Little Mountain Reunion Thrives Despite Rain
Little Mountain – Despite dark clouds and rain showers, the annual Little Mountain Reunion brought joy and excitement to residents on Saturday. Early in the day, the community gathered for the parade, which turned out to be a big hit. Participants, looking to keep everyone cool, handed out fans, bottles of water, and popsicles to help people beat the heat.
Community Speeches Inspire Locals
Following the parade, community leaders took the stage to share their thoughts and updates on their time in office. Among them was Senator Ronnie Cromer, who expressed his gratitude to the community. “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. He also encouraged everyone to prepare for the upcoming elections in November.
One of the more heartfelt speeches came from State Representative Joe White, who took a moment to discuss his personal journey with cancer. “Many of you know that on April 22 I was diagnosed with cancer… right now I feel great,” White shared, expressing hope and faith in a positive recovery. He reminded the audience of the importance of voting, urging them to support candidates who support self-governance.
Honoring Law Enforcement
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster reflected on the significance of the reunion. He reminisced about how he was sworn in as Chief of Police by Mayor Jana Jayroe’s father-in-law years back. Foster stated, “It’s been a blast for the last 40-something years. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to serving four more and who knows after that because I never say never.”
Both County Auditor Donna Lominack and Treasurer Karen Lindler-Smith, who are also on the ballot in November, took the opportunity to remind the community of their commitment to service and community engagement. They encouraged everyone to remain supportive and involved as they head to the polls.
Future of the County and Education
Other speakers included Karl Sease and Leon Fulmer, who addressed current challenges facing the county, especially regarding the need for volunteer first responders. Fulmer noted, “Volunteers are the backbone of Newberry County, especially when it comes to our emergency services.” Both councilmen invited residents to reach out to them with concerns and ideas.
Newberry County saw additional representation from Michael Bedenbaugh and Jaclyn Sease, both running for key positions. Bedenbaugh expressed his dedication to serving his community from a young age and emphasized the need for change to address persistent issues in the region. “The time is now for us to have a sense of independence because if we keep doing the same thing we’re going to keep having the same problems,” he stated. Sease, running for a spot on the Newberry County School Board, focused on the importance of representation for parents in the educational system.
Looking Forward
Overall, the Little Mountain Reunion proved to be a significant and uplifting event for the community. Residents came together, shared stories, and engaged in meaningful discussions about the future of Newberry County. Even with the weather trying to disrupt the day, the spirit of the reunion shined through.
Residents left the event feeling optimistic and connected, showcasing the strength and unity of their community. As the November elections approach, the importance of community involvement and support has never been more clear.
