Little Mountain Draws Large Crowd Despite Weather Challenges
Little Mountain – This past Saturday, the community of Little Mountain came together for their annual reunion, proving that even stormy weather couldn’t dampen their spirits. The reunion kicked off with a lively parade in the morning, where locals gathered in numbers to celebrate their community. Many parade participants took steps to keep everyone cool in the heat, distributing fans, bottles of water, and popsicles to both children and adults.
Political Leaders Share Insights
Once the parade concluded, the festivities continued with a series of speeches from various local leaders. Senator Ronnie Cromer addressed the crowd, expressing his gratitude for his time serving in Newberry County. “I’ve been here now for over 21 years and I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you here in Newberry County and District 18,” he said, highlighting the upcoming elections in November and emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
State Representative Joe White spoke candidly about his recent battle with cancer, sharing that he had been receiving treatment in Houston, Texas. “I’m feeling great, and I believe the prayers and support from all of you here have played a crucial role in my recovery,” he told attendees, reminding everyone of the critical nature of the upcoming votes. “Please remember that November is a critical time in the history of our country and state.”
A Sense of Community and Support
The reunion is not just about politics, though; it holds special significance for local leaders, including Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster. He looked back fondly on his early days in Little Mountain when he was sworn in as Chief of Police. “It’s been a blast for the last 40-something years,” he noted, showing his appreciation for the community that has supported him throughout his career.
Newberry County Auditor Donna Lominack and Treasurer Karen Lindler-Smith both encouraged the community to remain active and supportive as November approaches, reminding everyone of the need for continued civic engagement.
Voices from the Future
The reunion also served as a platform for aspiring leaders. Laura Kneece, Newberry County’s coroner, is running unopposed and expressed her hope to continue serving the community for another term. She emphasized the importance of being available and supportive, stating, “We’re there to provide community-wide support and be part of important local events.”
Newberry County Council members Karl Sease and Leon Fulmer also used the occasion to discuss challenges the county is facing, particularly concerning first responders. “Volunteers are the backbone of Newberry County, especially when it comes to our emergency services,” Fulmer remarked, expressing gratitude for the service of volunteers in the community. Sease echoed his sentiments, saying, “I want to know if you have problems or concerns – let us know.”
Electoral Engagement and New Perspectives
Michael Bedenbaugh, running for South Carolina’s Third Congressional District, and Jaclyn Sease, who is vying for a seat on the Newberry County School Board, also shared their aspirations with attendees. Bedenbaugh reflected on his commitment to service, stating, “I have lived my life in service to this community and now I’m ready to serve again.” He urged residents to think about the future and consider making changes for a fresh start.
Jaclyn Sease emphasized the need for new leadership in education, particularly as the landscape of schooling has dramatically shifted post-COVID. “Parents are currently under-represented and I want to ensure their voices are heard as we navigate these changes,” she shared.
A Successful Reunion
Overall, the Little Mountain Reunion was a success, bringing the community together in the face of challenging weather conditions. As leaders spoke of their visions for the future, it became clear that this small town is characterized by a strong sense of community, resilience, and hope for what lies ahead.
