"The presence of such eyesores has been a real hazard for these communities," said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. "We work hard to provide funding to clean up our county, and now residents in the area will finally be able to say goodbye to the depilated structures."

Games, demonstrations and hands-on activities and story time were part of the day.

Despite the early rain, an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 visited Belton for Saturday's event, which also featured music, events for kids and a car show.

Spring brings baby goats to the Anderson County farm, which has gained a reputation around the world for its feta cheese, one of many products offered.

Kern, 55, of Anderson, was the managing partner of Upstate Law Group law firm, and from approximately 2012-2021, used her law firm to facilitate a fraudulent scheme involving illegal assignment of veterans’ benefits. Victims of the scheme lost more than $31 million.

The Senate plan spends $166 million to give state workers a $2,500 bump in their base pay if they make less than $50,000 and a 5% raise if they make more than $50,000. The House's budget for fiscal year 2023-24 spends $42 million less. Workers making less than $83,000 would get a $2,500 raise and those making more would get a 3% pay bump.

Funding for roads and bridges has been lacking for decades in the county, which has 1,534 miles of county roads, and the new proposal would generate an estimated $30 million annually. The additional funds would be used exclusively for roads and could not be transferred into other parts of the budget. Other ideas such as a vehicle fee, which could raise $3 million per year were rejected in favor of asking voters to approve a penny tax.

A series of other litter pickup events are also going on in the county this week and beyond. For details on efforts to combat litter in Anderson County, visit CleanAnderson.org

Brennan took home both a trophy and a check for $10,000.

The Anderson County Youth Leadership group offers mentoring and other activities led by community leaders.

The city will close the short section between Tribble Street and Sharpe Street to through traffic Monday-Thursday. All off-street parking, save for the driveway at the Anderson County Farmers Market Pavilion, will remain open.

New housing, growing recreation opportunities, and a new way to communicate with the citizens of Honea Path have made for a busy Spring so far for the town.

“The Age of Aquarius: A Psychedelic 60s Rock Concert,” continues through April 30 in at the historic Pelzer Auditorium. Tickets available here.

All this, plus the county’s budget, upcoming events and economic development are part of this Anderson Observer interview with Administrator Rusty Burns.

Scheduled for Monday-Wednesday, the conference is a place where professionals can make connections and share information on such topics as marketing, security, staff morale, and budgeting. 

Located in an under-resourced community, the center provides services in the areas of healthcare, education, and includes an extension library and a police sub-station, childcare and after-school care.

The agency’s 2023 Infant Mortality Report, released annually by DHEC’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, shows that South Carolina’s infant mortality rate has grown by almost 40 percent overall since 2017.

Among the nine Republicans who have either announced a 2024 presidential run or who are viewed as potential contenders, Trump is on top with 41 percent. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Haley are neck-and-neck with 20 percent and 18 percent respectively.

“Drastic” increases in the cost of materials and labor have driven the original cost estimates up from $55 million to $72 million. The county has worked with Mosley Architecture redesign plans for the new detention center as a two-story facility, which will reduce costs and maintain space on the property for future growth.

In an email to supporters, Scott teased that he would be making a “major announcement” during an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday morning.