Lawsuits Against KB Home Expand to S.C.

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- A Central Florida homeowner forced into foreclosure filed a class-action lawsuit last week against KB Home (NYSE: KBH) , Countrywide Financial and LandSafe Appraisal Services, claiming the three conspired to rig housing prices in Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, costing home purchasers millions of dollars, and fueling the collapse of the region's housing market.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Orlando, Fla. on Friday, October 30, claims the three companies employed a well-planned scheme to control the typically independent appraisal process, jacking up home values, which, in turn, were used to determine the value of other homes sold by KB, affecting thousands of homeowners.

The lawsuit represents anyone who used Countrywide and LandSafe to finance a home purchased through KB Home in Florida, South Carolina or North Carolina. To join this case, homeowners can contact attorneys by visiting www.hbsslaw.com/kbhomes, e-mailing kbhomes@hbsslaw.com or calling (206) 623-7292.

“YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” BIKE RIDE SCHEDULED NOV. 8

ANDERSON COUNTY, SC— On Sunday, November 8th, motorcyclists from across the Upstate will gather for the third annual “You are not Forgotten” bike run. Lineup will be 1:30 p.m. at the Anderson County War Memorial beside the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. The ride will begin at 2:30 pm and conclude at the Richard Campbell Nursing Home. This year’s run is dedicated to the memory of Calvin “Ed” Fitzgerald, U.S. Army. “There are no words to describe the faces of veterans when we ride in on our motorcycles to bring gifts to them,” said Randy Price. “We encourage everyone to come out and participate. You’ll never forget how good it makes you feel to make a Veterans day!” Riders will deliver much needed items to the Campbell Veterans at the Nursing Home. Items include sweatshirts, pants, socks with grip soles, books, board games, DVDs and other items.
All bikes are welcome! For more information on how to donate or participate, call Kit Sanders at (864) 940-4527.

Upstate Writers Meeting Nov. 21

The Upstate South Carolina American Christian Writers Chapter will meet Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 2:30 PM, at the Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie St.  This will be a Read-Aloud Session. Writers are invited to read aloud up to five minutes from any kind of manuscript they've written and be critiqued and encouraged by fellow writers. This meeting is free and the session is open to anyone interested in writing. For more information email Elva Martin, President, at elvamartinministries@charter.net. Or call her at 864/226-7024.  Also check out the chapter web site at www.upstatescchristianwriters.com

USDA Awards $9.5 Million to Star-Iva Water and Sewer District

COLUMBIA, November 3, 2009 - USDA Rural Development State Director Vernita F. Dore today announced the selection of the Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District to receive a $9,571,300 Water and Waste Disposal grant and loan that is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Congressional officials, state and local government, USDA Rural Development, the Town of Starr and local citizens joined State Director Dore for a groundbreaking cerebration at the new tank site located at 6336 Highway 81, South Starr, SC.
 
"The Recovery Act water and wastewater project that we are announcing today furthers the Obama administration's goal to rebuild and revitalize the nation's rural infrastructure. This project will help provide safe, dependable, high quality water service to residents served by the Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District. USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner in this endeavor," said Dore.
 
The Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District will use Rural Development funds to construct a 1.0 million gallon elevated storage tank and eleven water distribution mains totally approximately 5,200 linear feet 16" pipe, 46,200 linear feet 10" pipe, 77,000 linear feet 8" pipe, located throughout the Starr-Iva Water District System. When the project is completed, Starr-Iva Water and Sewer District will be providing safe, dependable high quality water service to approximately a total of 3,800 residential users, 45 commercial users and to the Town of Iva.
 
The ARRA funding announced today is being administered by USDA Rural Development's Water and Environmental Program which provides loans and grants to ensure
that the necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.
 
More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Animal Rescue Event Set for Saturday

Saturday, Nov 7, Animal Rescue Flights is teaming up with the Anderson, SC KILL shelter to save 28 dogs and 1 cats life. Pilots from the South will transport the dogs and meet northern pilots in Frederick, MD.  The Northern pilots will be taking these animals to safetly.  They are going to Pets Alive in Montgomery, NY as well as NH, CT, ME and Albany, NY with these fur babies.

The public is invited to go to the Shelter at around 9- 9:30 am on Saturday or go to the Rowan County Airport at 10:00 to take pictures of the pilots loading up the precious 4-legged passengers.  Departure time is approximately 10:30. 

Call 516-353-1686 for more details.
www.AnimalRescueFlights.org

Clemson Students Event Supports St. Jude

Clemson University "Up ‘til Dawn" program unites students Nov. 12 from 8 pm to 2 am, for one cause – to support kids battling cancer at St. Jude More than 600 Clemson University students will enjoy nonstop games and activities like Nintendo Wii competitions, performances by local bands, a scavenger hunt, and inflatables during the Up ‘til Dawn event. Participants also will send letters to friends and family asking them to join the fight against childhood cancer by supporting the groundbreaking research and lifesaving care of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.  Now in its 6th year, the Clemson University Up ‘til Dawn program has raised more than $270,496 for St. Jude.  www.myuptildawn.org

Dist. 5 to Break Ground on New Middle Schools

Groundbreaking ceremonies for Robert Anderson and Glenview middle schools are scheduled for Wednesday, November 4. The ceremony for Robert Anderson Middle School will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the school site located on Dobbins Bridge Road. The ceremony for Glenview Middle School will begin at 1 p.m. at the school site located on Old Williamston Road. In case of rain, the events will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at the same times specified above.

The two new middle schools are scheduled for construction as part of the district’s $140 million building plan, which was approved in April 2007 by more than 60 percent of district voters. Glenview Middle School will relieve overcrowding at the current McCants Middle School. Robert Anderson Middle School will replace the current Southwood Middle School and will draw students from both Southwood and Lakeside middle schools. The current Southwood school will retain its name, however, as it transitions to a 6-12 grade arts magnet school. The new middle schools are scheduled for completion by the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

Anderson Veterans Day Festivities to Feature Parade

Anderson County, the Office of Veteran Affairs, and parade organizers invite the public to come out and salute America's Veterans at the 2009 Veterans Day Parade in Downtown Anderson, on Sunday, November 15th. The event will begin at 2 p.m. at the City of Anderson Recreation Center and will feature Veterans, dignitaries, elected officials, local school marching bands, military units, color guards, boy and girl scouts, motorcycles, horses, fire, police, emergency personnel and equipment, and more! Immediately following the parade, spectators are encouraged to remain in the Courthouse Plaza for a Ceremony with special guest, Larry Gilreath, a veteran of the Vietnam War who fought in the battle of Drang Valley, the basis of the book and movie “We Were Soldiers Once, And Young.” Parade festivities will begin at 2 pm with a Patriotic Processional, open to participants including walkers, cyclists, motorcycles, classic and vintage cars, floats, etc. Everyone is encouraged to enter and show your patriotism. The Electric City News will choose the “MOST PATRIOTIC” in each category and present the winners with a gift certificate during the Ceremony after the Parade. A minimal entry fee will be collected - All proceeds from the Patriotic Processional will be divided between the SC Military Scholarship &Family Care Association, Inc. and the Veterans Project to construct a Carillon Bell Tower in the Veterans Cemetery. Additionally, residents will have the opportunity to show their support of Soldiers currently serving our country by bringing items for Soldier Care Boxes. Volunteers will be stationed at the Courthouse Plaza to collect the donated items, which will be shipped to Soldiers currently serving overseas. A list of desired items is attached with the Parade Information Packet. Patriotic Processional Participants are requested to check in between 1 and 1:30 pm. Parade participants are requested to arrive between 1:30 and 2 p.m. Upon arrival, all participants should check in with parade coordinators outside the Recreation Center for their line-up assignment. Spectators, as well as participants, are encouraged to park in the new Anderson Parking Garage to view the parade and ceremony. Main Street into downtown Anderson will be closed to incoming traffic from 1 pm until 6 pm. To enter the downtown area, use Murray Avenue. Officers from the City of Anderson and the Sheriff's Department will provide traffic control, and Parade Volunteers will assist with parking and street detours.
The 2009 Veterans Day Parade is possible only by the support of Anderson County Council, Anderson County administration and staff, the Anderson County Office of Veteran Affairs, City of Anderson Administration and Downtown Manager, City of Anderson Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and local volunteers. To volunteer or request more information, call 934.6451 or email astringer@andersoncountysc.org.

Wren Middle School to Honor Veterans

Wren Middle School will be honoring veterans on Veterans Day from 11:00-12:35. A group of ROTC students will start the program off with a salute for our Veterans' visit on November 9th during 7th grade activities.  The American Legion Post in Greenville will have 4 veterans on hand to speak with the students and show their collection of artifacts.  Students will also write papers to honor our veterans and will have them displayed in the halls.

Shalom Recover Center BBQ/Bluegrass Benefit Saturday

Shalom Recovery Center in Belton will host a BBQ/Bluegrass benefit Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the ministry's 104-acre facitly located at 353 Blake Dairy Road in Belton.

Games, Hay Rides, a Petting Zoo, Greased Pig Chase, Blugrass Music and a Comedian will be on hand for the event. BBQ plates will also be for sale on site and to go.

Shalom Recovery Center is one of the very few facilities in the state providing long-term recovery programs for women struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.

Click here for more information about Shalom Recovery Center

Rock the Rooftop for a Good Cause

Burgundy Blues and Lilia Day Spa will be hosting an event Sunday November 1st called “Rockin the Roof Top," to benefit Anderson Interfaith Ministries as the holidays approach. The Mac Arnold Band will donate their time to perform. Tickets are $50 and all proceeds benefit AIM. Craig Cahaly is donating a suit and Lilia is donating his/her massage, dinner, and a night in the Roof Top Apartment. Tickets are one chance for $10 or 3 for $25 (you do not have to be present to win). This is the perfect even to meet with friends, family, and business associates. Tickets can be purchased at Lilia, AIM or on the AIM website www.aimcharity.org

Chili Cookout Block Party Draws Big Crowd

It took just over an hour for Sullivan's Cafe to serve 30 gallons of chili, turning away a long line still waiting for a taste of their white chicken chili. City Lights Under the Bridge and Chief Wings & Firewater also ran out of chili as folks packed downtown Anderson for the event, moved from earlier in the week due to rain.

Sharing the night with the city's final Block Party Concert on a near perfect mild autumn night attracted well over a thousand people for Thursday night's festivities.

The winners of this year's event were: First Place, UpTown Lounge's McDuffie Street Chili; Second Place, Matty's Downtown; Third Place, Chief's Wings & Firewater. The People's Choice Award went to Matty's Funky Chunky Chili.

Photos: Luke Wilson Staff Photographer

 

Chili Cookoff/Block Party Downtown Tonight

Anderson Downtown Chili Cook Off
Thursday, October 29, 2009 5:30-8:00PM
Courthouse Plaza, Main St.
Downtown Anderson, Main St.
This annual event in Downtown Anderson is a tradition for the entire family. Local and regional restaurants and independent Chili cookers come together to show off their favorite recipes and - oh yeah - win some prize money! Whether you are a brave soul looking for a spicy treat, or the rest of you that can only handle the mildest of tastes, this is the place to be. Expect to taste the best Chili masters - enjoy some entertainment and spend some quality time with the family!

There will be 13 local restaurants competing for Chili Cook Off awards, two live bands, and Block Party specials. For $4, you will receive a chili ballot and will have the opportunity to receive samples from each of the 13 participating restaurants. The event will be in Downtown on Main Street.

The Block Party will be between Earle and Whitner Streets from 6:00-9:30PM and feature the band, Blue Tuesday.