Laurens County Council honors retiring EMS captain, accepts land for Culbertson Mill Park

Laurens County Council opened its October meeting by honoring Capt. Troy Aldridge, who is retiring after more than 35 years of service to the community.

Aldridge began his public service in 1991 with the Hickory Tavern Volunteer Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of assistant chief. He also served nine years in the U.S. Army National Guard. In 1997, he joined Laurens County Emergency Medical Services, became a paramedic in 1999 and later advanced to the rank of captain.

During public comment, one resident spoke about a proposed 2-acre requirement for solar power projects. Another resident addressed council about a new tax assessment on his Cross Hill business.

Council also recognized Red Ribbon Week, which traces its roots to Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. After his death, friends and neighbors began wearing red satin badges in his memory and in honor of his fight against illegal drugs. Parents then formed coalitions modeled on Camarena’s belief that one person can make a difference, and those groups adopted the red ribbon as their symbol. Today, the red ribbon serves as a rallying point for communities working to educate young people and encourage participation in drug prevention efforts.

In reports to council, members learned that the ribbon cutting for the new EMS building has been rescheduled for early November.

John Lummus, president and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance, also addressed council. Lummus leads the regional organization, builds relationships and collaboration across the Upstate and helps generate leads for Laurens County’s economic development efforts.

Lummus reported that the alliance identified 29,000 new jobs in the Upstate and recorded 78 requests for information, 102 site visits and 262 new leads.

He also announced that the alliance is sponsoring the Landwise educational video series, which will be shown to local students. The series was created in partnership with local economic developers and Land Strategies to give community leaders a foundational understanding of the economic development process, including the people involved, planning and the incentives that affect the region’s ability to attract and keep businesses.

Council held a public hearing on an ordinance amending a previous ordinance on major subdivision approvals. No one spoke, and council unanimously approved the measure.

Council also unanimously approved, on first reading, an ordinance amending a previous ordinance to clarify penalties for first and second offenses under the county’s animal control regulations.

In its final vote, council unanimously approved a resolution accepting the donation of about 3.8 acres to establish Culbertson Mill Park. Maintenance of the park will be funded through park grants.

The agenda also called for an executive session to discuss proposed contractual arrangements and the purchase of rights of way or easements for construction of a Highway 101 bypass in Gray Court. Council was also scheduled to discuss matters related to the proposed location of an industrial site in Joanna for a project the county is temporarily calling “Project Orange.”