Free Clinic Festival of Trees Light Up Next Week

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson Free Clinic is brining back an annual holiday tradition with the reboot of the Festival of Trees with a series of events at Bleckley Station beginning Nov. 17.

Creative volunteers from across the community have decorated trees to make them available for auction in plenty of time for hall decking this holiday season.

The luncheon is set for Nov. 17, followed by a "Snow Ball" event Nov. 18 and "Goodies with the Grinch" Nov. 19. 

The holiday collection is a philanthropic celebration benefiting The Anderson Free Clinic which provides a healthcare home 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 or call (864) 226-1294.

Anderson Outlaws Set to Celebrate U.S. World Cup Games

Observer Reports

When the United States takes the field in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the local members of the American Outlaws – the largest unofficial supporters’ group of the U.S. Soccer teams – will gather at Magnetic South Brewery (November 21 and 25) & Electric City Pizza Company (November 29), in downtown Anderson. All watch parties are open to the public.

“We are really excited to bring these watch parties to the downtown Anderson area.  The World Cup is a special time, and we can’t wait to share this experience with our town,” said Brock Elder, chapter president.

Watch party locations on social media for further details on each event are available here.

“This is an opportunity to come together with other passionate fans in your community to experience the highs and lows of the pinnacle event of sports – and cheer on our young and exciting U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Justin Brunken, American Outlaws Co-Founder.

For more information, visit www.theamericanoutlaws.com.

Bassmaster Events at Green Pond Brought $25.5M to Area

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Green Pond Landing and Events Center netted more than boatloads of fish at this year’s two Bassmaster Events.

The tournaments were recognized as 2022 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism after generating more than $25.5 million for the region. 

“Anderson County relies heavily on Lake Hartwell and Green Pond Landing as an economic driver for our community, and the relationship we share with B.A.S.S. has been critical to our success as a destination for tournament fishing,” said Neil Paul, executive director of Visit Anderson. “We are extremely grateful to be recognized as a Champion in Economic Impact by Sports Destination Management for our part in hosting the record-breaking Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk as well as the Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School National Championship presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.” 

The Bassmaster Classic drew a record 154,932 fans for events at Hartwell Lake and surrounding venues.  

Sports Destination Management, which gives the annual award, is the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market. 

Museum's New "Andersonians In War" Opens Friday

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson County Museum will debut a new permanent exhibit, “Andersonians In War,” Friday featuring Anderson County and South Carolina veterans who embodied the social and political debates of their times, and changed the course of state, regional, and national history. 

Seven years in the making, the exhibit begins with the American Revolution military leaders Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson, who would aid in the victory of the colonies and in the founding of Anderson County and includes Congressional Medal of Honor Recipeint Cpl. Freddie Stowers, who came from a poor farming family in Sandy Springs, and rose to greatness by leading his African American fellows to victory on the Meuse Argonne front in 1917. 

The stories in the exhibit will offer a unique window into the area’s military past, from the Revolution to modern day conflicts. 

“Our hope and mission is to preserve the stories of our county’s veterans, past and present, and to inspire appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for the betterment of this county, state, and nation,” said Anderson County Museum Curator Dustin Norris. “In every major American conflict, one can find Andersonians in War.” 

The exhibit will open to the public on Veterans’ Day at 10 a.m., with curated tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  To RSVP for the tours, email ACMRSVP@andersoncountysc.org. 

“Our job is to connect our visitors to the past. Highlighting individuals who have lived historic military lives unique to Anderson County and South Carolina, provides a link to the roots of our community,” said Museum Executive Director Beverly Childs. “We like to think of our exhibits as a breathing and living entity and these military stories bring home the reality of war.”

Anderson County Incumbents Big Winners Tuesday

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

It was a mostly good election night for Anderson County incumbents.

With 64,691 votes cast - 51 percent turnout of register voters in the county - 27,796 cast straight-ticket Republication votes (42 percent), and 6,731 straight-ticket Democrat (10 percent).

County Council

Anderson County Councilmen John Wright Jr. and Glenn Davis were re-elected to second terms. Wright, Dist. 1, unopposed, received 98.64 percent of the vote, while Davis defeated challenger David Standard with 60.89 percent. 

Council Council Dist. 3 will have a new representative as Greg Elgin, who was unopposed, received 99.35 percent of the vote.

County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn, unopposed, received 97.57 percent of the vote in Dist. 5, while County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders was also unopposed, taking 98.43 percent of the vote in Dist. 4.

County Councilman Jimmy Davis, Dist. 6, unopposed, received 99 percent of the vote in his district, while Councilwoman Cindy Wilson defeated her challenger with 81 percent of the vote in Dist. 7.

Probate Judge 

J.T. Foster, who received 98.82 percent of the vote was elected Anderson County Probate Judge, replacing the retiring Judge Martha Newton, who served for decades in the office.

Auditor 

John Benca, who ran unopposed, was elected as Anderson County Auditor.

S.C. House

Don Chapman with 73 percent of the vote, will be the new representative for the S.C. House Dist. 8  Seat. Thomas Beach, who ran unopposed, will be the new representative for the S.C. House Dist. 10 seat.

The following incumbents also won Tuesday night: 

S.C. Rep. Jay West, Dist. 3, 77 percent of the vote  

S.C. Rep. Craig Gagnon, Dist. 11, unopposed, 99 percent 

S.C. Rep. April Cromer, Dist. 6, unopposed, 97 percent 

S.C. Rep. Anne Thayer, Dist. 9, 74 percent 

U.S. House

U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, Dist. 3, who ran unopposed, 97 percent

School Board Races

Anderson County School Dist. 1 elected:

Nancy Owen Upton, Area 7 unopposed, with 99 percent.

Mellissa Hood, Area 1, unopposed, with 99 percent

Pat Cox, Area 4, unopposed, with 99 percent

Wendy Burgess,  Area 5, unopposed with 99 percent

Anderson County School Dist. 2, elected:

Kevin T. Craft, Area 1 unopposed, with 94 percent

Kurt Tavemier, Area 3 unopposed, with 98 percent

Greg Tysl, Area 4 unopposed, with 98 percent

Jimmy Out, At Large unopposed, with 99 percent

Anderson School Dist. 3, elected:

Larry Holbrook, Area 1 unopposed, 98 percent

Hannah Arnold, At Large, with 63 percent of the vote, defeated Curtis A. Wiles

In Area 4 Marty Watt received 41.78 percent, Anne Marie Rogers 31.31 percent and Gale Moore Dickerson 26.91 percent.

Anderson School Dist. 4, elected:

Paulette Grate, Area 2 unopposed, 98.57 percent

In Area 4 Dianna Mullliken, 73 percent, defeated Herb Nymark with 25 percent

Brad Mock, Area 5 unopposed, 99 percent

Anderson School Dist. 5, elected:

Harold Kay II, Area 5 unopposed, 97 percent

In Area 6 Rick Bradshaw, with 62 percent, defeated Erica Grunst

Julie Usherwood, Area 1, 99 percent

Area 2 Sandra Thompson Leverertte with 45.50 percent, Johnny S Donald Jr. with 37.28 percent and John R Steely with 18.54 percent.

The At Large Seat Cindy Burriss with 44.18 percent, Alison Youngblood 30.1 percent and Brad Freeman 24.93 percent

Anderson Board of Education

Gary Burgess, 1 unopposed, took 97 percent of the voter while Doug Atkins, 3 unopposed received 99 percent in his race, Greg Balog, 4 unopposed, 99 percent. C. Nakia Davis, 6 unopposed, 98.56 percent. Board of Education 5 write-ins still to be counted. 

Watershed Conservation Districts

Brushy Creek (2): Rick Gantt has 49.5 percent and Allen Wilson 48.29 percent

Three and Twenty: Randy Griffis, unopposed, 98 percent

Big Creek: Joey Werner, unopposed, 98 percent

Broadmouth (2): Glenn Stevens, unopposed, 97 percent, write in the other

Five District Commissioner Piedmont Public Service (3) 

Al C. McAbee Jr. 40.78 percent, Terry Yates 31.69 percent, Ed Poor 26.75 percent  

Public Service District Homeland Park Water and Sewer (3) 

Walt Lanier, 34.82 percent, Don King 28.19 percent, Dennis Chasten 26.7 percent

Veterans Honored at 16th Annual "You Are Not Forgotten" Event

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

More than 300 motorcycles rumbled into the Richard C. Campbell Veterans Nursing Facility on Sunday, kicking off the 16th annual "You Are Not Forgotten" ride and rally to support those who live there.

The event has provided a number of benefits to veterans living at the facility, including a bus, televisions and wifi for every resident, closing and regular personal supplies.

"Thank a Veteran" Honors Anderson Veterans

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County's veterans were saluted on Nov. 5 with the "Thank a Veteran" program at the civic center. The event was also a fundraiser for the proposed Freddie Stowers Veterans' Memorial/

Native American Artists/Storyteller to Visit Anderson Monday

Observer Reports

Native American Storyteller and Artist Nancy Basket, whose work has been featured in museums across the country as well as featured in movies, will visit Anderson Monday from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Anderson County Library’s main branch to exhibit and discuss her work.

The event, sponsored by the Anderson County Human Relations Council, is in honor of Indigenous Peoples Month. 

Basket, whose work includes folk art, wall panels, sculptures, lamps and baskets made from Kudzu, also travels the country educating children and adults on the historic value of the Native American culture through her storytelling. 

She has served as artist in residence with the South Carolina Arts Commission. 

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

High School Football Playoffs for Anderson County Teams

BHP 35, Walhalla 18

Powdersville 50. Crescent 14

T.L. Hanna 26, White Knoll 35

Westside 45, Midland Valley 35

Seneca 45, Wren 20

Hope Missions, Other Groups Team Up for Backpack Campaign

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Hope Missions of the Upstate is teaming up with other Anderson charities to provide 300 backpacks for our neighbors, friends and family in the community who need help.

Hope Missions, located in downtown Anderson, provides a daily breakfast for the area’s homeless – with the help of local volunteers (who consider themselves servants of the less fortunate) - as well as serving as a warming shelter for Anderson County when the weather turns cold.

They are now looking for a source for quality backpacks as well as a list of essential items with which to fill the packs.

So far, representatives from 16 agencies in Anderson, including AIM, Anderson Emergency Soup Kitchen, Anderson Free Clinic, Asher House, Clean Start, Community Resource Guide, Family Promise, FAVOR Upstate, Grace Episcopal, HOPE Missions, NewSpring Church, Rejuvenate Church, South Main Chapel & Mercy Center, St Johns Clothes Closet, The LOT Project, United Way, and Upstate Warrior Solution are involved in the project.

The following list contains items these organizations consider useful to someone who might be without a permanent residence. The list is intended to begin collection for the backpacks: baby powder, belts, bibles, blankets, open bus tickets, deodorant, chap stick, duct, electrolyte packs, energy bar, first aid kits, flashlight with batteries, gloves, hoodies, hand warmers, hygiene kits, ibuprofen (individual 2-packs). laminated wallet-sized bus routes, mints gum, multi-vitamins, nametags, notebook with pen, ponchos, sleeping bags, small wallets, soap, socks, sunglasses, sunscreen, toboggan/stocking caps, compact umbrella, Ziplock bags.

For more information or to donate items, money or time to Hope Missions, contact dave@hopeupstate.org

Nov. 19 Turkey Shoot to Benefit Belton Area Museum

Observer Reports

The Eighth Annual Belton Area Museum Turkey Shoot is scheduled Nov. 19 from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Toney Creek Plantation game preserve.

“This old-fashioned event has been updated with a modern twist,” said Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director.  “This event is accessible to everyone because we use shotguns and targets. No live turkeys will be harmed in this contest.”  

In the adult division (over 12 years old), participants can purchase turkey targets for $5 and $10, depending on the value of the prize being shot for during the round.

At least 10 shooting rounds are scheduled throughout the day, some for adults and some for children.  Shotguns and ammunition will be provided for all participants or participants can use your own gun after inspection.

Targets for children’s division, those 8-12 years old, will be set up at a shorter distance for their rounds. 

The event will kick off with a farmhouse breakfast including biscuits, sausage, eggs, grits, and coffee/juice is available for $10.  

For more information, call Abigail Burden, BAMA Executive Director, at 338-7400.

New Grocery Store to Open in Watson Village Shopping Center

Observer Reports

A new grocery store is coming to Watson Village. La Unica Supermarket has announced a new 25,000 square-foot facility to be opening in the Spring of 2023.

The family-owned supermarket, established in 2001, has five locations including Greenville, Taylors, Charlottte, and Spartaburg with Anderson being the sixth. The store employs approximately 200 employees and estimates the Anderson location will create an additional 50 jobs. 

Since being purchased by the Bryan and Trey Boggs, Watson Village Shopping Center has been working to transform the are to offer more services for the residents of Homeland Park and all of Southern Anderson County.

La Unica thanked Anderson County Councilman Glenn Davis for his continued support and assistance in bringing the supermarket to reality.

Tri-County To Continue Zero-Cost Tuition for Spring 2023

Observer Reports

Tri-County Technical College is extending zero-cost tuition through the spring 2023 semester.

To be eligible, the individual must be a South Carolina resident enrolled in an eligible program of study. Eligible programs are those that lead to a certificate, diploma, degree, or industry-recognized credential. The individual must also be employed, complete a financial literacy module/course, or complete 100 hours of community service.

For continuing students, the same eligibility requirements apply. However, due to a change in SCWINS funding allocations, students cannot receive more than $5,000 in an academic year. This means the funding the student receives for spring semester may be less than what they received in the fall. The student must also have a 2.0 GPA. 

Spring classes start January 17, 2023. Students are encouraged to submit their applications now. The deadline to apply is January 9, 2023. To learn more and to apply, visit tctc.edu/zerocost or call 864-646-1550.  

Zero-cost tuition is made possible by a variety of funding sources such as the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) Fund, SCWINS, the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund, Workforce Scholarships for the Future, and the Tri-County Technical College Foundation.