Newberry County, SC

During the most recent Newberry County Council meeting, Tommy Long, Newberry County Emergency Services director, recognized the Bush River Fire-Rescue Department, as part of a new tradition Newberry County Council has initiated to recognize the volunteer departments!

Bush River Fire Rescue has three stations in the upper portion of Newberry County. The main station is the Bush River station. The two substations are Belfast Station and Counts Station.

During his presentation, Mr. Long recognized the department for the great job they do. He noted the department responded to 182 calls in 2024 and has responded to 120 calls so far this year. Several of those calls have been to incidents on I-26. He noted that department members hold a variety of certifications, with years of service ranging from less than one year to 40 years.

Newberry County Council thanked the volunteers for their dedication, noting that they are the backbone of Newberry County.

Pictured are a few of the volunteers with Bush River Fire-Rescue Department, they are also standing with Chairman Robert Shealy, Emergency Services Director Tommy Long, Emergency Services Coordinator Brandon Wicker, and County Administrator Jeff Shacker.

Newberry County, SC

1 week 3 days ago

Newberry County Council proudly proclaimed August 25-31, 2025, as Therapy Dog Appreciation Week in Newberry County at their most recent meeting.

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

The Proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS, therapy dogs improve the quality of life for individuals by bringing comfort, support, and unconditional companionship in times of need; and,

WHEREAS, Therapy Dog Appreciation Week raises awareness about the positive impact of therapy dogs and spreads knowledge of how vital their services are to those facing challenges; and,

WHEREAS, therapy dogs interact with members of our community in a wide variety of settings, including nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and crisis situations, as well as providing comfort to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic experiences; and,

WHEREAS, therapy dogs offer comfort to individuals during difficult times, such as the loss of a loved one, and can provide a calming presence in environments such as medical or dental offices; and,

WHEREAS, we celebrate therapy dogs and recognize the important role they play in bringing healing, peace, and joy to the people they serve; and,

WHEREAS, Newberry County honors the dedication of local handlers, trainers, and organizations whose time, skill, and compassion make the presence of therapy dogs in our community possible.

NOW, THEREFORE, Newberry County Council does hereby proclaim August 25-31, 2025, as Therapy Dog Appreciation Week in Newberry County, South Carolina, and encourages all citizens to join in recognizing and honoring these remarkable animals and their contributions to the well-being of our community.

Newberry County Council extends its gratitude to Sage and to all therapy dogs serving our community.

Newberry County, SC

1 week 6 days ago

Newberry County was able to recognize four employees during their meeting on August 20, 2025. Three of the recognitions were service awards and one was the recognition of a recent retiree.

First to be recognized was Daniel Long, who was unable to attend the meeting, for five years of service to Newberry County Building Maintenance Department. This is what County Administrator Jeff Shacker had to say of Mr. Long:

“Daniel joined the Building Maintenance Department back in 2020, after a 24-year tenure at Newberry College – where he served as a building maintenance technician. Like Newberry College, the county owns, operates, and maintains a large number of buildings and Daniel’s lengthy experience and tremendous knowledge is critical to us keeping the systems in those buildings up and running. His strengths are electrical systems, plumbing and carpentry. However, his knowledge is not limited to those disciplines.

“Daniel is hard-working, loyal, and talented. Like his wife Jessie – who has directed recreation and works in economic development, Daniel is a tremendous asset to this county. He is always available and willing to respond to after-hour emergencies.”

Next to be recognized was Christopher Cleveland, with 10 years of service to the Newberry County Detention Center. Here is what Administrator Shacker said of Mr. Cleveland:

“Christopher joined the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office back in 2015 as a corrections officer. He has progressed through the ranks to his current position of sergeant over C-Shift during the daytime.

“Christopher is hard-working and a loyal member of the staff at the detention center and is very much appreciated by Sheriff Lee Foster, Captain Daniel Floyd, and his colleagues.

“Christopher is a resident of the Chappells community and is married to Rachael Cleveland who has worked in the 911 center since 2014. They have a son Jackson. So, we not only appreciate Christopher – we appreciate the service of his family.”

With 30 years of service to Newberry County Central Court, Judge Barry Koon was recognized. Administrator Shacker had this to say of Judge Koon:

“Judge Koon started his career at Central Court as the youngest appointed magistrate in the history of the State of South Carolina – and still holds that distinction today.

“Judge Koon is also the only judge who has held the offices of Newberry County Magistrate, Newberry Municipal Judge, Whitmire Municipal Judge, and Prosperity Municipal Judge.

“Judge Koon’s honesty and integrity are second to none and are key ingredients to his success over the years. He is known by many, including his peers, 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.”

Last to be recognized was Elizabeth McDonald, who recently retired as the Newberry County assessor. Administrator Shacker said this of Ms. McDonald:

“Liz 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 a real estate appraiser in the private sector.

“Liz did a very good job of sustaining and building a great team in the Assessor’s Office. She has very good technical knowledge and skills in the areas of real estate appraisal and public tax assessment.

“Liz has done a very good job of improving the GIS function at Newberry County by working closely with the county’s GIS Manager and ensuring that the department has the resources it needs for continued improvement.”

Ms. McDonald could not make it to the meeting.

Thank you to all of our recognized employees for your dedication and commitment to making Newberry County a better place!