCA, which previously deeded the property back to the town.

Brandy Cromley, owner of Southern Roots, said she hopes collaboration remains strong as plans take shape.

“The YMCA deeded it back to the town and now is really super involved, which is exciting, too. I hope to see that partnership continue once we get the facilities and infrastructure for them to come in and roll out some great programs that is going to really impact the community,” Cromley said.

Matthews said the long-term goal is to create a space that serves residents of all ages while also opening the door to additional development opportunities across town.

“One of the most things that we need is housing. So I'm working with a few developers now trying to get some more housing into the town of Saluda. We need more rooftops. So I currently have two contractors that I'm working with, which probably is going to facilitate some housing very soon. So that's also what is very much needed in the town. Well, it's kind of, it's not it's not really fit to put bricks on the ground right now, but it's pretty, pretty deep within the pipeline," Matthews said.

The mayor said a community input meeting will take place Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, where residents can share ideas for the future of the site.

SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk in the Midlands tested positive for rabies.

According to DPH, the skunk was found near Ridge Spring Highway and Seminole Drive in Saluda. While officials say no people have confirmed to be exposed, one dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The skunk was submitted to DPH’s laboratory for testing on Wednesday and was confirmed to have rabies on Thursday.

DPH urges the public to report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.

This skunk is the first animal in Saluda County to test positive for rabies in 2026, according to health officials. The department also said there have been 12 cases of rabid animals statewide this year.

Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 136 positive cases a year. In 2025, one of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina was in Saluda County.

“It is very important for you to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a wild, stray, or domestic animal,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager. “The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite, scratch, broken skin, or the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose, or mouth. Immediately wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water.”

If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this skunk or another animal that potentially has rabies, DPH asks you to call the Columbia office at (803) 896-4680 or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902

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