We celebrate this day because it marks the birth of freedom with the presentation of the Declaration of Independence, a unique document for several profound reasons, primarily because it articulates a new political philosophy and lays the groundwork for a revolutionary form of government.

It asserts that governments derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." This principle of popular sovereignty—that political power ultimately resides in the people—was groundbreaking. It challenged the prevailing European notion of the divine right of kings and established the idea that governments are legitimate only if they have the approval of the people they govern.

Duke Energy is again seeking to increase electricity rates, this time for all of its 857,000 South Carolina customers across the upper third of the state.

Less than a year after the utility last raised rates in the Upstate, power bills for those Duke Energy residential customers there could go up, on average, by $10.38 a month in March 2026. In the Pee Dee, residential customers could see a $21.66 monthly hike starting February 2026, roughly three years since the utility last raised rates for those customers.

If approved, the one-percent sales tax would generate close to $380 million to fund a list of road/bridge projects the county and its municipalities have identified as the most critical places of need. The commission approved the list of projects as well as a bond issue of up to $20 million to accelerate the work.

West Pelzer, Anderson County’s smallest town, continues to grow, despite challenges of finding a place for businesses and new housing.

“By using what we already have more wisely, involving volunteers, and supporting each other, we can move our town forward without leaving anyone behind.”

Early voting for the July 15 special election to fill the seat of mayor of Honea Path begins today. Voters can cast their ballot at the Anderson County Board of Elections and Registration Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting will end July 11.

“I am a roll up your sleeves and get to work type of person. I will be straight forward, honest, and always willing to listen to all citizens.”

“This isn’t about politics, it’s about leadership, honesty, and bringing common sense back to the mayor’s office.”

DMV Director Kevin Shwedo said he doesn’t know of any state in the nation other than South Carolina still operating on a system developed in the ‘90s. But that’s about to change over the next five years as the DMV prepares for a nearly $100 million overhaul.

Shwedo, who’s led the agency since 2011, warned legislators earlier this year that putting off upgrades could have dire consequences.

The Anderson County Capital Project Sales Tax Commission sent a proposal to Anderson County Council to allow for the imposition of a one-percent sales and use tax subject to a referendum within the county to fund specific capital improvement projects – roads and bridges - and for a limited amount of time not to exceed 8 years.

The commission will hold a public meeting Monday at 5:30 p.m. at 1428 Pearman Dairy Road. The public is invited.

The approximately $379.6 million generated by the tax would be used to fund proposals for priority projects identified by the county and its municipalities.

Recreation expansion, paving Main Street downtown, and movement on new housing developments are among the most recent highlights of the City of Anderson.

The $13.4 million Linley Park Project was officially opened to the public Friday, with trails, a new pavilion, new playground equipment, and the restoration of Whitner Creek which runs through the park.

On Friday, the city hosted an official ribbon-cutting for the new, $13.4 million expanded park which features the restoration of Whitner Creek, a new playground, a 1,200-square-foot pavilion, restrooms and soon will also include improved traffic flow around the park.

The 8.8 acres that comprises the lower is connected to the 5.1 acres of the northern end of Linley Park which was upgraded with walking trails and other beautification efforts in 2013.

A proposed massive new energy plant near Starr, council passing $331 million budget for 2025-26, and consideration of a referendum asking voters to approve a penny sales tax for roads are at the top of Anderson County’s agenda going into summer.

New business downtown, update on Cheney Mills housing, and meeting the challenges of growth top priorities for Pendleton moving into summer.

Mayor Frank Crenshaw said planning is key as the town grows west toward the Cheney development, future development of the old oil mill site and the planned TIF district.

"We’ve already got the money set aside and everything as far as clearing the mill property and we do have an interested party that's going to be building multiple types of housing over in that area, primarily focused to the people of 55 years of age or higher,” said Taylor.

The first step will be to get the site cleared for the potential new development, said Taylor. The town is also demolishing and clearing the lots of 10 abandoned/uninhabitable houses

Three new businesses are also on their way to Belton. Little Caesars, Domino’s and Waffle House are all at various stages of getting started, which represent a substantial investment in the city.

The Belton-Anderson trail is also still in the works, with the last step being to secure funding for the five-mile trail that would connect the two cities. Both cities are looking for grants and sponsorships to expedite work on the trail, which could represent the beginning of something bigger by connecting to other trails.

A final public meeting at the 1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson County Office Complex, is scheduled for June 30 at 5:30 p.m. After that meeting, the commission will send their proposals to the county council.

The commission’s current task is to draft the ballot, which will then be considered by Anderson County Council. The final ballot must be approved by the South Carolina Elections Commission before Aug. 15 to appear on the ballot in November.

New businesses, including plans for new commercial development at Big Creek Station, an area that includes a disk golf course, are also under way.

“There are lots of big things are happening in Williamston," said Burgess.

The Anderson County Library is offering a new way to borrow books and other items for those who do not live close to one of the library’s branches. One Friday, the library debuted a Library Book Vending Machine at the S.C. 24 location of Food Lion.

Anyone with a library card can now check out and return items at the new location.

The United Way of Anderson County honored local leaders at the 2025 African American Leadership Society Gala on Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Anderson.