Stories and Highlights covered by The Journal during 2025
JANUARY 2025
Jan. 8 – Williamston Town Council honored Emma Lois Slade, posthumously. Slade, often seen in her electric wheelchair attending many local events, passed away Dec. 12 at the age of 92.
Police Chief Kevin Marsee also recognized two police officers, Officer Josh Cobb was promoted to Corporal Officer Les Mahaffey was recognized for his efforts in helping provide supplies to the community following the devastation throughout the area caused by Hurricane Helene. A special presentation was made to the police department by Radiant Life Church in West Pelzer. Donnie and Deb Walker presented Chief Marsee with a plastic tote container with several toy stuffed animals inside.
Council also approved first reading on an ordinance regarding a provision of water and sewer services to properties located outside the town limits. Councilman David Rogers was sworn in.
Jan. 15 – Pelzer Town Council received legal advice, in executive session, regarding the Pelzer Pool Condemnation Action they began in 2021. Council approved 11 different bids totaling $30,900 for tree work and brush clearing. Councilman Mike Matthews was elected Mayor Pro Tempore.
West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on an Ordinance to amend the Board of Zoning Appeals and Zoning Ordinance reducing members from five to three and heard year end updates from the police and maintenance departments. Council went into executive session to discuss legal matters and pending litigation.
Jan. 22 – The Anderson Radio Club held their annual Winter Field Day event in Williamston, showcasing the skills and capabilities of amateur radio operators across the United States.
The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated at the Caroline Community Center with the theme, “Building a Stronger Community together”. Keynote speaker was Dr. William C. McCoy, Ed.D., an esteemed leader, pastor and educator.
The Pelzer Heritage Committee (PHC) partnered with Anderson County to work on a Master Plan that will be used to market the old mill properties for redevelopment.
PHC is in discussions with Greenville Water Works about running a 12 inch water main across the lower mill properties and Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns offered to have county attorneys handle details with Greenville Water.
The inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States took place in Washington, D.C. Due to freezing temperatures and high winds, it was held inside the United States Capitol rotunda.
As temperatures dropped significantly in Anderson County, local organizations are providing safe and warm shelter for those in need. HOPE Missions and Hillcrest Baptist Church announced the opening of warming centers to help residents stay protected from the dangerously cold conditions. For the second time in January, Williamston received another round of snow. There were reports of 1/4 to 1/2 inch of snow in the Upstate. Multiple wrecks were reported throughout the area.
The Woodmont High School Athletic Hall of Fame honored the 2024 class in their Athletic Hall of Fame. Inductees included: Aaron Ramirez (class of 2010) Corey McKelvie (class of 1990), and Coach Jimmie Towe (2018 – 2024).
Jan. 29 – The Anderson County Coroner’s office is reporting that the number of suicides in Anderson County are up during the first month of 2025. The office responded to six suicides in less than one month, accounting for sixteen percent of the total number from last year.
The Pelzer Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a water system upgrade. The Water Upgrade project involves the renewals of 675 water services and 64 gate valve replacements and will include pavement restoration.
A lengthy worksession held by Williamston Town Council covered a wide range of topics. There was discussion about purchasing five new police vehicles and 20 new airpacks for the Fire Department. The meeting began with discussion about a request for annexation of property located just outside town limits, which borders Hwy. 20 and Courtney Street, being considered for a new business. If the deal goes through, Williamston will supply water and other services. A representative of Baseline Development provided some information about the new business and discussed requests being made to the town.
There was considerable discussion about the purchase of approximately 10 acres of property owned by Trinity Baptist Church.
Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess said that the Town will be involved in an arbitration meeting to discuss settlement of legal issues regarding problems associated with a property purchase on Greenville Drive. The property, was one of three purchased by the Town in a deal with Larry Smith.
There was also discussion about the old hospital building, the property purchased by the Town on Greenville Drive that has legal issues associated with it, and work being done at the Old Water Treatment plant.
FEBRUARY
Feb. 5 – Anderson County Council approved a resolution for a memorandum of understanding agreement with the Pelzer Heritage Commission (PHC) regarding development of the former Pelzer Mill property and with AnMed Health for an EMS and Sheriff’s office at their new Piedmont Campus.
The Anderson County Office of the Coroner responded to two more suicides, for a total of eight for 2025.
West Pelzer Elementary has been named a finalist for the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Award by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA). West Pelzer was one of twelve schools statewide selected as a finalist.
Williamston Town Council approved a property annexation of property, located next to the Goodwill Store on Hwy. 20. Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contractural agreement for a tax rebate as an incentive with the current property owners.
Council approved $75,000 for five police vehicles and needed equipment such as stripping and extras. Council unanimously approved a budget amendment to provide $115,200 for purchase of 20 new airpacks for the Fire Department.
Council approved first reading on the purchase of 10.52 acres from Trinity Baptist Church. Councilman David Rogers stated that he disagreed with the purchase and that the money could be used to pave streets.
Feb. 12 – Anderson School District One Board members were recognized for their service as part of Board Appreciation Month in South Carolina. Superintendent Dr. Seth Young presented state certificates and lapel pins to Melissa Hood for fifteen years of service and to Board Chair Nancy Upton for thirty-five years of service on the Board of Trustees for Anderson One. Previous board member David Merritt was also recognized for twenty-eight years of service on the Board.
The Powdersville High Girls’ Volleyball team was recognized for their AAA State Championship and presented with a banner recognizing the championship. The team is coached by Coach Brooke Passini. Grant Young was recognized as the Wren High School AAAA Boys’ Cross Country State Champion. He and Coach Mark Wilson were presented a banner recognizing the championship.
The School Board unanimously agreed to extend Superintendent Dr. Young’s contract until June 2028.
Shady Grove Baptist Church, founded on February 15, 1867, celebrated their 158th anniversary.
West Pelzer Town Council heard a presentation on the annual audit and discussed homestead exemptions for residents.
Re-Wa is planning a ribbon cutting ceremony for an infrastructure improvement project for Pelzer and West Pelzer.
CPA Jason White presented information on the Town’s annual audit. White said West Pelzer received an “Unmodified” opinion from auditors. White said the Town’s financial statements were in order and in compliance.
Feb. 19 – Planning and dealing with explosive residential growth throughout the County was the main topic of discussion for Anderson County Council. More than half of a two hour meeting was spent discussing landscaping and buffer requirements for industrial development with adjacent residential property, stormwater runoff, problems with large scale residential developments and a six month moratorium on new residential development.
According to information presented during the meeting, Anderson County currently has more than 12,000 residential lots that have been approved and are in some stage of development.
Powdersville Water’s Board Chairman Phil Landreth announced Murray Dodd as its new Executive Director.
Feb. 26 – Eastern Engineered Wood Products (Eastern), announced that it will establish the company’s first South Carolina operation in Belton. The $18.7 million investment will create 31 new jobs. The new distribution center, will be located at 110 Milliken Drive in Belton.
Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu) announced it selected Greenville County to establish the company’s new production base in the United States. The company’s $280 million investment will create more than 700 new jobs. Isuzu purchased a 1 million-square-foot facility, on over 200 acres of land on Augusta Road, Piedmont.
A $10 million grant secured by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) is leading to an improved sewer system for the towns of Pelzer and West Pelzer. Two phases of work will take place in the towns through 2026. The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) awarded the federally funded SCIIP grant. A ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Pelzer gym where ReWa representatives, local officials and others gathered to celebrate the start of the projects.
MARCH
Mar 5 – Anderson County Council heard more comments on a proposed large scale residential development moratorium and then tabled second reading on the ordinance.
The Anderson County Emergency Management Division was recognized as the 2024 SC Emergency Management Agency of the Year in response to their efforts during Hurricane Helene in Sept. 2024.
The Anderson School District One Board recognized four new principals, heard an update on the building program and released proposed attendance zone lines for elementary school students in the Powdersville area.
The Peoples Bank is opening a new branch office on Three Bridges Road in Powdersville.
The Piedmont Bonnes Amies Club and the Piedmont Business Association began an effort for refurbishing the mural recognizing the history of Piedmont.
APRIL
Apr. 2 – A Williamston woman was fatally injured in a crash involving a sedan and city bus on Michelin Boulevard. Kellie Cason Griffin, 60, was killed in the crash.
An exhibit celebrating the 75 year legacy of the Palmetto High School Mustang Mascot was on display at the Williamston Municipal Center. the exhibit was a joint effort of Thomas Addison and Jack Ellenburg, with help from others.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged a 21 year old Piedmont man and six juveniles with Interfering with Traffic Control Signs. In all, more than 200 road signs were removed at several Anderson County locations. According to arrest warrants, the defendants removed the signs with intention of selling them for profit.
Apr. 9 – The Palmetto High School AFJROTC sponsored a 14-mile Bataan Death March Memorial Walk beginning and ending in the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center parking lot.
The Williamston Police Department released its Fiscal Year 2024 annual crime report showcasing significant reductions in both violent and property crimes while also highlighting an increase in traffic-related incidents. The report was prepared by internal analyst, Robert Rivas.
During a worksession, Mayor Rockey Burgess updated councilmembers on a variety of items including property purchases, restroom upkeep and renovations, work at Brookdale Park, trail expansion, problems at Veterans Park and garbage trucks. A large part of discussion was about whether the town or a resident is responsible for certain sewer problems.
Ellen Woodside Elementary celebrated 100 years and the Riley Child Development Center celebrated 25 years. A ceremony held at the school included a brief history of Ellen Woodside, a celebration of alumni, and the burial of a time capsule.
Pelzer Town Council approved new minimum area for lots, setback requirements, a new fee schedule for Planning and Development and a one time special business license rate.
Williamston Town Council approved a property purchase, two budget amendments for two recently purchased sanitation trucks and street paving requests.
Apr. 16 – Pelzer Town clerk Cheryl Bates announced her resignation, citing the need to prioritize her well-being and future.
Apr. 23 – Approximately 50 residents attended an informational meeting held at Whitefield Baptist Church to hear about growth in Anderson County and planning for it.
Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore announced that suicide numbers in Anderson County continue to rise with 24 suicide-related deaths in 2025, a 300 percent increase from the eight suicide related deaths in the first quarter of 2024.
Apr. 30 – Volunteers gathered to take part in a community cleanup event in Pelzer, organized by Chase Smithwick, candidate for Pelzer Mayor.
Piedmont Public Service District Commissioners heard a presentation regarding a proposal for possible future use of the river front property currently owned by Greenville County.
PPSD Deputy Administrator Craig Lawless, conducted First Reading of the 2026 Budget with revenues and expenses of $2,660,505.00. The budget called for the hiring of three additional firefighters, one per shift, as well as salary increases to continue to make the PPSD firefighters salaries competitive.
The 44th Annual Spring Water Festival, which has in the past been held on the fourth weekend of August, was held in Williamston’s historic Mineral Spring Park. New at this year’s festival was a Pickleball Tournament and FREE children’s fun zone with bounce/inflatables. The new playground area in Mineral Spring Park was also open.
During a worksession Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess presented preliminary budget information to members of Town Council. Burgess said the budget he will present for first reading will include a $2 per hour across the board raise for town employees and salary increases for the police chief, fire chief and town clerk/treasurer. Funding for Envision Williamston will come from the Hospitality Tax fund.
The Town is considering upgrading or replacing the restroom facilities in Mineral Spring Park. The estimated cost for the restroom project is $200,000.
Mayor Burgess updated Councilmembers on the status of the old Hospital Building on Williams Street. The property was in the process of being sold by Anderson County for delinquent taxes owed and the Town was in the process of taking ownership of the property through Anderson County. Approximately $40,000 was spent by the Town for improvements including sprinkler system and keeping power on while the property ownership was being worked out. Burgess said the County will reimburse the Town for the money spent.
May 7 –
Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an elementary school teacher after the school notified law enforcement of empty alcohol beverage containers within the school. Rosemary Molina was charged with Public Disorderly Conduct after school administrators were notified of abnormal behavior by the West Pelzer Elementary School teacher.
The Anderson Districts 1 & 2 Career and Technology Center announced it is being recognized as a 2024-25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School.
The Anderson District One and Two Career and Technology Center placed third in the Culinary portion of the 2025 National ProStart® Invitational, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation in Baltimore, MD.
The new AnMed Piedmont opened for service providing 24-hour emergency care. The campus will ultimately encompass about 55,000 square feet of space for patient care and substations to provide local bases of operations for EMS and law enforcement to open in July
Although not officially announced by the company, Tractor Supply Company has begun the permitting process required to begin construction on a new building in Williamston. The farm supply business will be located on newly annexed property adjacent to property annexed by Pelzer several years ago
Williamston Town Council heard a report on events, approved funding for garbage truck and held first reading on the 2025-26 budget. Debbie Chapman reported the Town has numerous business sponsors for the Freedom Celebration.
Envision Williamston Executive Director Roberta Hamby said Envision Williamston had 191 survey questionnaires filled out during the Spring Water Festival and that the survey responses showed that the Town’s Freedom Celebration and Winter Wonderland events were ranked at the top. Concerts in the Park and the End of Summer Bash were next, she said. Hamby said that turnout for the festival, which was the first one not held in August, was “not quite the turnout we have had”, but the “weather was perfect”.
Council approved second reading on a budget amendment providing $100,000 for the purchase of a 2021 Kenworth Sanitation truck. Council approved first reading on the 2025-26 budget with no tax increase.
After considerable discussion, Council tabled consideration of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) authorizing the Mayor to close a portion of Green St. The Greenville & Western Railroad requested the Town close the street at the railroad crossing.
May 14 – Detectives with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have solved an almost 30-year-old cold case. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, now deceased Bobby McClain, is who detectives say was behind the killing of 24-year-old Richard Martin.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested the parents of a six month old Belton child after the child was found with severe injuries from a field rat.
Anderson School District One Graduation Services for all three high schools was held at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson.
Pelzer Town Council decided to begin the process of a “forensic audit” of the Town’s finances.
Mayor Ragland said the Pool Property issue is still in litigation and the final price of the property is being contested by the property owners. He said he expects the issue to be settled by August.
The annual Pig in the Park Barbecue Festival and Cookoff returned to Williamston’s Mineral Spring Park. S&M BBQ John Stone was selected Grand Champion. Men at Work Brian Roach was Reserve Grand Champion.
May 21 – Anderson County Council approved third reading on two ordinances addressing issues related to growth and development. One added a new section to the Code of Ordinances to provide for riparian buffers. The second added a new section to provide for foundation surveys under certain circumstances, to determine that property lines, set-backs, buffers, and easements are properly observed in location of the foundation for a structure.
Piedmont Pubic Service District Board of Commissioners approved a proposal involving securing a conservation easement on 2.3 acres of riverfront land below the dam. A separate long-term renewable lease would allow the District to use the land. Greenville County would also donate 3.7 acres adjacent to the property. The PPSD approved second reading on the $2,660,505 2026 budget.
West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on a business license ordinance, demolition contract, first reading on the 2025-26 budget and a new ordinance defining public nuisances in public parks.
Council approved first reading on the 2025-26 budget with revenues and expenses of $748,512, an overall increase of $22,521 over the current budget.
May 28 – An attempted gun exchange in Piedmont resulted in multiple charges including attempted murder. Timario Davis, 22, was charged with Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery, Possession of Weapon during a Violent Crime and Discharging a Firearm into a Vehicle. Detectives began investigating after shots were fired along Effie Drive in Piedmont and learned that a teenager had been talking with suspect Davis over social media leading up to the shots. Davis arrived at the victim’s home to “trade firearms” with the teenager. When the victim pulled out his gun to exchange, Davis instead snatched the victim’s gun and reached for his own handgun to fire multiple shots in the teenager’s direction. He and a group of suspects in the car then sped off.
Authorities investigated a murder-suicide after two people were shot along Interstate 85.
The incident started in Mauldin city limits, where a 24-year-old woman was kidnapped by an armed suspect. The 38-year-old suspect and driver opened fire on the woman as she was trapped inside a blue Subaru Impreza on the Interstate.
The suspect continued to drive and at one point turned around, heading northbound. It was at that time he turned the gun on himself.
Six people were arrested by Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputies after a fight broke out at Belton-Honea Path High School. Deputies quickly attempted to break up the fight, mostly between parents, surrounding the softball field at BHP.
The Anderson School District One Board of Trustees approved the 2025-26 operating budget of $120,705,198 which includes a salary increase for teachers to bring first year teacher salaries in line with other Anderson County School Districts.
JUNE
June 4 – The 15th Annual Saluda River Rally was held at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville.
Anderson County Council approved second reading on the 2025-26 budget. Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders said the budget is balanced and includes a three percent across the board raise for county employees. The budget also funds the Sheriff’s Department pay plan and provides for thirteen new detention officers. Total revenues and expenditures for the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds amount to $345,207,135.
County Council approved the donation of two vehicles to the Town of West Pelzer including a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe. They also approved the donation of a 2016 Ford F250 4WD to the Williamston Fire Department.
The Pelzer Town Council addressed the clerk position, audits, events and began preliminary talks about the 2025-26 budget during a worksession.
Williamston Town Council approved second reading on the 2025-26 budget with no tax increase and tabled approving a resolution to close a portion of Green Street. The budget includes a $2 per hour across the board raise for hourly employees and will fund the Envision Williamston (EW) Executive Director position as full time. The total projected revenues and expenditures for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year are $7,733,470.
Three Anderson County Deputy Coroners were presented with a Crime Stoppers Award for their work on a case involving a Williamston woman whose body was found in a creek on “A” Street in the City of Anderson in Mar. Deputy Coroners Ables, Sullivan, and Williamson spent hours photographing the one fingerprint that the victim had left at different lighting and angles then sent it to ACSO Latent Print Examiner Robert Crowetz, who was able to get a match just based on photos of the print.
Pelzer Planning Commission Chairwoman Laura Rainey stated that grading for Courtney Park is expected to begin and the ReWa rehabilitation project is underway.
The Historic Pelzer Gym came alive as residents and visitors gathered for the town’s Summer Market—an event planned and coordinated by Councilwoman Donna Ide. The market featured handmade crafts, jewelry, art, baked goods, food trucks, and more.
June 10 –
Tensions surrounding Pelzer’s finances and leadership rose at the Town Council meeting. Council approved a continuing budget resolution and heard comments from citizens, including one calling for the mayor to resign.
The budget resolution allowed the town to operate under the current budget until the 2025-26 budget could be approved. The budget process had been delayed due to the resignation of town clerk Cheryl Bates in April. Mayor Ragland has assumed many of the clerk’s duties with some help from Planning Commission head Laura Rainey, who volunteered to help with some of the office duties such as issuing business licenses. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Matthews is currently co-signing checks with the Mayor.
Following the clerks resignation, Ragland said he began looking at financial and accounting information for the town “to make sense of it all” and has been in the process of downloading all transactions year to date, recording every single expense and making adjustments for line items “that didn’t match”. He said fifteen accounts have been combined. The actions prompted the concern of councilmembers and residents.
Sixteen Palmetto High School AFJROTC cadets successfully completed the Southeast Region Cadet Leadership Course (CLC) at the University of West Georgia, in Carrollton, Georgia. The cadets participated in rigorous training in five categories: academics, physical training, regulation drill, personal inspections, and room inspections..
Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland found that newly planted wildflowers in the median on Hwy. 8 in front of the gym had been cut down. The vandalism happened sometime during the night following the Pelzer Town Council meeting.
West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on the municipal budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Budgeted revenues and expenses are $748,512, an increase from the current $725,991. The Current Fiscal Year Millage of .1067 remained the same.
West Pelzer Town Attorney Carey Murphy said a new nuisance ordinance is “simple and enforceable” for the the police department and addresses “safety”. Councilman Tim Williams questioned wording in the ordinance regarding use of fire, open fires or cooking. Williams particularly asked about cooking hot dogs on an open flame and use of warming equipment for food. The Town Attorney said that the ordinance does exclude the use of grills, warming equipment and any type open flames.
June 18 -Anderson County Council formed an Anderson County Capital Projects Sales Tax Commission to form the ballot question regarding a one percent sales tax for road improvements in Anderson County and the projects to be funded.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Detectives charged Tiyelle Rakelle Demon Hollings, 18, with Murder and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime in connection with a shooting incident in which one person was killed and multiple people were shot on Scarborough Road, located just off Dobbins Bridge Road, in West Anderson. The incident happened when a large crowd gathered for a Juneteenth celebration held in the neighborhood for the sixth year in a row.
Pelzer Town Council held a Special Called Meeting to address placing a limit on spending until a town clerk is hired. The meeting was in response to recent questions about spending for the “wildflower initiative” and whether it falls within the mayor’s authorized spending limit of $1,000 without council approval.
With a unanimous vote, all four members of Pelzer Town Council approved a resolution limiting the Mayor to a spending limit of “one cent”. Approximately 60 people attended the meeting. Mayor Will Ragland did not attend the meeting.
West Pelzer Town Council approved second reading on the 2025-26 budget with revenues and expenses of $748,512, an overall increase of $22,521 over the current budget. The Current Fiscal Year Millage of .1067 will remain the same. There is no tax or fee increase.
June 28 –
Pelzer Town Councilman Cruz West announced that he is resigning his position on council. West said the resignation is “for reasons of a personal issue, I feel I am not adequately able to fulfill my duty to the town and citizens.”
The Williamston Freedom Festival celebration featured a live concert with local entertainers Andrew Crawford and Brandi Colt (Crawford Colt), followed by national artists Gyth Rigdon and Jon Langston. The event included food trucks, hot air balloon rides, Bobbers on Big Creek, a market in the park, golf cart parade and classic car show cruise-in.
Highway road work has been ongoing for some time on US Hwy 29, Bowlan Road and Old Williamston Road near the Anderson Jockey Lot. Multiple entrances to the Anderson Jockey Lot have been combined into one main entrance near the new Highway 29 North intersection with Old Williamston Rd / Bowlan Rd. and new traffic signals are to be installed.
Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland responded to the passing of a resolution by Pelzer Town Council limiting the mayor’s spending to “one cent”. He also announced that he does not intend to run again for the office of mayor. Ragland justified the spending, stating that Council “budgeted money for that purpose” as part of the 2024-25 budget and admitted that payments for the removal and relocation of dirt, which totaled ($26,000)) was done “in a way that I normally don’t do because I was short on time.”
Looking Back at July through December 2025 will be in next week
