Over the past 37 years, the community event has raised more than $2.7 million for the clinic, with participants walking a combined 7,500 miles.

Reading offers a kind of meaningful escape. Books allow us to experience adventures more than our own days allow. We fall in love, face danger, solve mysteries, endure loss, and celebrate triumph—all within the quiet turning of pages. When we return to our own lives, we sometimes bring back a new perspective, a softened judgment, a sharper sense of wonder.

The state affordable housing agency approved more than $72 million in ultra low-interest mortgages, complete with down payment assistance, as part of its annual Palmetto Heroes program.

Electrolux Group will phase out refrigerator production in Anderson in July leaving its 1,200 employees without a job, at least for now. The plant will then be retooled to produce fabric care appliances, with new production expected to begin in the first half of 2027. The company announced Thursday a sweeping new partnership with China-based Midea Group that will significantly reshape operations at its Anderson manufacturing plant, bringing a mix of job losses in the short term and new hiring over the next two years.

Anderson County’s 2026 Comprehensive Plan, Part 2 is a snapshot of a county trying to hold two thoughts at once: that growth is coming whether anyone invites it or not, and that the county must remain recognizable to itself while it arrives.

In January 2026, the Anderson School District Two Board of Trustees voted to move forward with construction documents for a new unified middle school. As we approach a special election on Saturday, May 2, 2026, it is vital to discuss the real-world impacts this transition would have on our students, our educators, and our collective future.

“This will allow us some time to work on ordinances we have on conservation developments,” said Anderson County Councilman Jimmy Davis, who proposed the resolution. “The one we have currently needs some additions and improvements.”

The debate at the College of Charleston came hours after a Senate committee advanced a bill banning abortions from the onset of a pregnancy, with no exceptions for victims of rape or incest, or for a diagnosed fatal fetal anomaly. Women could be sent to prison for up to two years and fined $1,000 for getting an abortion or possessing the drugs to cause one.

West Pelzer has chosen a new town council member. Julia Clanton, received 37 votes to win the seat. Jason Knight received 11 votes and Jodie Southwood 7, in an election that saw a turnout of 8.87 percent of eligible voters (55 of 620).

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection tariff refund system went live Monday, marking what small business advocates call a “complex” first step for entrepreneurs to recoup $166 billion in import taxes accrued under President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in February.

“I will fight this decision. Just like the voters of City Council Seat Five, the law and the facts are on my side. The voters selected me by a two to one margin, and I will appeal the erroneous decision of the Municipal Election Commission to ensure the voice of our district will not be silenced.”

Community members are encouraged to get involved by registering as participants, forming teams, or signing on as financial sponsors. Official event T-shirts are currently available, and organizers recommend reserving them early.

At the center of the event is a local idea dressed in fancier clothes: a festival that is both street party and cultural showcase. The music lineup includes Joe Nichols, The Tams, Benton Blount, and a spread of regional and local performers, while nearly 60 artisan vendors, live art demonstrations, and four stages will keep downtown in motion from Friday afternoon into Saturday evening.

These recognitions will put the spotlight on students nominated by teachers and/or other school officials from each of Anderson County’s middle and high schools who have positively affected their peers, teachers, and/or school staff in the areas of human rights, special needs, and disabilities, and/or cultural inclusion and acceptance. These qualities were exemplified by White, who was known for his ability and efforts to reach out to those who were alone, shy, or ignored.

The resolution reads, in part that: “All orders and resolutions in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict only, repealed and rescinded. Should any part or portion of this resolution be deemed unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not affect the remainder hereof, all of which is hereby deemed separable. This resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon enactment.”

It had the feel of a county fair with better seasoning, a culinary competition and a civic engine, the sort of event that is measured in volunteer labor and nonprofit benefits as well as in heat units. The people behind it described a year-long operation built by committee, local coordination, and a steady belief that a bowl of chili can do the work of a fundraiser, a tourism draw, and a neighborhood reunion all at once.

Voters will choose between two candidates whose resumes reflect different paths of local service. Julia Clanton, an English teacher and girls’ basketball coach, and Jodie Southwood, a nurse with emergency-services experience, are running for the at-large West Pelzer Town Council.

The referendum will appear as a special election on May 2, and it asks voters in Anderson School District Two to decide the fate of a plan that would address the district’s two middle schools, both of them housed in buildings built in the 1950s. Belton Middle School sits in the old Belton High School building, while Honea Path Middle School occupies the former Geer Gantt High School, and both have needs that district officials describe as extensive and costly.

The sixteenth annual South Carolina Chili Cook-Off Championship is set for Saturday, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. in downtown Belton. More than 30 professional chili cooks from across the United States and Canada will compete for a chance to make it to the World Championships in one of four categories: Red Chili, Chile Verde, Homestyle Chili and Salsa.

“I love city management, but I am excited for this new role,” said Miller. “I wish Pendleton the best,” adding that the town is in a great place to move forward thanks to the work of “those who have served the town and set them up to win.”