Today 
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 11:53PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Economic development, the new county detention center, update on road work, Anderson history and updates on countywide broadband highlight this interview with Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 10:04PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council met Tuesday night and here is the recap of that meeting with County Council Chairman Brett Sanders.
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 8:25PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Orian Rugs, which has enjoyed continual international success since its founding in Anderson in 1979, has been acquired by Sarge Park, a global acquisition group.
The group will continue to operate Orian Rugs from its 730,000-square-foot facility on S.C. 81 North in Anderson and retain its more than 500 employees.
On Tuesday, Anderson County Council agreed to transfer the tax incentives enjoyed by Orian to the new owners.
Founded by Lucien Vanwynsberghe, over the years, the family-owned company added three other companies to its stable, McThree Carpets and Bajong Carpets of Belgium and Sofiteks of Turkey. with 500 employees in Anderson prior to the expansion with operations on a global business level.
Orian operates in two segments: the design and manufacture of woven rugs for national, specialty and e-commerce retailers, and the manufacturing of specialized yarn products which support the commercial furniture, home and automotive industries.
“For more than 43 years, Orian built a successful American-made brand using U.S. and globally sourced components with a well-earned reputation among its loyal customers for designing and creating quality products,” said Sage Park Chairman and CEO Robert Joubran. “We are committed to building on Orian’s rich heritage and investing in continued innovation. We look forward to partnering with Orian’s management team to continue growing the comprehensive manufacturing capabilities Orian developed in both yarn and rug products, while enhancing our relationships with Orian’s customer base.”
Monday, October 17, 2022 at 4:56PM Observer Reports
Anderson University has recorded record enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic yearm with 4,117 students, solidifying AU’s status as the largest private university in South Carolina.
In addition, Anderson University saw its highest number of freshmen and transfer students, with 906 first-time students enrolling this year.
“We are enormously proud that students around the world are discovering that Anderson University is one of the nation’s leading Christian universities and an innovative institution of serious scholarship built upon the pillars of great academics, great faith, great hospitality and great purpose,” said AU President Evans P. Whitaker. “We are privileged to celebrate Anderson University’s continued growth and success even as we anticipate the future achievements that are in store for our institution.”
The 2022-2023 academic year continues a trend of steady growth at Anderson University since 2019, with 4,008 students in 2021, 3,848 in 2020 and 3,543 students in 2019.
Anderson University’s final enrollment count comes amid the institution’s highest rank among U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges for 2022-2023, where AU is ranked the #26 Best Regional University-South and the #18 Best Value School as part of its annual rankings that were released last month.
Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 10:52AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council will consider a resolution to approve a lease agreement for part of the old Equinox Mill property Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the historic courthouse.
At the 6 p.m. recognitions meeting, council will honor Michelle Ducworth and Twin Creeks Lavender Farm and designate November 2022 as Family Court Awareness Month.
Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 10:18AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The ghosts of Belton could make an appearance as their stories are told Oct. 27 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Belton Depot.
The Belton Museum's Fifth Annual Halloween Ghost Walk will feature six new haunted sites: Belton Light and Power Co. (current News Chronicle Office); Hanks’ Jewelry Store (214 City Square); Brown Avenue residences the Cunningham House, the Cox House; the Maynard/Clinkscales House, and the Drake House. Exteriors of homes and businesses will be accessible as spooky stories attached to each property will be shared by costumed presenters.
Led by Belton-Honea Path High School drama teacher Alysha Sudduth, the followin drama students will be acting out the tales: Kadie Overby, Mckenzie Scott, Phoebe Moh, Hope Lowery, Xander Cox, Chloe Sloan, Braeson Shores, Tobias Valentine, Jake Crenshaw, Andrew Phillips, Tiarra Kuntzman, Finn Smith and Ezra Rowe.
Advanced tickets are $10 for adults and, $5 for children 10 for tbe guided tours of historic properties. Snacks will also be available for purchase at the depot. Advanced tickets are encouraged as slots fill up quickly. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $15.
Tours begin at 6 p.m. and will depart from the depot every 15 minutes until 8:15 p.m. Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes and will be family-friendly in content.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting or calling the museum during regular opening hours, Wednesday–Friday, 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. and Saturday 10 - noon.
All attendees are encournated to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
For more information, contact Abigail Burden at 864-338-7400 or beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net.
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 11:07AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Early voting in South Carolina is set for Oct. 24-Nov. 5 for this year’s general elections. Early voting replaces in-person absentee voting.
Anderson County will host Early Voting locations at:
Anderson County Board of Registration and Elections
301 N Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621
8:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday – Saturday
Powdersville Branch Library
4 Civic Court, Powdersville, SC 29642
8:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday - Saturday
Absentee voting by mail is still valid. To receive a ballot for mail-in, contact the Anderson County Board of Registrations and Elections at County 864-260-4035 or acvote@andersoncountysc.org to initiate this process or visit: www.scvotes.gov.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10:51PM Observer Reports
Anderson County’s Planning Commission has rejected an application for a Recreational Vehicle Park in the Piercetown Community.
The park, which had been proposed near the Anderson Motor Speedway, was unanimously rejected by the commission during Tuesday regular meeting which included residents of the area who lined up to voice their objections and presented the commission with a petition including 400 signatures opposing the plan.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 9:10AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Obeserver
Piedmont’s Carolina Handling unveiled the world’s largest wooden-pallet painting Monday with a salute to the military and veterans.
The 26,000 square-foot artwork features the head of Statue of Liberty and is made up of 2,500 individually painted pallets to create the image.
Carolina Handling’s employees who served in the nation’s military were an integral part of the project. At the kickoff, workers representing each branch of the armed forces were paid tribute for their service and work on the project.
The Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont is part of the company’s multi-state presence, which employs more than 660.
“One of the pillars of philanthropy at Carolina Handling is supporting military veterans, and we’re extremely proud that 13 percent of our associates served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand, “Hosting an event like The Patriotic Pallet Project allows us to recognize veterans and active-duty military personnel in our service area, and to raise awareness about career opportunities at Carolina Handling that offer a meaningful military-to-civilian transition.”
The event was held adjacent to the Downtown Greenville Airport.
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Monday, October 10, 2022 at 10:21PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Williamston has pickleball fever and the Town of Williamston is ready.
On Friday the town will officially open a new facility Friday at 6 p.m. with eight, lighted regulation pickeball courts and a new basketball court adjacent to the Mineral Springs Park downtown.
“As pickleball emerges into one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, we are excited to bring these courts to our community” said Mayor Rockey Burgess. “These new courts will provide our residents the opportunity to play year-round and will be a tremendous asset to our community.”
The total cost for this project was $300,000, with funding provided by municipal hospitality tax. The courts were constructed by Talbot Tennis, located in Marietta, GA.
Monday, October 10, 2022 at 7:38AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Perfect weather and a record-setting car show helped make Iva's annual Depot Days event a success this year.
Thousands gathered in the town for the activities, including the car show which featured more than 250 vehicles this year.
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 4:12PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Pendleton's Fall Festival continues to grow, seeing record numbers visit downtown Saturday for the event.
Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:56PM