Today 
Friday, August 28, 2009 at 3:01PM A 46" Sony LCD television was stolen from Sears early Thursday morning when someone threw a concret block through the glass door near the department store's electronics department. The incident is under investigation by the Anderson City Police.
Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 1:29PM Some of the cars traded in at Anderson dealerships in the "Cash for Clunkers" program, do not look quite so clunky. See editorial on the topic.
Here are a few examples of the better local "clunkers."
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 5:48PM Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), AnMed Health and County engage local mayors in preparation efforts
On Wednesday, local officials met to discuss the pending flu season. DHEC is taking the lead to bring community leaders and healthcare partners together with the goal of reaching out to the local communities and providing assistance with establishing continuity of operations plans for government, businesses and homes.
“A tremendous amount of planning and preparation brought us to today,” said Don Peace, DHEC Region I Director of Public Health Preparedness. “We began pandemic tabletop drills more than 5 years ago when the CDC began sounding the alarm about newer, tougher strains of the flu on the horizon. This gathering today represents our desire to reach out to the local leaders and strengthen our network to mitigate the consequences of H1N1. After all, we are in this together and it will take local planning by local leaders to respond to and plan for the threats, while taking a proactive stance to community related concerns.”
AnMed Health’s preparations for this flu season started in April when H1N1 first appeared in South Carolina. During the months that followed, the health system, along with the county, DHEC and other health related agencies, was able to test its pandemic flu plan. Changes are already being made as a result of that experience. For example, it became obvious that the plan did not account for situations where flu is widespread but not necessarily severe.
“Flu season is never business as usual, but the combination of a novel flu and seasonal flu is something we’ve never faced,” said Todd O’Quinn, AnMed Health’s director of safety. “Like many other hospitals across the state, we’re preparing as best we can. We’re assessing supplies and staffing levels, educating our workforce and reviewing patient care protocols. By taking these steps we should be prepared for whatever the flu season brings.”
“Anderson County is proud to partner with DHEC, AnMed Health and other health agencies to make our County a healthier place,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Eddie Moore. “This is another great example of what we can accomplish when we work together. It is imperative that we educate the public about the upcoming flu season, symptoms to watch for and ways that residents can keep their families safe and healthy. Although we can hope for the best, we must work together to be prepared for the worst.”
Upstate residents can take a number of steps to help prevent the spread of disease. The best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Every year, AnMed Health Healthy Business provides approximately 2,500 flu shots to workers at local businesses. For more information on scheduling a flu shot clinic at your business, call (864) 512-2365.
Other ways to stay healthy this flu season are as follows:
Avoid close contact with those who are sick. A good rule of thumb is to try to stay at least three feet away.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t readily available.
Cough into your elbow, not your hands.
If you do get sick, stay home and minimize your contact with others. This means avoiding travel and not going to work or school for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours. If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a face mask and cover your coughs and sneezes.
Visit www.flu.gov or scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm for information about how to prevent the flu. For up-to-date information and flu clinic schedules, you may contact the Anderson County Health Department’s Flu line at 864.260.5674.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 11:04AM Anderson School District Five posted an average composite SAT score of 1,503 for 2009, above both the state and national average, according to figures released today by the State Department of Education.
District Five’s average composite score, which includes the critical reading, math and writing portions of the test, is the 12th highest among the state’s 85 school districts. District Five is one of only 15 districts in the state to post an SAT score above the national average.
T.L. Hanna High School posted an average composite score of 1,522, one of only 35 traditional public high schools across the state to exceed the national average. Out of 200 traditional public high schools in South Carolina, T.L. Hanna finished tied for 18th in average composite SAT score. A total of 194 T.L. Hanna students took the SAT in 2009. Westside High School posted an average composite score of 1,461, above the state average. A total of 94 Westside students took the SAT in 2009.
The national average for 2009 dropped two points to 1,493. The state average was 1,445, down six points.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 9:14AM 
Vonda SkeltonChristian speaker and writer Vonda Skelton will be the featured speaker at the Upstate Christian Writers meeting Saturday, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Anderson County Libarary. Admission is free and the public is invited. Mrs. Skelton will discuss "The Writer's Brain" as part of the meeting.
The author of fiction, non-fiction, and plays, Mrs. Skelton has two new books out this year - "Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe," and her third children's mystery, "Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head." Ms. Skelton's articles have appeared in Home Life, Clubhouse, Focus on Your Child, Christian Single, New Man Magazine, Family Doctor Magazine and many others. A frequent instructor at writers' conferences, she is an award-winning playwright and lyricist, and enjoys performing in church and community theater. For more information visit her website www.vondaskelton.com.
Monday, August 24, 2009 at 5:19PM City/County Partnership will benefit animals and save tax dollars
Anderson public safety canines will soon have the opportunity to receive veterinarian care courtesy of new County veterinarian Dr. Kyle Powell. Dr. Powell has agreed to provide medical care and treatment to Anderson County proud canine partners, in addition to her duties as full-time veterinarian at the Animal County Animal Shelter.
“This is a great partnership,” said Anderson County Environmental Services Director Greg Smith. “Having a full-time veterinarian on staff at the Animal Shelter gives us the opportunity to provide free preventative medical care and treatment to assist our public safety agencies, in addition to caring for the shelter’s population. Medicines and vaccines will be provided to the owners at cost.”
“We are grateful for this assistance,” said Carla King, Technical Rescue Team’s Canine Coordinator. “Providing veterinary care for our dogs will help offset individual team member’s expenses. Our team is comprised of volunteers, who personally assume all the expenses of caring for and training our animals. Healthy dogs perform at the top of their game, making our team more efficient and able to respond when the County needs our services, whether it is searching for a missing person or hunting a fugitive that is evading capture. This demonstrates that Anderson County truly values the services we provide and is committed to equipping us with the tools we need to be successful in our jobs.”
Dr. Powell will care for approximately 10 canines. The newest of which is Belle, Anderson’s City/County Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) dog. Belle was purchased through a federal grant secured to acquire bomb team equipment and support. The City of Anderson owns Belle, who is cared for and handled by County EMS and Special Operations Director Scott Stoller. Scott is also a commissioned law enforcement officer and is a member of Anderson’s EOD Team.
“This is another great example of the city and county working together to protect and serve its citizens,” said Anderson County Councilman Tommy Dunn. “The safety of Anderson County residents is paramount to our mission as county Council members. Anything we can do to enhance the readiness and performance of public safety needs to be a priority. These animals are a vital component of our team and we are happy that we can help support their care, while actively demonstrating our appreciation for our volunteer team members and the sacrifices they make.”
Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 9:50PM By Samantha Harris
The Rev. James Bennett fulfilled a a desire he has had for more than 10 years as his church, New Beginnings International held a black-tie gala Friday night to honor leaders in the Anderson community.
Anderson City Council member Bea Thompson received an award Friday night for her decades of community service at a gala hosted by New Beginnings Ministries.
Held at the Anderson County Arts Center, the event featured live music, dancing and an awards ceremony.
Community leaders, including judges, teachers and church workers were honored in three catgories: Trendsetters, Eagles and Humanitarians. Their contributions to the community ranged from mentoring students to counseling troubled adults to philanthropy.
"This is something that has been on my heart to do for a long time," Bennett said.
The community is surviving because of the efforts of the leaders honored Friday, he said.
Dr. Winston Floyd, honored for philanthropy and volunteerism, said he was pleased to win his award.
"Serving the community is so important," he said. "I try to teach my children to do the same."
Other honorees included Anderson County Council member Gracie Floyd, Judge Hugh Welborn, Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts and the Rev. J.O. Rich.
Here is a complete list of those honored at Friday night's event:
Mr. Glenn & Shirley Davis, Eagle Award winners
Eagle Awards
Mr. Andrea & Lisa Wilson
Mr. Glenn & Shirley Davis
Ms. Treca DeShield
Ms. Carol Rice
Ms. Elizabeth Strong
Mr. David Johnson
Mr. Christopher Lee
Ms. Denise Jackson
Ms. Adrian Bennett
Ms. Brenda Sloan
Mr. James & Mallie Wheeler
Ms. Annetta Hunter
Mr. Doris & John Geer
Mrs. Shujwana McCoppin
Ms. Alice Martin
Mr. Jamew Walker
Trend Setter
Dr. Beatrice Thompson
Council Gracie Floyd
Mr. William Roberts
Mayor Terrance Roberts
Mr. Albert Norris
Faithfulness in Community Outreach
Dr. Winston Floyd
Judge Cordell Maddox
Judge Hugh Welborn
Mentoring an Example of Manhood
Mr. Johnny Devore
Mr. James Gregory
Humanitarian Award
Dr. J.O Rich
Judge Frank Mauldin
Friday, August 21, 2009 at 3:15PM By Greg Wilson
While existing home sales nationwide rose 7.2 percent in July, exisiting home sales in the Anderson area were up 9.1 percent according to Western Upstate Multiple Listing Service records.
The National Association of Realtors said 5.24 million homes sold last month. That’s more than the 4.89 million sold in June and the 4.99 million sold in July 2008. The Anderson area sold 227 residental properties in July vs 208 June.
“The housing market has decisively turned for the better,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “A combination of first-time buyers taking advantage of the housing stimulus tax credit and greatly improved affordability conditions are contributing to higher sales.”
Friday, August 21, 2009 at 2:54PM 
Fish Finale Silent Auction
Trophy Fish
Large Fish
Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 9:14PM The "Cash for Clunkers" program ends at 8 p.m. Monday, but a new program funded by the automotive industry will offer up to $4,500 on new and used vehicles. For details on this program visit their site.