Looking Back at 2023 . . .
As we enter the first week of 2024, The Journal takes a look back at headlines and news that we covered during the second half 2023. We hope you enjoy looking back . . .
JULY – DECEMBER 2023
JULY 5 – Williamston’s Freedom Celebration and Fireworks activities included a Freedom Market, Golf Cart Parade, Bobbers on Big Creek Race, Cruise-In, food, live music and fireworks. The “Bobbers on Big Creek Race” event was sponsored by Envision Williamston and the Palmetto Business Association (PBA).
The Pelzer Fourth of July Celebration was held at the old lower mill property now owend by the Pelzer Heritage Commission. There were free hotdogs, popcorn, cookies and snow cones, a large inflatable slide for kids and fireworks.
Anderson School District One joined school districts across the nation in a class action lawsuit against Social Media Companies. District One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker said he had been in communication with District One attorneys regarding the devastating effects that social media such as Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Tik Tok, SnapChat and others plays in the mental health of kids.
Lebby Street Wedding Chapel and Events was recognized for the preservation of the Pelzer Presbyterian Church. Thomas Watson and Celina Weems received the award from Governor Henry McMaster and the Preservation of South Carolina.
Lieutenant Lauren Mulz of the Williamston Police Department was selected to participate in the Command Staff Professional Development Initiative as part of the University of South Carolina’s New Excellence in Policing and Public Safety (EPPS) Program which aims to Advance Community Security and Resilience. More than fifty officers from forty different agencies applied to participate . After a competitive applicative process, Lt. Mulz was one of only sixteen officers selected.
Williamston, Pelzer and West Pelzer Town Councils approved a resolution to request membership in the Anderson Area Transportation Study (ANATS). ANATS is a Metropolitan Planning Organization under the SC Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration through which Federal funding for transportation related projects is allocated.
The three towns had been grouped under the Greenville Pickens Area (GPATS) Transportation Study. The most recent census determined that the three towns are now their own “census defined urban area” allowing them the choice of which planning organization they want to be included in.
West Pelzer Town Council approved a resolution to join the Anderson Area Transportation Study (ANATS) and second reading on an ordinance adopting the 2021 International Building Code. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Riddle presided.
West Pelzer Police Chief Scott Stoller reported that a demo flock camera installed on Main Street had resulted in the recovery of three stolen vehicles in less than two weeks,
Williamston Town Council approved annexation of property on Anderson Drive, funding for a new gazebo and a $28,000 landscaping project for the Municipal Center. Council also approved a resolution to join the Anderson Area Transportation Study (ANATS)
Stephen Greer, organizer of the Skylatics Unity festival planned for July in Mineral Spring Park, appeared before Council to request a later date for the event. Greer said he needed more time for it to be a successful event.
July 19 – Antonio’s Pizza & Pasta in Piedmont weas notified that they will host a visit from America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) in early August. America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently-owned restaurants, planned to bring its ABR Roadshow to the restaurant on August 1st.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Anderson County Coroner’s office investigated the death of an Anderson physician that was reported as a possible drowning. The preliminary investigation indicated that Anderson Physician Marshall L. Meadors III, M.D., 65, died as a result of freshwater drowning, possibly secondary to electrocution. Exposed electrical wires on an electrical box providing power to the dock at which the victim was swimming and an electrical shock may have been a contributory cause of the drowning.
Anderson County Council recognized Bryson Gurley and Ethan Evatt, rising seniors at Palmetto High and members of the Palmetto Fishing Team after they qualified for the 2023 14th Annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship held on the Mississippi River in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
They competed against 1,179 participants with 419 boats in the 3-day tournament taking the lead on Day 1. The team finished 28th in the world with captain Tony Holliday. Gurley and Evatt also qualified for the Strike King Bassmaster High School Championship held on Lake Hartwell July 27-29.
Palmetto High School AFJROTC Unit SC-942 was selected to receive 2022-2023 Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award and the Air Force Junior ROTC “Silver Star” Community Service with Excellence Award. The recognitions are reserved for only a few of the 870 high school AFJROTC Units across the United States and selected schools in Europe, the Pacific and Puerto Rico.
Williamston Town Council held a special emergency meeting at 7 a.m. in the morning to “investigate” an incident that Mayor Rockey Burgess said involved several town employees regarding a “mannequin” incident, which he declined to elaborate on. The meeting was held as “a closed meeting strictly to deal with a personnel matter” he said.
July 26 – Anderson School District One Board of Trustees approved second reading on policies addressing paid parental leave and heard an update on the building program. Wren High School was recognized for being named the top athletic program in South Carolina 3A by the SC High School League.
A room addition at Powdersville Middle is underway and should be completed by December. The recent 10 room addition was constructed so that an additional 10 rooms could be added on top floor and 2 new rooms on the bottom floor.
Powdersville’s BSA Troop 210 was represented at the prestigious 2023 Boy Scouts of America’s 10-day National Jamboree which convened in Glen Jean, WV. Based out of Bethesda United Methodist Church, Troop 210 is led by Scoutmaster Mike Ingram and Assistant Scoutmaster Keith Balts who are accompanied by Scouts attending Powdersville, Easley High Schools and Gettys Middle School as well as others.
AUGUST
Aug. 2 – The Anderson County Child Death Investigation Task Force investigated the death of an 18-month-old child after the child was found in the family pool. According to reports, the child was removed from the pool by his father and CPR was initiated. EMS personnel arrived on scene, provided emergency medical care and transported the child to Prisma Health Pediatric Hospital where the child was pronounced deceased.
The same week, a 22-month-old child who was staying with grandparents, died when a dresser overturned and trapped her.
The Piedmont Historical Preservation Society (PHPS) is asking for help from the community for additional funding, materials and labor for the restoration of the Piedmont 1908 YWCA Mill Village and History Museum. Plans are to establish this facility as a state of the art museum and research facility.
The purchase of three properties on Greenville Drive in Williamston, described by town officials over the years as an “eyesore”, ran into legal problems and resulted in a sensitive issue for Town officials. Williamston Town Council approved a resolution in June 2022, to allow Mayor Rockey Burgess to negotiate to purchase the properties. It turned out that one of the three properties was sold for delinquent taxes at the Anderson County Tax Sale in Nov. 2021. The deed to a second property was apparently lost or did not get recorded properly.
To complicate matters, during cleanup of one building, town employees found a mannequin, which was placed in a town vehicle and displayed wearing a town jacket. Williamston Councilman Tony Hagood saw the mannequin at the town maintenance shed and took issue with it, stating that is was racism depicting him, being the only black person on town council. The issue prompted an “Emergency Meeting” of Council.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Divers recovered a drowning victim from the Saluda River in Pelzer. Deputy Coroner Ty Blackwell identified the victim as Joshua Tyrese Fair, 23, of Anderson. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was at the river with a friend fishing and had dropped his cellphone in the river. According to the friend, as they were preparing to leave the area, the victim went back to the area where he had lost his cell phone and apparently fell into the water from the bank of the river.
During a worksession, Willliamston Town Council discussed a sensitive issue involving town personnel that had overtones of racism, according to Council member Tony Hagood. The issue involves the mannequin that town employees found in a building recently purchased by the Town. Mayor Burgess said that after talking with the employees involved, he didn’t see that it had anything to do with race.
Councilman Hagood stated that he planned to resign at the next council meeting.
Aug. 9 – Anderson School District One recently announced that Braden Wilson, an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Palmetto Middle School, was selected the District Teacher of the Year. Stacey Wigington, Job Coach at Wren High School, was selected Support Staff of the Year.
Envision Williamston sponsored a Camp-In Creekside event which included food, a movie, and prizes for a week long Kids Scavenger Hunt. Campers had tents set up along Big Creek in Mineral Spring Park for their overnight camping experience. Fourteen families in tents and three people in sleeping bags stayed overnight in the park.
Approximately 50 people attended the Pelzer Town Council meeting after postings on social media regarding fees paid for use of the Pelzer gym turned into a controversy. The issue had been the source of contention between three members of Town Council and Mayor Will Ragland for weeks. The issue initially came up during budget discussions in May as to whether rental fees should be included as a line item and whether the fee should be raised.
Spearman Elementary School was recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.
An Anderson teenager was fatally injured when he was struck by a falling tree during a severe storm that impacted the Anderson area. The victim was entrapped after a large tree fell on a garage.
Naomi Reed, Field Service Manager with the Municipal Association of SC, presented the Town of West Pelzer with the MASC Strong Cities Award of Excellence for towns with population under 1000.
West Pelzer Town Council approved a resolution to allow an easement for REWA on town property and adopted the 2023 Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Anderson and Oconee Counties.In Council remarks, Mayor Sanders announced that he would not seek re-election to the office of mayor. Councilman Riddle announced that he intended to run for Mayor in the upcoming election on Nov. 7.
Williamston Town Council adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan, recognized Bryson Gurley and Ethan Evatt of the Palmetto Fishing Team and approved a resolution condemning racism. Council also heard an update on the Spring Water Festival.
Councilman Tony Hagood spoke during public comments at the start of the meeting. Hagood said that he had planned to resign from Council that day, but postponed his comments until all members of Council were present.
Spring Water Festival Chairman David Meade reported the festival will be one of the largest ever with more than 80 craft and boutique vendors already registered for the event.
Aug. 16 – Domino’s Pizza opened a new franchise location at 914 Anderson St. in Piedmont. The new business is locally owned and operated by Connor Rice who said he was bringing experience, determination and a passion to offer the best service and product possible and competitive prices, to his customers.
The Palmetto Chapter of the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Organization at Palmetto High achieved 3 stars in the National Chapter Award Program. The program evaluates chapters in all 50 states and 2 U.S. Territories in the areas of Building Communities, Strengthening Agriculture & Growing Leaders. The Palmetto FFA was selected as a Gold Chapter at the SCFFA State Convention, signifying it as one of the 12 best chapters in the state. The application was forwarded to the National level with the chance to earn one to three stars. The 3 star award indicates that in all categories, Palmetto FFA is going above and beyond with innovative, goal oriented and student-led events.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the death of a man after his body was discovered near the old cattle barn on Highway 29 north and Belhaven Road. It was determined that the victim died as a result of a possible drug overdose and had been in the area for at least a day.
Approximately 50 people attended the Pelzer Town Council meeting in response to postings on social media regarding fees paid for use of the Pelzer gym which turned into a controversy. Councilmember Alisha Tuttle had resigned her seat on council and did not participate as a councilmember. Several people spoke to council about how Councilmember Donna Ide handled the situation and asked for Ide to resign. Ide read a long statement regarding the controversy, stating that “everything blew up, totally out of proportion, almost immediately” on Facebook and that the people complaining had taken the word of Ragland and Tuttle.
Aug. 23 – The 42nd Annual Spring Water Festival was held in Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park. The festival featured kids activities, amusement rides, more than 120 craft and business vendors, antique and classic auto show, fire truck rides, festival food vendors and the 5K Spring Water Run. Featured entertainment was Levon, a country trio from Nashville, Tennessee.
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Coroner investigated the death of Phillip Marshal Hughey, 35 of Williamston, whose body was found off the side of Lake Campbell Road, Belton and down an embankment with multiple traumatic injuries. Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies charged Jared Tierce, 22, and Jacob Barber, 22, with murder in connection with the death. According to reports, Tierce put a ratchet strap around Hughey’s neck while Barber stabbed him multiple times. The two men then worked together to dispose of the body.
Agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated an officer involved shooting that happened during a chase that started in Anderson County and ended in downtown Greenville. Several attempts to stop the car were made and it eventually came to a halt in downtown Greenville. As deputies tried to bring the suspect into custody, the teenager opened fire on deputies, striking their car several times. No deputies were injured.
Pelzer Town Council held a special called meeting to hear an update on the Community Building restoration and to approve an architect for the design process of the project. Preservation South is overseeing the project including renovation, having the building designated as historic and placed on the National Register and the process of having the project approved for textile related SC Tax Credits.
Aug. 30 – The Anderson School District One Board heard a report on the opening of school and approved the purchase of property in Powdersville for a new elementary school. They also heard comments from a community member and a report from the District Book Review Committee on nine book challenges. Superintendent Robbie Binnicker said there were 10,992 students enrolled in the District and that he expects six or eight more to reach 11,000.
The 42nd annual Spring Water Festival was hot, but the weather didn’t deter those who came out to peruse through the festival craft market, check out business and informational displays, play children’s games, ride amusement rides and listen to music.
The festival featured 90 craft vendors, 183 car show entries, more than 50 display vendors, a visit from the News Channel 7 “Zip Trip” and lots of other activites. The Spring Water 5K had 99 registered runners. Estimated total attendance was around 5000.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 6 – Anderson County’s acquired and deployed a specially-equipped “all-in-one” emergency response boat. The vessel is a 28-foot-long Lyman Morris landing craft designed as a multifunctional boat to support fire, EMS, law enforcement, HAZMAT, rescue, and recovery operations. It sports a 20hp removable fire pump capable of flowing 630 gallons of water per minute, equipped to support land-based firefighting operations from the water’s edge.
The Big Creek Water District Board of Directors deemed it necessary to implement a rate increase after an increase in cost of materials and operating costs due to inflation, caused the Anderson Regional Joint Water System (ARJWS), a wholesale water provider located on Lake Hartwell to increase their rates. The result is about a $69 per year increase for the average customer that uses 10,000 gallons per billing period.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess updated council on Brookdale Park improvements and Big Creek Station development. The Town is looking at options regarding a “legal mess” that arose from the purchase of three properties located at 610 Greenville Drive.
Burgess told Council he would like to purchase two FLOCK cameras, which are license plate readers connected to DMV, NCIS, state and national data bases.
Work is expected to begin soon on a new gazebo at the pocket park located on West Main Street.
Sept. 13 – The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) approved an application submitted by Anderson County on behalf of the Office of the Anderson County Coroner for an award under the Bureau of Justice Assistance Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System program. The approved award amount is $101,460, which will be used to seek accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).
A raccoon found near Crossroads Circle and Fork Shoals Road in Simpsonville tested positive for rabies. One dog was exposed and quarantined.
Pelzer Town Council approved minutes from three previous meetings, funding for two major projects and approved a resolution to adopt the Anderson/Oconee Hazard Mitigation Plan. Adopting the plan enables the Town of Pelzer to apply for and receive government funding if there is a disaster.
Council approved a bid for infield restoration at Bill Hopkins Field at cost of $24,300. and a bid of $42,000 for HVAC improvements at the Pelzer Gym and lobby.
The Palmetto High School Athletic Hall of Fame announced six new inductees. Inductees included: BJ Tompkins, Baseball, 1987-1991; Derek Watson, Football, Basketball, Track, Baseball 1995-1999; Alyssa (Strom) Kirk, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer 2003-2007; Steven Cooper, Baseball 2008-2012; Ryan (Rector) Juell, Softball, Basketball, 2009-2013 and Tal Davis, Swimming 2013-2017.
The Piedmont Historical Preservation Society hosted a “History Fair” at the Piedmont Community Building. The purpose of the event was for people within the history fields: authors, historians, students and other history professionals, to present to the public their historical work, projects, books or research. Presenters included Anderson County Library, cemetery preservation groups, local authors, metal detecting enthusiasts, and many more.
A Piedmont man pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Randy Kennedy, 35, facilitated the mailing of over 4,000 grams of methamphetamine into South Carolina in 2019. Kennedy also instructed another person on how to carry out the methamphetamine business during the course of the conspiracy.
Williamston Town Council approved a zoning change related to a new business develpment and amended the zoning ordinance to include guidelines and restrictions for “care homes” or transitional and supportive housing and use of containers as storage buildings. Council also heard an update on several upcoming Envision Williamston projects
Sept. 20 – Anderson County Council approved a resolution to commission code enforcement officers, heard a presentation on human trafficking and increased fees for marriage ceremonies in government offices. The fee associated with use of county offices and personnel for personal marriage ceremonies increased from $20 to $100.
Wren Elementary School was recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. The school’s successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.
Sept. 27 – The Anderson District One School Board recognized Palmetto High FFA members, approved changes to three board policies and updated the emergency operations plan.
The Palmetto High Future Farmers of America chapter was recognized for being the state’s only three star chapter and for having three state championships. The most recent state championship was won by the Parliamentary Team which gave an impressive five minute presentation on parliamentary procedures during the meeting. They were to compete the following week in a national competition in Indianapolis.
Spearman Elementary School was recognized for being named a national Model Professional Learning Communities at Work school.
The Board heard comments from District One stakeholder Kasey DiPasquale, who had concerns about federally funded programs associated with the World Economic Forum, US Dept. of Education and others being incorporated into District One.
Superintendent Robbie Binnicker reported architects are at work on design for a new elementary school to be built in Powdersville. The new school will be designed for 1,000 students and will draw about one third of the students each from Concrete Primary and Powdersville Elementary.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that the state has suffered its first influenza-associated death of the season.
The pilot who ejected from an F-35 fighter jet over North Charleston parachuted into a residential backyard near the Charleston Air Force base. The backyard he landed in was at the childhood home of Pelzer resident Sharon (Wiggins) Heller.
Powdersville’s Troop 210 held its end-of-summer Court of Honor to recognize nearly 30 Boy Scouts for their achievements and advancements over the last-six months. It was one of the largest recognition ceremonies for the Troop in years with 27 new rank achievements and over 130 merit badges.
Troop 210 also recognized one Eagle Scout accomplishment with Powdersville High School senior Aidan Queen achieving the highest rank in Scouting. His service project included building new playground apparatuses and shelter at the Sunshine House in Mauldin earlier this summer.
OCTOBER
Oct. 4 – Anderson County Council approved proclamations honoring Dr. William McMurtrey “Mack” Burris and designated October as Hispanic Heritage Month. Council approved a request by Mill Town Players Director Will Ragland for a total of $3,500. Each Councilmember recommended $500 from their accounts. District 7 Councilmember Cindy Wilson also requested $1271.96 for equipment for the Palmetto High Fishing Team.
Oct 5 – An event at Palmetto Middle School celebrated Hispanic Heritage month with food trucks, dance performances, arts and crafts, live DJ, family and student exhibits, community resources and more.
The 36th annual Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival was held in Belton.
Williamston Town Council approved zoning amendment changes and heard the annual audit presentation. Auditor Andrew Coleman, of Greene, Finney, Cauley accounting told Council that the Town had received an unmodified opinion, which he said “is the best opinion you can receive”. Coleman said the town Fund Balance had increased by $678,000 from $2,526,000 to $3,204,000
Council approved second reading on a zoning change on five acres of property on Minor and College Street. The change from Institutional to Planned Development will allow developers of Big Creek Station to continue with their plan to develop the old water treatment plant.
Oct. 11 – The Mill Town Players opened their 10th Season With Arsenic and Old Lace, a classic dark comedy which starred Pelzer’s Cameron Woodson.
Pelzer Town Council approved 27 new streetlights and appointed Brenda Helmuth and Christopher Baker to the planning commission. Council also approved a Historic tax credit proposal for the hospital building. Preservation South is working on preliminary items needed in preparation of renovation of the historic building.
Anderson School District One announced Powdersville High School was named to the 2023 Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll by the College Board. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening access for students.
West Pelzer Town Council approved first reading on amendments to the business license ordinance to be in compliance with the State Standardization Act regarding business license taxes. The amendments included a standardized business license class schedule recommended by the SC Municipal Association by NAICS Codes and addressed business licenses taxation regarding Billiard or Pool tables and others.
Oct. 18 – The life of William State Lee, Jr. was celebrated with an induction into the Anderson County Museum’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to Anderson County and South Carolina. Lee, along with James B. Duke, played a key role in starting the Duke Energy Company. The W. S. Lee Station combined-cycle natural gas plant and the Lee Steam facility before it, were named for W. S. Lee.
Hardees in Piedmont was shut down.
Oct. 25 – Anderson School District One Board heard a presentation on board member area remapping, approved 2024-25 school calendar and heard positive news about the District graduation rate. , Superintendent Robbie Binnicker announced that the graduation rate for District One is 94.2 percent, the highest it has ever been.
Powdersville Elementary was recognized for being the first PLC Model School in the District, Palmetto Middle was recognized for being the second PLC Model School in the District and Wren Elementary was recognized for recently being named the third PLC Model School in the District. Wren Elementary was also recognized for recently being named a National Blue Ribbon School.
Anna Spencer was recognized for being the first new hire for the 2024-25 school year.
Anderson County resident Kasey DiPasquale spoke during public comments.
Local dignitaries and AnMed officials attended a groundbreaking for a new facility that will bring life-saving emergency care and other services to the Piedmont/Powdersville area.
AnMed Piedmont will be located at the Northwest corner of SC Highway 86 and Old Williamston Road and will meet increased demand for health care and the needs of a growing population with an investment of more than $35 million.
Palmetto Middle School hosted a Veterans Day Celebration to honor and recognize local Veterans.
SC House District 9 Representative Anne Thayer announced that she will not be seeking another term serving residents of Anderson County at the State level in Columbia.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1 – Blake Sanders, Mayor of West Pelzer, announced that he intends to run for South Carolina State House as a Republican in District 9.
The Palmetto Middle School fishing teams finished the South Carolina bass nation youth series tournament trail with two wins. Lane Nickles and Roman McCall finished 2nd with 7 pound 20 ounces while Cody Childs and Garrett Ozog finished 5th with 6 pounds 23 ounces.
Anderson County was approached by a community group known as “tba” or “To Better Anderson” with a need to place their latest project, a Millennium Pegasus. The sculpture “Millennium Pegasus” by sculptor Sandy Scott of Lander, Wyoming was on display in Denver, Colorado before being relocated to the greenspace directly behind the Historic Courthouse in Anderson.
Nov. 8 – Anderson School District One began notifying interested persons of their intent to relocate a cemetery located on property purchased for a new elementary school in the Powdersville area. The grounds containing the cemetery were formerly owned by John F. and Beatrice Elrod family.
Anderson County was awarded a $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These funds will be used to develop a community-wide safety action plan, which will be used to guide a host of road safety projects throughout the county.
Anderson University hosted best-selling author Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker, author of “Dracula.” Dacre presented “Stoker on Stoker: Dracula Revealed,” a multimedia presentation in which he delved into Bram’s life story and how he came to write the famous Gothic horror novel.
The Anderson County Museum featured an exhibit titled “Not-So Secret Societies”. The histories of groups like the Freemasons, Knights of Columbus, Odd Fellows, and others provide insight into the social mores of their members, the issues they cared about, and the varied striation of the societies in which they lived over time.
Workers began clearing trees and brush for a roundabout along Highway 29. It will be located at the intersection of Highway 29 and Welcome/McAlister Roads. The intersection has been the site of many wrecks over the years.
Williamston Town Council heard a request to use the municipal center auditorium, recognized scarecrow decorating contest winners and approved first reading to rezone several properties. They also set a date for the Christmas Parade and heard a brief presentation on bats.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby reported that Boo in the Park was “the best ever” with as many as 1200 to 1500 children plus adults attending.
Nov. 15 – A Simpsonville man died from injuries he sustained after his motorcycle was struck by a deer and he was then struck by a vehicle while attempting to get off Highway 247. Troy James McConnell, 35, died after being treated at the scene by EMS personnel and then airlifted to Prisma Health Trauma Center.
Tapestry Development Group, which is planning an affordable senior housing development at the Pelzer Heritage Commission (PHC) Upper Mill property, was awarded $10,022,475 from the HUD funding. The planned development will include a total of 80 units, with 60 of those being Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRAC) Units.
Pelzer Town Council approved a zoning change request for Upper Mill property owned by the Pelzer Heritage Commission (PHC) that will pave the way for the $10 million senior housing development. The was changed from Industrial to Mixed Use in preparation of Cadence Development and Tapestry Development Group purchasing the property from the PHC, with plans for an affordable senior housing development for ages 62 and older.
Nov. 22 – Powdersville Water was named SC System of the Year for 2023. The System of the Year Award is given each year to one SC utility that has demonstrated excellence in operations, maintenance, and customer service.
Nov. 29 – Envision Williamston and Town of Williamston held the third annual Winter Wonderland event which included Christmas tree lighting, lighting of the Christmas Park and opening of Deck the Halls. Activities included free carriage rides through the park, carolers, Santa in the Scout Hut, hot chocolate, cookies, live nativity and much more. The front of the Municipal Center Building was decorated with new lighting and five 20 feet inflatables at the event. Dianne Lollis was recognized as “Citizen of the Year”.
Anderson School District One Board heard the annual audit report, elected officers and approved several new policies and policy updates. Nancy Upton was elected Board Chair, Brenda Ellison Vice-Chair and David Merritt Secretary.
The AAA State Champion Wren Volleyball team was recognized by the AD1 School Board. The Hurricanes repeated their state volleyball championship recently with a win over Camden in Columbia. Amy Godfrey is Head Coach of the team.
Two AD1 schools, Hunt Meadows Elementary and West Pelzer Elementary were recognized for being named National Model Professional Learning Communities at Work® (PLC) schools.
The Board heard comments from Kasey Dipasquale.
Ken Meadows of Green, Finney and Cauley Accounting, reported that the annual audit “went very well” and that District One received an “Unmodified Opinion”, which is “the best you can get.” The General Fund Balance saw an increase of $4.4 million and stands at $89.6 million.
Due to a predicted high chance of rain, all three area Christmas parades, scheduled for the same day, were postponed.
DECEMBER
Dec. 6 – Anderson County Council took a step forward on a one percent sales tax to provide funding for road improvements, approved a GO Bond for Courthouse improvements and approved resolutions honoring two local residents.
The transportation sales and use tax will be subject to referendum approval by voters next year.
County Council approved second reading for the issuance and sale of an $8.3 million general obligation bond which will be used primarily for repairs to the old County Courthouse building. County Administrator Rusty Burns said another Bond is coming off and taxpayers will not see an increase in taxes related to the new GO bond.
County Council District 7 representative Cindy Wilson presented a resolution honoring Dianne Chastain Lollis for her involvement in the community and George W. Martin for 50 years in the SC auction industry. The T. L. Hanna Band was also recognized for their recent state championship.
County Council approved a special source revenue credit for “Project Austin”. “Project Austin” is a family owned business in the Town of Williamston and represents a $5 million investment.
The Powdersville Water Board of Directors approved a new budget with a three percent rate increase. The recommendation for the increase was the result of PW’s annual financial plan and cost of service rate model, which included the completion of two major capital improvement projects, partially funded by a Federal grant through the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program managed by the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority. Other smaller capital expenditures are included as needed for PW to meet increasing demands on the distribution system.
Williamston Town Council recognized the Palmetto Varsity Cheer Team, approved second reading to rezone several properties, approved a resolution in support of a fee in lieu of tax agreement for a local business and approved funding for a MLK Breakfast.
Palmetto High Competitive Cheerleading squad and coaches were recognized for winning the 2023 SC High School League 3A Competitive Cheer State Championship in Columbia. They went undefeated during the 2023 season to advance to State and won the championship scoring 271 points, defeating defending State Champions BHP by one point.
Council unanimously approved a resolution for consent for property in Williamston to be included in a Joint County Industrial and Business Park (2010) and other incentives. The agreement includes a fee in lieu of tax agreement with Anderson County and Town of Williamston for Williamston developer and business owner Jim Simpson.
The agreement with James M. Simpson and his company, Town Square Development LP, provides incentives to develop a commercial facility on properties within the Town. It also allows Anderson County to place the property into the 2010 industrial and business park. The agreement requires a $5 million investment and will be in effect over a six year period.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said that discussions with Ingles indicated the grocery chain is still committed to coming to Williamston, but constructon costs had increased by forty percent since COVID, causing some hesitation by Ingles. “They are still committed to coming to Williamston,” he said. “but they will wait till the market settles down a bit.”
Dec. 13 – The Anderson County Legislative Delegation approved redistricting maps for School District One, heard presentations on M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Cemetery and Anderson County Transportation Committee and approved five PARD funding requests.
Twentyfive judge candidates from across the state were introduced to the Delegation. The candidates are running for various positions including circuit court, court of appeals and family court across the state and will meet with legislators in January.
The South Greenville Fire District dedicated two new fire engines during a special ceremony at the Augusta Road Ruritan Club. New Fire Engine 80- will replace Engine 80A, a 2008 Pierce Velocity, at South Greenville Fire headquarters on Augusta Road.
New Fire Engine 77 will replace Engine 77, a 2007 American LaFrance Eagle at the Matrix Department. The two 2023 custom Pierce Enforcer fire engines cost approximately $800,000 each when they were ordered.
South Greenville Fire Chief Matt Sutherland said the Ruritan Club was selected for the site of the ceremony because it started the fire department in 1956 and raised money to purchase one fire truck. That truck was used until 1965 when the state set up the South Greenville Fire District as a Special Purpose District.
The Williamston Police Department investigated an incident in which an elderly female was carjacked at 614 North Hamilton Street. The suspect fled the scene in the vehicle and a short time later struck another vehicle, then left the scene of the accident near Amity Road in Anderson. The vehicle was spotted by Anderson Police Department and recovered at Friendship Court Apartments at 719 West Mauldin Street in Anderson. Michael Anthony Miles, 60, was arrested for the carjacking and booked into the Anderson County Detention Center.
Dec. 20 – The Anderson County Legislative Delegation approved PARD funding for disc golf course at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville; a new HVAC for the Pelzer Gym; Iva Elsie Evans park improvements in Iva; Honea Path LED ballfield lighting in Honea Path and a pickleball court in Belton.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby said Winter Wonderland was a “huge success” and upcoming events will include a spring event with food trucks in Mineral Spring Park, Pastor’s Breakfast, spring Bingo and possibly a spring concert or event with a market for vendors.
Envision Williamston donated $500 to help fund a mentor program at Palmetto Middle School. Mentor Program Organizer Erica Bruce said the donation will help cover the cost of food and other needed items, for a semi-formal end of the year luncheon for those in the program.
West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders was honored with a reception following the Dec. 12 meeting of Council. Sanders announced early in the year that he did not intend to run for another term as mayor.
Dec. 27 – After celebrating Christmas, area residents welcomed the new year.
We hope you enjoyed this look back at 2023 and look forward to keeping you infomed of local news and sports during 2024.
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