Today 
Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 2:57PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns says things are going so well in the county it's almost embarrassing.
The expanding tourism market, new jobs, sewer updates, road improvements, Celebrate Anderson and more are part of Burns' interview with the Anderson Observer.
Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 9:14AM Observer Reports
Anderson County wants your opinions.
As part of a HUD Community Development Block Grant, the county is conducting a community needs assessement survey which solicts input from county residents such topics as: infrastructure, public safety, housing, public facilities, workforce development, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization.
This survey is part of the county's efforts to collect residents input about the community’s needs to help establish priorities among the identified needs. All information collected in this survey is anonymous and will not be used to identify participants.
This data will also used to help Anderson County seek grants for future projects. A public hearing concerning the needs assessment will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 29 at the main branch of the Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street, Anderson, S.C.,
The survey is available through Sept. 6 at the following web address: https://forms.office.com/r/v0ZU7CRGgX
For questions about the survey or the CDBG program, contact Steve Newton, Anderson County Governmental Affairs Director, at (864) 260-1010 or by email to snewton@andersoncountysc.org
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 10:51AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
"Yesterday's Rides," a classic car musuem in Williamston, is up and running in a new, expanded location.
The facility, a labor of love driven by Jim Simpson, is availble to the public by appointment only.
Simpson, a longtime community leader active in charitable projects in Williamston, has built his collection of cars, car memorabilia and other nostalgic items over a lifetime.
He talks about what's on display at the museum in this interview with the Anderson Observer.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at 6:50PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council approved, on second reading, tax incentives for the expansion of an existing county business which promises to add at least 350 new jobs and an addition $200 million investment.
The new jobs will feature an average pay of $30 per hour, which will add $21 million to the company’s current $50 million annual payroll.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, council:
Approved rezoning of 19.1 acres, on Highway 76 in the Denver-Sandy Springs Precinct from highway commercial to innovative zoning district.
Approved a change to update the county’s codes and ordinances.
Approved a joint agreement between Anderson and Greenville counties for economic development.
Approved updating county speed bump regulations to reflect state law.
Approved, on second reading, incentives for a company to build a 400,000 square-foot spec building at I-85 Exit 32.
Approved tax incentives for a business on Amity Road which will provide 60 new jobs with an average pay of $22.47 per hour.
Anderson County Council Vice Chairman Brett Sanders recapped the meeting for the Anderson Observer.
Monday, August 15, 2022 at 1:46PM Observer Reports
Country music artist Craig Morgan will headline the 24th Celebrate Anderson festival Sept. 4 beginning at 5 p.m. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the concert.
The annual Labor Day event will open with the Celebrate-Fun-Zone on the front lawn of the Anderson Civic Center from 1-5 p.m. for kids and offer festival food area for food purchases.
Morgan, member of the Grand Ole Opry and United States Army veteran, will visit Anderson as part of his "God, Family and Country" tour. He has seven studio albums and know songs such as "Almost Home" and "The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost."
“Anderson County is appreciative of Michelin, Arthrex, as well as other sponsors and partners for joining the county in giving back to the local community by funding and hosting this free family event,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns.
Celebrate Anderson will follow the event's tradition and open with the Special Forces Parachute Team and T.L. Hanna High School Jazz Band.
A patriotic fireworks finale honoring the armed services and local first responders will close the evening.
“There is no need to look further than Anderson County for something to do this Labor Day Weekend,” said Council Chairman Tommy Dunn.
Sunday, August 14, 2022 at 8:25AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The annual Friends of Broadway Lake Family Fun Day drew record crowds Saturday.
Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 2:03PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County's new auditor is no stranger to community involvement.
For businessman John Benca, public service is a family tradition. Benca talks about why he ran for the office, connections to Anderson and more in this interview with the Anderson Observer.
Friday, August 12, 2022 at 11:39PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County Council will vote on second reading to allow financial incentives for an existing local company
which will bring an additional 350 jobs (minimum) and a new $200 million investment as part of Tuesday's regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the historic courthouse downtown.
The county would provide tax breaks as well as waiving fees for such things as wastewater and building codes as part of the incentive package.
An honors and awards meeting as 6 p.m. will honor Joey Lance, director of recreation for the Town of Belton, and Todd McCormick, who heads up activities as the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Complex, for their work in bringing the Dixie Youth World Series to Anderson and the success of the event.
Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 9:23AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
A new dog park is coming to Williamston.
The park, which will be in the grass area along the creek near the old water treatement plant should be fenced in and ready soon, according to Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 12:15PM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The Town of Williamston has received a grant for the Saratoga Springs Greenway, a trail system that will connect the town, highlighting the natural resources and increasing walkability for citizens.
The $319,603 grant from the Appalachian Regional Council, will be matched by the town to create the Saratoga Springs Greenway project. The name is an echo to Williamston's history and natural springs, which earned the town the nickname "The Saratoga Springs of the South," recalling New York's world-reknowned Saratoga Springs.
The trail will expand the current trail from Veteran's Park, across Williams Street and follow the banks of Big Creek to the old Williamston stone quarry. There are also plans to eventually connect to the new developments being constructed on the other side of the creek and create a path for many students in Williamston to have a safe trail to walk to school.
Long-rage plans include extending the trail to connect Williamston, Pelzer and West Pelzer, with the potential to meet other trail systems to create a countywide trail.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 9:55AM Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
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 will be used to promote Anderson County tourism, events and other efforts by groups seeking to attract visitors by highlighting the quality of life here.=
“I have always said the best way to brag on Anderson County is to get them here,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “From our national and regional sports events at the civic center, to Bassmaster and other professional fishing tournaments at Green Pond Landing, people are visiting Anderson in record numbers and that is a win for us all.”
Burns said the increase in ATAX funds is the result of a lot of hard work by Anderson County employees working to attract events and projects.
ATAX funds are generated by the two percent lodging tax levied by the state and distributed by the county for projects by local government agencies, boards or commissions, or non-profit groups.
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 9:18AM Observer Reports
Anderson County will unveil the new Firefighters Memorial Monument Sunday at a brief 3 p.m. service on the courthouse square.
The move of the monument, formerly located on the grounds of the Anderson Civic Center, is part of an effort to move memorials to the downtown square.
The new monument was designed by artist Scott Foster.
“The City of Anderson is privileged to partner with the County and artist Scott Foster to bring this meaningful sculpture to downtown,” said Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts. “Honoring our fallen firefighters also brings honor to all of the first responders who have served us since 1885. We are grateful to each one of them for keeping us safe, every day.”
The new memorial seeks to serve as a permanent tribute to Anderson County and City of Anderson firefighters who lost their lives over the past century.
“The monument will grace the Anderson County Courthouse Square in perpetuity as a lasting tribute in honor of our fallen heroes," said Anderson County Council Chariman Tommy Dunn. "It is incumbent upon us as a community to remember those who have given so much on our behalf, and to offer a dignified remembrance for the families of these fallen heroes.”
Monday, August 8, 2022 at 10:36PM