Engineering Dean Leaves AU for TCTC Workforce Development

Observer Reports

Dr. Anthony Guiseppi-Elie has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs and Workforce Development (VPAAWD).

As VPAAWD, Dr. Guiseppi-Elie serves as chief academic officer and is responsible for working with faculty to build and promote programs that support student success. He also oversees workforce services that promote financial stability and economic growth and ensures that the college’s workforce training programs meet the current and future needs of business and industry.

He is a member of Executive Staff and reports directly to the president. 

Dr. Guiseppi-Elie comes to TCTC from Anderson University where he served as founding dean of the College of Engineering, vice president of industry relations, and university distinguished professor at Anderson University. Prior to his role at Anderson University, Dr. Guiseppi-Elie served as associate dean of engineering medicine and TEES research professor of engineering at Texas A&M University and Houston Methodist Hospital. He also spent nine years as a professor in the College of Engineering at Clemson University and eight years as a professor in the College of Engineering and School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has a doctor of science degree in materials science and engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a master of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, and a bachelor of science degree with an emphasis in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and applied chemistry from the University of the West Indies. He also is a graduate of the Academic Leadership Academy at Penn State University.

Dr. Guiseppi-Elie has been a Fulbright Specialist and holds fellowships in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).

Bassmaster to Launch from Green Pond Landing this Weekend

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The top anglers from around the world are coming to Anderson this week to compete over the weekend on Hartwell Lake in the 2022 “Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk,” the world’s most prestigious professional bass tournament.

Many are already in town to begin practice rounds, but beginning Friday, the anglers will launch boats from Green Pond Landing and Events Center, with daily weigh-ins at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to host the Bassmaster Classic once again on Lake Hartwell,” said Neil Paul, Executive Director of Visit Anderson. “Hosting our fourth Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell is significant to our community because no other fishery will have hosted more Bassmaster Classic events. We can speak firsthand to the significant economic impact it will have on the Upstate of South Carolina and the impact of residual tourism that will be felt in Anderson County for years to come." 

The 2022 Classic will feature 55 qualifiers who will earn their berths through the Elite Series, the Opens, the TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation circuit, the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Bassmaster Team Championship plus the defending Bassmaster Classic champion and winner of the final Elite Series event of the 2021 season. They are competing for their share of a whopping $1 million purse, with the champion earning $300,000.

Fishing Rodeo Brings Young Anglers to Civic Center

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Kids Classic Fishing Rodeo Saturday brought 100 local youth to Chris Tayor Memorial Park at the Anderson County Civic Center. The free event, sponsored by Bishop Branch Baptist Church's Fully Equiped Minstry, Visit Anderson, Visit Greenville and Academcy Sports & Outdoors, is one of the events leading up to the Bassmaster Classic this weekend at Hartwell Lake.

Official: NAACP Suits Unlikely to Impact S.C. Elections in 2022

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer and Wire Reports

A legal challenge by the NAACP that the redistricting of state house seats in Anderson County "ignores its own redistricting priorities" is unlikely to delay use of the approved maps in the 2022 elections according to a South Carolina election official.

The lawsuit maintains the redraw lines used race as a predominant factor in drawing lines for S.C. House Districts 7, 8, 9, and 11 in Anderson County. The lawsuit suggests the lines could have been drawn with a significant cluster of precints combined to form one or more districts in which black voters would be more influential.

"Indeed, shattering this community of interest violates the House's own redistricting criteria," according to the lawsuit. "In addition to the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and is probative of the intentional dilution of Black voting strength in Anderson."

Full text of suit, filed earlier this month, is here.

Possible federal trials over whether South Carolina's new election districts discriminate against Black voters have been delayed several months, making it likely the new maps will be used for U.S. House and state House elections in 2022. 

The NAACP, which sued the state over the maps, stated that a crushing amount of evidence that needed to be produced and reviewed along with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in an Alabama case showing the justices were reluctant to redraw maps close to elections led the civil rights group to ask for the delays, according to court records reviewed by The State newspaper. 

State election officials are now planning to use the districts approved by the General Assembly when filing for candidates starts on March 16. Party primaries are in June with the general election in November. 

“Prior to (last week), we recognized a possibility — and arguably a likelihood — that things could be delayed. We think that’s not likely now," State Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said. 

There is a small possibility the lines could change. Lawyers for the state are discussing a possible settlement with the NACCP and others. 

But the federal trial over the new districts set for the beginning of March has been postponed. Both sides are asking to old a trial in mid-May for the state House seats and September for the U.S. House maps if they can't settle their dispute.

Anderson Cricket Club Brings International Game to County

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson Cricket Club kicked off it's preseason with a pair of games between the Anderson Kings and the Anderson Spartans at the new pitch on Balloon Hill across from the Anderson Civc Center on Saturday.

Cricket, a popular international game, is played with a bat and ball between two teams of 11 players on a field surrounding the 22-yard center pitch (which has a wicket at both ends). 

The game proceeds when a player on the fielding team, called the bowler, "bowls" (propels) the ball from one end of the pitch towards the wicket at the other end, with an "over" being completed once they have legally done so six times. The batting side has one player at each end of the pitch, with the player at the opposite end of the pitch from the bowler aiming to strike the ball with a bat. The batting side scores runs either when the ball reaches the boundary of the field, or when the two batters swap ends of the pitch, which results in one run.

The fielding side's aim is to prevent run-scoring and dismiss each batter (so they are "out", and are said to have "lost their wicket"). Means of dismissal include being bowled, when the bowled ball hits the stumps and dislodges the bails, and by the fielding side either catching a hit ball before it touches the ground, or hitting a wicket with the ball before a batter can cross the crease line in front of the wicket to complete a run. When ten batters have been dismissed, the innings ends and the teams swap roles. The game is adjudicated by two umpires, aided by a third umpire and match referee in international matches.

The official kickoff for the Anderson Cricket Club's season is set for March 26.

Anderson Dr. Sanjeev Kumar offers more details on the new club and today's event:

County to Vote on Matching Funds for Riverfront Park Tuesday

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council will vote on a resolution committing matching funds for a land and water conservation fund grant application to be submitted for Piedmont Riverfront Park as part of Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. meeting which returns to the historic courthouse downtown.

Council will also vote, on third reading, on a $500 franchise fee for business operating non-emergency medical services.

At the 6 p.m. awards meeting, council is scheduled to honor Marvin D. Greene and Dr. Marvin Poag Reid for their years of service to the community.

Full agenda here.

City Council to Consider Tree Density on New Developments

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson City Council will consider tree density requirements for new developments, rezoning requests and the replacement of worn body cameras for the Anderson City Police Department as part of Monday's meeting at 6 p.m. in council chambers downtown.

Full agenda here.

House Budget Calls for Raises for Teachers, State Workers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina House budget writers want to send raises to teachers, state employees and law enforcement, build new schools and a state health lab and buy more body cameras and bulletproof vests for police officers.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the state's $14 billion spending plan Thursday, sending the plan to the House floor where it will be debated in mid-March. 

There is an unprecedented amount of money for the General Assembly to spend in the fiscal year starting July 1 between the booming economy boosted by federal stimulus money and cash lawmakers saved over the past few years in case the COVID-19 pandemic crashed revenues. More than $3 billion is one-time money the state does not expect to have to spend again. 

The centerpiece of the House's budget — a $600 million income tax cut — was passed Wednesday and included in the budget. It cuts the state's top tax bracket where nearly half the taxpayers file from 7% to 6.5% next year, eventually trimming the rate to 6% as long as the economy continues to grow. All other tax brackets would be collapsed to the lowest 3%.  

“Budgets are about the future. They are about taking care of our citizens right now but also preparing for the future of the state,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Murrell Smith said.

In education, the House budget sets aside $230 million to boost the minimum pay for teachers regardless of experience by $4,000. Starting teachers in every district would be paid at least $40,000 under the plan.

Some wealthier school districts would need local leaders to put up their own money to get those raises for teachers as the House budget adopted Gov. Henry McMaster's proposal to change how the sate pays its share for public schools on student-teacher ratio and minimum teacher salaries instead of the confusing arrays of formulas currently used. 

Rep. Bill Whitmire, who was in charge of K-12 spending, said the state must take action to keep teachers and combat thousands of open positions. “Hopefully we can stem that tide that’s leaving,” the Republican from Walhalla said.

It isn't all raises for teachers. The House budget includes $150 million to help rural, poorer districts build new schools and $100 million to replace old textbooks and classroom materials. There is $2.6 million in the plan to increase the checks given for teachers to buy supplies from $275 to $300.

Voter Registration Deadline for City Election is March 6

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The deadline to register to vote, or update voter registration information, in the upcoming local City of Anderson municipal elections is March 6. 

The election is set for April 5, with a runoff date of April 19 (if needed).

The following methods of registration are available:

Online at SCVotes, which requites a South Carolina Driver's License or S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles ID card.

In person at the Anderson County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at 301 North Main Street.

By mail/in person. Downloading a voter registration form from scVOTES.org. 

To vote in the election, you must be a a resident of the City of Anderson. Those who have moved should update their voter registration information before March 6.

Piedmont Riverfront Park Would Expand Saluda Blue Trail

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County is hosting a public forum for comments on the development of the Piedmont Riverfront Park property Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the Piedmont Community Center.

The project will provide new public access opportunities, including an ADA-accessible kayak launch, boat landing, and shoreline trail, at an as-yet undeveloped almost 30-acre site owned by Anderson County on the Saluda River in the village of Piedmont. All project elements are designed to be wholly accessible by persons with disabilities or impaired mobility in keeping with Anderson County’s mission to make all county facilities accessible to all persons.

Area residents are encouraged to attend the drop-in session to review the conceptual site plan, draft environmental assessment, and receive other information regarding an Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application for the project.

Anderson County Dist. 6 Councilman Jimmy Davis, who represents the area, has made the purchase and development of the 28 acre property along the Saluda River a key goal of the district.

The multi-phase construction of a nature park and kayak launch facility on 28.02 acres of land located at 550 River Road in Piedmont at the confluence of the Saluda River and Big Brushy Creek, approximately .4 mile north of the Piedmont Dam.

The working title for this planned facility is “Piedmont Riverfront Park”. The county is seeking funding for Phase I of the project from the National Park Service (NPS) Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program, administered in the state by SCPRT. The property is the former site of Metromont Materials sand dredging operations.

Phase I development will consist of: an ADA-accessible kayak launch facility; 5,000 linear feet of ADA-accessible sidewalk; improved parking area and access; and initial development of nature paths, shoreline access trails, and habitat enhancements. 

Upon completion of all phases, the facility is planned to hav an improved landscape plan with canopy trees, improved access to all areas of the shoreline, a 2,800-foot natural surface trail, a paved sidewalk system, a restroom facility, primitive campsites,a pedestrian bridge and boardwalk, beach improvements, a gatehouse, an amphitheater/outdoor classroom, and five picnic shelters. More than 20 acres (2/3 of the site) will be left undisturbed or only lightly disturbed.

Piedmont Riverfront Park represents yet another stage in the development of the Saluda River Blue Trail, joining four other such facilities on the Saluda in Anderson County developed for public access and enjoyment. A consortium that includes public recreation providers, private sector interests, recreational enthusiasts, advocates for the physically challenged, environmental groups, and individuals has formed a Vision Plan for a 127-mile Blue Trail along the Upstate South Carolina portion of the Saluda River.

Anderson County sees this as a project of regional significance.  More than 1.8 million people live within a 50-mile radius of the site, and independent research indicates that about 130,000 of them participate annually in kayaking or a similar paddling activity. A direct economic impact of $300,000 and indirect impact of $1 million annually is generated for every 5,700 persons visiting the Blue Trail for kayaking, tubing, or paddling, and this number does not include the economic impact of persons visiting the Blue Trail to engage in boating, fishing, wildlife-watching, or passive outdoor activities.

The Blue Trail enhances recreational access for kayakers and others in the six Upstate South Carolina counties that border the Saluda River, including Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, and Pickens Counties. This six-county collaboration and public/private partnership represents a regional effort to promote and preserve our local natural resource by creating river access and resource awareness. 

A draft environmental assessment for this project is available for public review and comment at www.andersoncountysc.org

Below is a rendering of all phases of the park.

Art Center Kicks Off Youth Art Month with Student Exhibit

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson Arts Center will open its annual Youth Art Month exhibit on Sunday from 1-3 p.m., featuring art from elementary, middle and high school students from public, private and home school associations in this juried art show.  

Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m. for each grade and category, with recipients receiving cash prizes or honorable mention ribbons.  

In addition to the awards presented by the juror, some of the artwork will be chosen for an extended exhibition at AnMed Health, in the Gallery Cafe at McDougald Funeral Home, and our newest extended exhibit partner, Tri County Technical College Anderson campus.   

In addition to the Youth Art Month exhibition, students of T.L. Hanna’s art department will present a Wearable Art Exhibition on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Arts Center, and tickets are required. Tickets are $10 per person (children under 5 are free), and may be purchased at the T.L. Hanna front office or here.  

Along with the student artwork, a district-wide teacher show is on display in the Atrium Gallery. Art teachers from all five public school districts are invited to participate, and this exhibit opens with a gallery reception on Thursday, March 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Bassmaster Kayak Tournament Set March 2-3 at Lake Russell

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The 2022 Bassmaster Kayak Series will cast their lines into Richard B. Russell Lake in Anderson County next week, with cash and prizes going to the top anglers in the tournament.

The March 2-3 event is one of six events set for the series.

“In just two years we’ve been amazed by the growth of the series,” said B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart, who oversees the Kayak Series. “We knew kayak fishing was experiencing major growth — that’s why we started this back in 2020. But I’m not sure we had any idea just how popular it was.

“It’s been really fun to watch anglers enjoy this trail as the sport continues to evolve.”

The championship will feature such anglers as Bassmaster Elite Series veteran Mike Iaconelli - who won a Kayak Series event last year on the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Ioconelli is the only angler to ever win the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Angler of the Year, and the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship. He also holds the record with a streak of 19 consecutive Bassmaster Classic appearances. He also works to promote the sport of fishing with his own entertainment, education, and charitable organizations: The Bass University, Ike Live Podcast, Going Ike YouTube Series and The Ike Foundation®. Iaconelli is host of the television show, ‘City Limits’ on the Pursuit Channel and ‘Fish My City with Mike Iaconelli’ on NatGeo Wild.

The tournament field will be comprised of qualifiers from the 2021 Kayak Series — and though the tournament will actually conclude on March 3, the winner will be revealed March 4 and receive a first-place prize of at least $20,000 on stage at Bon Secours Wellness Arena before the first-round weigh-in of the Bassmaster Classic.

As in the past, anglers will use the TourneyX app and photograph their bass on special measuring boards to submit their catches. The angler with the most inches of bass will be the winner. All 2021 winners had at least 85 inches of bass.

For more information and to register, visit Bassmaster.com/Kayak.

Pendleton Town Council to Consider Rezoning for Development

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Pendleton Town Council will consider the rezoning 45 acres on Bickford Circle to a Flexible Review District as part of Tuesday's meeting at 4 p.m. in town hall.

The property located off S.C. 187 is under consideration for the new Sunrise subdivision housing development (See map below). A public hearing to get community feedback on the project was held in November. 

The property is currently designated Conservation Open-Space, which was put in place when it was annexed into the town.

The FRD is intended to provide design and use flexibility to allow development and redevelopment of properties that is compatible with the existing character of the area as set forth by the city's comprehensive plan.

Agenda here.