Animal Shelter Full; Community Asked to Help

Observer Reports

Anderson County PAWS needs the community’s help. 

The animal shelter is full, with 135 large dogs, 11 small dogs and 16 puppies. It doesn’t have a single open kennel.

“I've been at PAWS for 6 years now and we have never been this full,” said Dr. Kim Sanders, director of the shelter.  “We had to move dogs into temporary holding kennels to make room for the new dogs that came into the shelter today. So, I am asking each one of you to show up and help all of us at PAWS. 

“If you can volunteer, please show up at 8 a.m. to help clean kennels, wash laundry, feed dogs, wash dishes and spread the love. If possible, show up and foster a dog in need. We need our community to show up now more than ever especially with a new puppy pet store recently opening. This week alone we have taken in purebred yorkies, cocker spaniels, labs, shepherds, chihuahuas, beagles, "micro-bullies" and the very best mutts. We truly need your help now more than ever." 

Under Sanders leadership, PAWS has become a model shelter, with visitors from around the nation visiting Anderson to see how they take care of animals needing homes, while building the largest no-kill shelter in the Upstate. 

For more information, visit here.

County EMS Program Could Aid Those with Disabilities

Observer Reports

Anderson County Emergency Management is building a database that could impact they approach people with special needs in during a life-threatening emergency.

The Special Needs Registry will give first responder details about the person and their condition, as a new source of information to first responders to an emergency.  

“We can now provide critical information to our first responders, allowing them to respond with all the vital information they need while enroute,” said Josh Hawkins, Emergency Management Director. 

The information, which will include address, the person's disability and a few details about how best to interact with them, goes directly to dispatch so first responders are better equipped to help.

To register visit: https://www.emd.andersonsheriff.org/snregistry

S.C. High Court Rejects Ban on Abortion After Six Weeks

Observer Reports 

The South Carolina Supreme Court today struck down the state ban on abortions after six weeks by a vote of 3-2.

The ruling, in part read:

“Six weeks is, quite simply, not a reasonable period of time for a woman to know she is pregnant and take reasonable steps to terminate that pregnancy.” 

Thursday’s ruling is the latest step in the legal battle that began the United States Supreme Court struck down Roe v Wade’s legal precedent that protected abortion access last year. In response, a series of state legislatures attempted to make laws across the country that made obtaining an abortion more difficult.

“We respectfully, but strongly, disagree with the Court’s ruling," said South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in a statement after the ruling. "We’re working with the Governor’s office and legislature to review all our available options moving forward.”

Ruling text here.

Striped Bass Fishing Tournament to Help Local Food Bank

Observer Reports

The Striped Bass Challenge (SBC) is scheudled to bring the 2023 Winter Classic, one of the four Open/Qualifier tournaments of the Trophy Series Championship Trail, to Green Pond Landing on on Friday.

Tournament organizers Thomas and David Richardson say the folks at Visit Anderson, Anderson County, Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center, and Second Harvest Food Bank make putting on the event a pleasure.  

“The SBC wants to put on a premier fishing tournament and the folks we work with here make that possible,” said Thomas. “Since our first event over 7 years ago the anglers have provided over 760,000 meals for the local communities. These folks have a great chance to win big prizes at the captain’s dinner and at the boat ramp.  We’re excited to be able to do this again and to work with all these great people including the folks from the SC DNR.”

The SBC’s goal is to support the community near Anderson by raising enough food and cash donations so that Second Harvest Food Bank can provide 100,000 meals. “We are really counting on the anglers to bring in a lot of food and money to buy tickets,” Thomas states. 

Anglers vie not only for the cash prizes which include first place $15,000, $2,500 Big Fish, gifts cards for youth, and another $2,000 for the lady angler whose team places the highest in the tournament.

Council Clears Path to New Public Space on Saluda River

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council approved restrictions of 28.02 acres of property along the Saluda River on Tuesday, the final step toward setting in motion improvements on the property for public use.

In October, the county was awarded a $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to be used towards the development of a new recreation facility on the Saluda River in Piedmont.

The facility will be developed in the historic village of Piedmont on county-owned property located at 550 River Road at the confluence of the Saluda River and Big Brushy Creek, just north of Piedmont Dam. LWCF funds will assist in development of Phase I of the new park, which will include:

ADA-accessible kayak launch facility is set to include: 

• 5,000 linear feet of ADA-accessible paved sidewalk
• Improved parking area and access
• Initial development of nature paths, shoreline access trails, and habitat enhancements

Piedmont Riverfront Park will be the fifth access facility developed by Anderson County to support the Upper Saluda River Blue Trail. The Blue Trail provides over 70 miles of beginner-friendly and nearly 50 miles of more advanced paddling opportunities. Starting in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Pickens and Greenville Counties, the Saluda River borders six counties as it flows through Upstate South Carolina and all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

“I can’t begin to say enough good things about the people in Piedmont—their strength and resilience are now being rewarded,” said S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell when the project was announced. “The park will bring long-term, sustainable benefits to the community, and I can’t wait to see it come together.”  

Anderson County estimates that the park will directly contribute more than $3 million to the regional economy each year, with indirect impacts exceeding $10 million annually.

Dunn, Sanders to Reelected to Lead County Council

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council reelected Chairman Tommy Dunn and Vice Chairman Brett Sanders to continue in their leadership roles for 2023 as part of Tuesday night's meeting.

Council District 3 has a new representative, as Greg Elgin was officially swore in to serve the district.

Council also passed recommendations on ATAX funding, with only minor adjustments, as part of the meeting.

Sanders recapped the meeting for the Anderson Observer.

County, United Way Grant Could Lead to Belton/Anderson Trail

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council and the United Way of Anderson are looking at plans that could create a trail system that connects the City of Anderson and Belton. 

The trail would begin near North Main Street in Belton and arrive in Anderson at North Gossett Street.

Funded by a $252,000 grant, the funds will be used to assess the feasability of a Anderson Area Multi-Purpose Trail System, and includes the cost of potential right of ways the county would need to secure along the old Piedmont and Northern, or Poor & Needy, railroad bed that stretches between the two cities. 

The funding begins in this month and will continue throughout 2023. Any funds left over from the study and properties neded will be used to begin work on the trail.

Anderson County has been looking at the possibility of a cross county trail which would begin in Belton and stretch across connecting the trails in and around the City of Anderson with Pendleton and Clemson. The new venture is the first step in that process.

Anderson County has almost completed the multi-purpose track/trail connecting the AnMed walking track on S.C. 81 North with the civic center. The City of Anderson has also finished the second phase of Linley Park and hopes to connect thier tracks with each other and those of the county in the months ahead.

Council to Vote on Distribution of ATAX Money

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council will consider distribution of the Accomodations Tax Funds as part of the first meeting of the year at 6:30 p.m. in the historic courthouse downtown.

Anderson County’s Accommodation (ATAX) Grant funds were up more than 45 percent in the fiscal year 2021-2022, with $956,746 collected from June 2021-May 2022.

The funds, which were requested by various groups in the county, were evaluated by the county ATAX committee based on their potential benefit to tourism in Anderson County.

"The county is ounty is very hapy that the ATAX funds continue to grow every year," said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. "These funds are required to be invested back into organizations which promote and improve tourism in the county."

The Anderson County Visitor's Bureau and the Anderson County Museum are among the groups included in ATAX funding. 

Full agenda packet, including requests and committee recommendations, here.

At 6 p.m., an oath of office ceremony will be held for newest Anderson County Councilman, Greg Elgin, who no represents District 3.

New Anderson County Probate Judge Ready to Take Office

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson's new probate judge, J.T. Foster, will officially take office on Tuesday.

After more than a decade of service with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Foster believes his experience make him an ideal candidate for the position. Foster replaces Probate Judge Martha Newton who served in the office for close to half a century.
 
“Since 2006, I have dedicated my career to serving the citizens of Anderson County," Foster said. "After holding several positions in the County Sheriff’s Office, I know I’ll be ready for any challenge thrown my way as probate judge. As a family man and follower of Christ, I know the importance of treating everyone fairly and listening to all sides before rendering any decision. I want to be a judge who puts the well-being of families first.”

A lifelong resident of Belton, Foster began at the Sheriff’s Office in 2006 as a Deputy Sheriff with the Uniform Patrol Division and later as a Staff Sergeant serving as the Public Information Officer for the agency.

 “A probate judge serves county residents during some of the most stressful times they will ever go through; this position requires someone who understands the impact that each decision will make," said Foster. "Anderson needs someone who is compassionate and highly organized."

He said he plans to work closely with other local agencies and law enforcement officials and oversee a probate court that is responsive, efficient, transparent, and genuinely cares about the people it serves.

Foster earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Anderson University and holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Tri-County Technical College in 2011, and a master’s degree from the Command College of South Carolina at Anderson University.
 
He is married to his wife Noel in 2006 and the couple has three girls – Cloie, Carsen, and Caroline.

He said he is looking forward to his new position in this interveiw with the Anderson Observer.

PAWS Offers Tips for Easing Effect of Fireworks on Pets

Observer Reports

Anderson County PAWS says that more pets are reported missing during celebrations that involve fireworks than at any other time of the year. The shelter is asking folks to take these crucial steps to keep pets safe and calm during tonight's New Year celebrations.

Oil Mill Cleanup, New Businesses Highlight Pendleton in 2022

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

A contract to clean up the Pendleton Oil Mill was an "early Christmas present" to the town, capping a year of growth and planning, according to Mayor Frank Crenshaw.

New parking for downtown, to increase the walkability for the growing area and a strategic plan which includes a new fire station and a pubic works building are also on the horizon.

Crenshaw outlined the year, including the new plans for recreation and trails, in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

Expanded S.C. SNAP Payments to End Jan. 31

Observer Reports

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) is announcing an end to the federally-approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments (supplements) to all South Carolina households effective Jan. 31, 2023.

More than 308,000 households, representing more than 626,000 clients, are currently receiving SNAP in South Carolina as of November 2022.

Since March 2020, the assignment of emergency SNAP allotments (supplements) has brought all authorized households up to the maximum benefit allotment, based on household size.

January 2023 has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services as South Carolina’s ‘transition’ month, prior to going back to normal SNAP benefit allotments for all households.  

Effective Feb. 1, 2023, all SNAP households will go back to receiving their regular monthly benefit amount. 

A household’s regular SNAP benefits will not change as a result of the emergency allotments ending. Emergency allotments are not subject to fair hearings.

Beginning Jan. 3, 2023, SNAP recipients will be able to view their regular monthly SNAP benefit amount and their emergency allotment amount online, at https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov/#/eai/eaiinquiry

For more information on the program visit: https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/.

News Briefs for Dec. 28

Observer Reports

News Briefs

The City of Belton has just about recovered from the leaks to the water system caused by Christmas weekend's unseasonable cold weather. Service should be fully restored late today.

The City of Anderson is reporting the street closure of the North Murray Avenue entrance to the Whitner Street Parking Garage will continue through Jan. 9.

Hope Missions of the Upstate has kept a warming shelter open for the past week and they need gentlely used clothing for those are in need. Special needs right now include long-sleeved men's tshirts, hoodies and mens pants. More here.