Today 
Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:01AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
More than a 1,000 new jobs, new and expanding companies, road work, park upgrades, tourism growth and more kept Anderson County busy in 2022.
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns outlines the county's biggest moments from the year in this intervew with the Anderson Observer.
Friday, December 16, 2022 at 8:19PM Anderson County’s unemployment rate fell to 2.4 percent in November, down from 3.2 percent in October.
Of the 90,797 eligible for the workforce, 88,587 were employed.
Statewide, South Carolina is enjoying record low employment rates at 3.3 percent, with a state labor force participation of 56.4 percent.
"Despite the low unemployment rate, South Carolina Works Online Services has approximately 100,000 jobs posted,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey. “Opportunities are available in manufacturing, construction, retail, transportation, warehousing, hospitality, restaurants, healthcare, business, I.T., and more. Hourly wages continue to rise, with increases of 3 percent since January and 13.7 percent since the start of the pandemic, and many businesses are willing to train on the job.”
A statewide task force is evaluative why discrepancies exist between those figures, and is studying the results of an extensive survey to find answers.
“It’s a deeply concerning issue, and we have to bring a lot of people to the table to figure out how to address it,” said Bryan Grady, a task force member and the labor market information director for the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
The task force commissioned the survey, which focused on people who were employed in South Carolina in 2019, filed for unemployment in 2020, and then were not present in the Department of Employment and Workforce’s wage data in 2021. More than a quarter of the approximately 6,000 people who responded said they were not currently working but were able to work.
That group then detailed what barriers were keeping them from getting a job.
The most frequently cited reasons for not being employed, across races, genders, and age groups were: low-paying jobs, gaps in employment history, optimal hours not being available, lack of transportation, and disabilities.
Women also cited lack of childcare or the need to stay with their child among their top reasons, while more men said a criminal record was holding them back.
What would entice them to return to work? Four answers emerged at the top: higher wages (51 percent), flexible working conditions (49 percent), a location closer to home (48 percent), and flexible hours (44 percent).
Grady said the full findings of the survey will be critical to guiding the task force’s work and recommendations.
“And we say, ‘All right, here’s what’s going on in South Carolina. What do we do about it?’ Because we’ve seen the labor force participation rate, unfortunately, in the last few months, it’s continued to decline, fifth-lowest in the United States,” he said.
New data shows that the rate is currently about 56 percent, meaning slightly over half of South Carolinians who are old enough and eligible to work are either employed or actively looking for work. The current national labor force participation rate is about 62 percent.
“If we can raise our labor force participation rate by one percentage point, that would increase wages in the state of South Carolina by over $1.1 billion per year,” said Ellzey.
The task force plans to hold briefings in January and February to break down these findings.
Grady said they want a wide array of people involved from both the public and private sectors as they move toward the policy development and recommendation phase of their work.
Those recommendations could involve the private sector, other state agencies, local governments, and the state legislature.
Friday, December 16, 2022 at 6:31PM 
serve as the new County Clerk of Court.An Anderson native, Thomason attended Westside High School, Tri-County Technical College, and the University of South Carolina. She has been employed by the Clerk of Court’s office since 2005, serving first under Cathy Phillips and then under Shirley.
Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 7:22PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The "Upstate's Front Porch" was back on track in 2022, with a full slate of events and a new plan for the future.
West Pelzer Mayor Blake Sanders told the Anderson Observer that economic development, including new businesses and housing, were only. part of the good news from the year.
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 8:47AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson City Council on Monday approved new dashboard cameras for all city police cars.
In 2014, 10 police vehicles received cameras, and the update will outfit 35 patrol cars with the devices.
The new cameras will have improved video/audio capabilities, and will cost just under $300,000, which includes support, maintenance and a five year warranty.
The upfit will be paid for by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Monday, December 12, 2022 at 8:40PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Iva witnessed sustained growth in 2022, according to Iva Town Manager Tim Taylor.
Taylor said the full return of events, new housing, a new veterans memorial and progress downtown were highlights of the year.
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 11:26PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Small-town Christmas parades are more than a simple holiday event. They serve as a community gathering, offering a place to share the common glad tidings of the season.
The Town of Pendleton and its residents went all out this year, with a parade Sunday afternoon that could serve as a template for community Christmas fun. Every float and entry took their decorations seriously, and the extra work was on display.
A few hundred braved an early rain to witness this year's parade, organized by Joanne Harris, who deserves an extra present under her Christmas tree this year for the excellent effort.
He's a recap of the parade in double time.
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 10:10AM 
As part of Anderson County's partnership with Medshore on a countywide EMS system, 10 new units to help with the expansion that was rolled out in September 2022 to provide paramedics with quick response vehicles and with Medshore providing ambulances. Pendleton received the seventh unit with three more awaiting completion.
Townville, Wren, Powdersville, Belton, Honea Path, Iva have had their new units delivered. Supply chain issues, especially the shortage of chassis for Ford vehicles have slowed down the roll out of vehicles.
Williamston, Hopewell and Centerville are expected to receive the remaining vehicles in the upcoming months.
Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 12:44AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Collin Smith of Honea Path earned an early Christmas bonus at Green Pond Landing on Saturday, as he out-fished the final field to win a spot in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville.
After winning a share of the Bassmaster Team Championship on Thursday with partner Brady Kimbrell, Smith competed against the Kimbrell and the other finalists on Hartwell Lake Friday and Saturday to win the championship spot.
Cold, rain and fog tested the anglers skills, but the 27-year-old Smith's two-day total of 10 bass with a total weight of 28 pounds, one ounce were enough to claim victory.
Smith said he's already getting ready for the big tournament.
“I’ve dedicated the majority of my time to this pond (Hartwell) because all the big tournaments are out here,” Smith said. “I’m superthankful for the chance to fish the Classic. It probably won’t set in until I’m going up the road there for pre-practice … It’s been a lifelong dream. There has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears behind the steering wheel of my boat to get me to this point.”
Smith, who works for the Anderson County Facilities Department, is the son of Anderson County Solid Waste Director Greg Smith.
Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 9:14AM Friday, December 9, 2022 at 8:49AM The Anderson Free Clinic's reboot of the Festival of Trees event, raised more than $100,000 for the group. After expenses, more than $61,000 of that total will be used to provide health care for friends, neighbors and family in the community who need a little extra help.
Volunteers from across the community decorated trees which were sold at the series of events at Bleckley Station.
The holiday fundraiser will help The Anderson Free Clinic provide healthcare for the uninsured and underserved population in Anderson County, including those with long-term health issues, or dental/vision needs.
For more information visit here.
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 11:43PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County anglers reeled in the top prize at Thursday’s Bassmaster Team Championship, and will advance to the individual tournament Friday and Saturday for a chance at an invitation to the 2023 Bassmaster Classic.
Collin Smith and Brady Kimbrell, part of the South Carolina-based Hartwell Lake 5 Alive Sunday Series, which fishes out of Green Pond Landing, out-fished the rest of the 250-boat field, with a two-day total 10 bass weighing in at 30 pounds, 13 ounces, to take home the $25,000 prize.
A second team fishing for the same group, Tyler Campbell and Joe Mitchell of Martin, Ga., finished second in the team tournament, which featured anglers from around the world.
They will join Smith, Kimbell and Chris Nelson and Jeremy Strong of the Palmetto Boat Center Team Trail who placed third in the Bassmaster Classic Fish-Off individual tournament set for Friday and Saturday.
The winner will advance to the 2023 Bassmaster Classic scheduled for March on the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 7:34AM Updated with quotes, more information.
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard Shirley, who previously served as mayor of the city of Anderson, died suddenly Wednesday night from an apparent heart attack.
Shirley devoted his entire career to Anderson County, beginning in 1978 at age 23, when he became the youngest person ever elected to Anderson City Council, where he remained for 20 years.
“He’s one of the finest public servants I have ever known, and had an unmatched knowledge of Anderson and everybody in it,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns, a friend and longtime colleague of Shirley's. “Richard was a statesman, and he revolutionized the Clerk of Court Office.”
“He was also a joy to work with and be around and one of the funniest people you will ever meet. He will be sorely missed,” said Burns.
Anderson County will lower all county flags to half-staff in Shirley’s honor (county’s do not have the authority to lower state and national flags).
Shirley was elected mayor in 1998, and served two terms (replacing Mayor Darwin Wright, who retired from the position), ending in 2006, when he lost the election to current Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts.
In an interview from 2019, Shirley said that defeat was bitter, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
“The night I was defeated I was not a happy camper,” said Shirley. “But the banking world was changing dramatically and I was offered a chance to get out of banking, which included a financial package, and had I been elected mayor again, I would not have been in a position to run for Anderson Clerk of Court. But as it was, I was available to take this job, which I absolutely love.”
Shirley was appointed to fill the clerk position in 2010 to finish the unexpired term of the late Cathy Phillips, and won re-election in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
A life-long resident of Anderson Shirley grew up working in the family business, Shirley’s Auto Glass and Trim Shop on Market Street, where he went after school at McCant’s Junior High School and continued this work every day while attending T.L. Hanna High School.
Shirley said the early work experience was valuable and taught him a lot about human nature. He said he continued work in the family business until getting a job as a banker at Southern National Bank, news he said “thrilled” his mother.
"From his time as the remarkably skinny classmate “Ricky” Shirley at North Fant Elementary until the last time I saw “The Mayor” Richard Shirley at one of our recent gatherings of the “Old Geezers” of T.L. Hanna, Class of 1972, he was a good friend who always left me smiling and my spirits lifted when our paths would cross," said lifelong friend Randy Bannister. "Richard was a force of nature who truly led a life well lived. We’ll never be the same without him but he certainly left a remarkable legacy of service that will ensure we never forget him."
Over the years, he was involved in many community projects, and was instrumental in the birth and rebirth of the Anderson Soiree, and was excited at the reboot of the downtown festival this year.
His community service was broad and rich, including taking the lead in saving the G. Ross Anderson Federal Building in Anderson.
Those who know Shirley, will remember his dedication to Anderson, his quick smile and his ability to inject humor into almost any situation.
Shirley’s tribute to his close friend, longtime Anderson Attorney and Former City Councilman Tommy Dunaway, who passed away in 2020, seems to also be a fitting quote for his own contributions to this community:
“The fruits of his labor in Anderson will be seen and felt here for generations, even when people don't realize he was behind some of the things they are enjoying,” said Shirley. “He always wanted Anderson to be a city that other communities looked to for leadership."
Richard Shirley leaves behind wife Rachel Propp Shirley, one daughter a sister and his mother.
In a Facebook post dated Sept. 11, Richard wrote:
"My Dear Friends,
Since I have been a member of Facebook, I have always tried to personally respond to every "Happy Birthday" posted on my timeline. I figure if you take the time to acknowledge "my day", I should try to say thanks! This weekend just did not allow for that.
My sweet Mother is in AnMed Rehab Hospital recovering from Covid, my beautiful sister and I are visiting her and making sure Daddy has plenty to eat in her absence.
Friday night, we had a social outing AND the kickoff of the 50th reunion of my high school Class of 1972. Saturday night was a blast seeing such amazing friends who have enriched my life beyond measure. Sooo...with that said, please know that I am thankful for everyone who took time to salute my 68th trip around the sun! #68 sure got here in a hurry!
With my mom's struggles, my birthday and the emotions of last night's reunion, I want to share one more thought straight from my heart. At the reunion, the Cantrells prepared an "In Memorium" display with the pictures of 57....yes, 57 classmates from T.L. Hanna who have already claimed their seat at Jesus' table in Heaven. Standing there looking at these smiling fresh faces posted on the board who meant AND mean so much to my life was difficult to accept. I cried on the way home last night and I am crying now typing this. If there is a special soul who needs to hear from you more than just a Facebook post, I would urge you to reach out. There were some incredible, incredible people saluted last night who left their mark all over our hearts.
Please make sure you leave yours on the special people of your life, too! I promise you....somebody could use your kindness RIGHT NOW! I love you all!"
Another Anderson legend has left us. He will be missed. Services are to be announced Friday by McDougald Funeral Home.