Today 
Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 2:48PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns talks economic development, a new dog park, airport expansion, repairing roads and bridges, the proposed Equinox development and the upcoming holidays in this Oct. 21 interview with the Anderson Observer.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 2:01PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Another 500 new jobs are coming to Anderson County as a result of a new $100 million investment to expand operations at Arthrex.
“Our partnership with Arthrex is succeeding beyond anyone’s expectations," said Anderson County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders, whose district is home to Arthrex. "They showed a lot of faith in our community when they began their journey with us a few short years ago, and today’s announcement indicates the level of confidence they have in our workforce. These jobs will improve the lives of hundreds of Anderson County families, and I am truly thankful.”
Arthrex’s expansion in Anderson will include adding a second manufacturing facility and an Electron-beam (E-beam) and X-ray sterilizations facility.
“This investment will help Arthrex better support the growth and development of new and innovative products that help surgeons treat their patients better," said Arthrex Vice President of Manufacturing Andy Owen. "Arthrex has been committed to manufacturing quality products in the United States, and this represents that continued commitment.”
An orthopedic technology innovator, Arthrex was founded in 1981, and is a global leader in orthopedic surgical device design, research, manufacturing and medical education. The company develops and releases more than 1,000 innovative products and surgical procedures each year to advance minimally invasive orthopedics worldwide.
The expansion is expected to be completed by mid-2023. Individuals interested in joining the Arthrex team should visit the company’s careers webpage.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 11:27PM Greg Wilson/Anderson County
Anderson County Council approved ATAX recommendations for funding, debated the planning commission's makeup, and approved tax incentives for Milliken and TTI as part of Tuesday's meeting.
A detailed lists of funding approved is in the packet here.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 9:23PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
A boil water advisory was issued Tuesday night for Electric City Utilities customers, which covers most of the City of Anderson and some surrounding areas.
Electric City Utilities, a division under the City of Anderson Department of Utilities, provides water for about 38,594 residents.
Customers are advised to boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or making ice.
Approximately 150,000 gallons of untested water was accidentally released back into the system while performing tests during routine maintenance on the Orr Street water tank.
The utility expects testing will be done and the advisory ended sometime Wednesday morning.
Updates will also be available at the City of Anderson's website, or by calling the Electric City Utilities Water Operations Department at (864) 231-5230
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 5:00AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) will hold a ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the
new dog park at the facility Wednesday at 11 a.m..
The dog park will include expanded areas for walking dogs, exercising dogs at the shelter and an area to host other community events.
The opening will be just in time for PAW's annual Fall Festival and Trick or Treating, set for Saturday. The festival is scheduled from 3-5 p.m. and includes vendors, games, movies, and animals for adoption. Trick or Treating is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited.
For more information on PAWS, or to see what pets are available for adoption, visit here.
Monday, October 18, 2021 at 3:47PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County and the City of Belton kicked off the offical opening of the S.C. Sen. M.W. Gambrell Saluda River Access Point at a ceremony Monday afternoon on the river.
Gambrell was surprised by the City of Belton's choice for the name of the location.
The launch is one of three on the Saluda River in Anderson County, and it totally compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act allowing all citizens access to the kayak launch and other facilities. A future boat ramp is also possible on the site.
Anderson County has been a statewide leader in accessible recreation, especially along the Saluda River coridor, launching the first site in Pelzer in 2017. ADA launch sites are the core of Anderson County's Saluda River Corridor Development Plan, and are being implemented along the 48-mile river between the Saluda Lake Dam and the Town of Ware Shoals Dam. Anderson County has aggressively implemented its access improvement plan, and is working with other counties alongside the river to establish miles of paddling opportunities in Upstate South Carolina.
Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 9:46PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
A cooperative effort on Saturday between Anderson County and the City of Anderson raised funds for law enforcement.
Anderson County Councilman John Wright, Jr., and Anderson City Councilman Kyle Newton said the BBQ was to show appreciate for the men and women who serve in Anderson County Sheriff's Office and Anderson Police Department. The pair also said they hope to work on other city/county cooperative projects in the future.
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:53PM Christ Church 27, Crescent 10
Belton-Honea Path 61, Seneca 38
Berea 42, Powdersville 35
Daniel 35, Wren 9
T.L. Hann 50, J.L. Mann 7
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:01AM Obsever Reports
Anderson’s Alzheimer’s Association “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” is set for Saturday beginning at 9:45 a.m. at AnMed Health’s North Campus. Registration and check-in is scheduled for 9 a.m.
Participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s — their personal reasons to end the disease.
The event will implement safety protocols including physical distancing, masks (where required), contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations and more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines will be adhered to ensure walk events are safe for attendees.
Supporters also have the option to participate online and in local neighborhoods. For more information and to register, visit http://act.alz.org/andersonwalk.
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 10:40AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The City of Anderson will offermortgage assistance for those who are behind on payments due to the pandemic beginning Wednesday.
To qualify, homeowners must be the occupant of property located within Anderson's city limits, show a household income must be below 80 percent of the area median income and meet other criteria to qualify for assistance. For more details on qualifications visit the website www.citvofandersonsc.com
The program could provide up to six months of delinquent mortgage payments not to exceed $5,000, with payments made directly to the mortgage company.
The city will distribute approximately $250,000. The goal is to provide assistance to approximately 40 qualified households.
In-person applications will be received from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Municipal Center at 601 South Main Street. Call 864-231-2223 before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Please bring a South Carolina resident photo identification or driver's license, mortgage statement, proof of mortgage delinquency, W-9 form from their lender, proof of income (pay stub, social security statement or proof of last deposit, pension statement, unemployment check stub or proof of unemployment deposit, workers' compensation check stub, veterans benefits statements, TANF statements, proof of alimony, child support), and proof of reduction in income (2019 & 2020 taxes or W2's, form 1099) or INCREASE in expenses (receipts, bills, etc.) due to COVID-19.
On-site technical assistance will be provided for those with special needs (i.e. translation services or special accommodations). Applicants are asked to make needs requests known when calling to schedule appointment.
Friday, October 15, 2021 at 6:49AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County continues its statewide leadership position in accessible recreation with the official opening of Belton Landing, which will include and ADA kayak launch, on the Saluda River Monday at 2 p.m.
The City of Belton will hold a ribbon-cutting event at the site at 2520 SC Hwy 247 to celebrate the completion of major redevelopment efforts at the facility.
“The City of Belton is proud to host this facility and we look forward to meeting visitors from all across the nation," said Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn. "I am grateful to the Belton City Council and former Mayor Wendell Page for their efforts to move this project forward—we wouldn’t be here today without their support.”
The redevelopment efforts at Belton Landing are the result of an ongoing partnership between the City of Belton, Anderson County, the Duke Energy Foundation, and the Anderson County Legislative Delegation. The project received a $100,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation’s Water Resources Fund and a $35,000 grant from the SCPRT Parks and Recreation Development (PARD) program. Improvements at the facility include improved parking and access as well as the installation of an ADA-accessible kayak launch.
“The City of Belton has been working very hard to attract cultural and nature-based tourism to the community, and the improvements at Belton Landing are significant step forward in that effort," said Anderson County Councilman Ray Graham. "I am very proud that Anderson County was able to partner with the city on this project, and I am confident that the Saluda River Blue Trail will continue to grow into a beloved and nationally-recognized regional amenity.”
Belton Landing represents the third major improvement project along the Anderson County portion of the Saluda River Blue Trail in recent years. Conceived by a consortium of public entities, private sector interests, advocates for the physically-challenged, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, the blue trail enhances water recreational access for six South Carolina counties along the Saluda River. Along with its sister sites in Powdersville and Pelzer, Belton Landing promotes and preserves our local natural resources through the creation of river access points and resource awareness opportunities.
Belton Landing serves as the southern anchor of a 20-mile segment of the Blue Trail that begins at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville. The Belton Access is located roughly three miles south of Duke Energy's new 750-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant at the W.S. Lee Station. Over one million people live within 50 miles of the Belton Access. The site’s location makes it an attractive destination for kayakers, anglers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking more passive recreational interests.
“It is hard to overstate the importance of the Belton Landing project to our community," said S.C. Rep. Jay West. "The facility will not only serve to improve river access and provide economic stimulus to the Belton area, but will also raise awareness to the fundamental importance of preserving our pristine natural resources.”
ADA launch sites are the core of Anderson County's Saluda River Corridor Development Plan, and are being implemented along the 48-mile river between the Saluda Lake Dam and the Town of Ware Shoals Dam. Anderson County has aggressively implemented its access improvement plan, and is working with other counties alongside the river to establish miles of paddling opportunities in Upstate South Carolina.
Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 9:36AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Halloween is close, so it's time for updated Anderson County legends and ghost stories. The Observer will publish updates and a few new ones for seasonal fun.
Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 6:17AM Observer Reports
As South Carolina health leaders change COVID-19 guidelines for K-12 students, South Carolina’s Public Health Director, Dr. Brannon Traxler, said Wednesday the goal is to keep more students in the classroom, and out of quarantine.
The change in South Carolina Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) guidelines means that a student only have to quarantine if they were not wearing a mask when they were exposed to someone at school who has COVID-19 and if the student was wearing a mask and the student are symptom-free.
Previously, the person with COVID-19 and the exposed student both had to be wearing a mask to avoid quarantine.
“The overall goal is to keep kids and teachers safely in-person, in school,” Dr. Traxler said while noting that the agency’s updated classroom guidance is different from what the CDC advises.
“We recognize that the federal guidance set up an unintended, unfair situation for a student who’s a contact, if they were properly masked, but the affected student wasn’t,” she said. “So this update remedies this fairness issue and provides an incentive for students to wear masks to decrease the possibility of needing to quarantine.”