Clemson 5th in AP Poll; USC Drops to 13th After Loss

South Carolina fell a few notches and Clemson is up slightly in the polls after Saturday's college football action.

The latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches and Associated Press surveys were released Sunday afternoon.

USC is 14th in the coaches and 13th in the AP following Saturday's 41-30 loss to Georgia. The Tigers are 5th in the coaches and 3rd in the AP after a 52-13 win against South Carolina State.

The Gamecocks next take on Vanderbilt Saturday in Columbia. Clemson doesn't play again until a Thursday night game September 19th against NC State. 

Bible Society Finds American Disconnect on Bible

The American Bible Society's annual "State of the Bible" study shows most Americans believe society needs the Bible, but few are finding time to read it.

A majority of people in the United States believe the Bible contains the best advice for a meaningful life, but they also don't want to take it, and are too busy to read the scriptures.

According to the American Bible Society's "State of the Bible 2013" study, 66 percent of Americans agreed that "the Bible contains everything a person needs to know to live a meaningful life," while 58 percent say they don't want wisdom and advice from the Bible, and 57 percent say they read it fewer than five times per year.

"There is a difference between believing something is beneficial and opening up your heart, mind and life to let that beneficial thing in," Geof Morin, chief communications officer for the American Bible Society (ABS), wrote in a Thursday statement to The Christian Post. He explained that some people "view reading the Bible as taking your medicine," rather than a life-changing encounter with God.

But it isn't just a lack of motivation, Morin argued. Sixty-one percent of adults wish they read the Bible more. "It seems that many Americans are letting other priorities get in the way of them opening the pages of the Bible." His organization is trying to fix that.

According to its website, the ABS aims to "bring God's Word to cultural channels where the Bible lacks a strong voice and extend new reach within today's leading churches, inviting millions to reconsider and renew their engagement with God's Word." Along with sending Bibles overseas and using scripture to bring relief, this goal of transforming culture forms the organization's mission statement.

"We are constantly innovating how we deliver God's Word to give people anytime, anywhere access in a way that fits their busy schedules," Morin said. He mentioned digital access to the Bible – on smartphone, Kindle and iPad – which has hit a new high. Forty-one percent of Americans use the internet to read the Bible.

Morin also mentioned ABS' Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter accounts, which the organization uses to keep scripture relevant for the next generation.

The ABS is also gearing up its work because Americans are more polarized about scripture. The study found that about one-fifth (21 percent) of the population believe the Bible is the Word of God and read it at least four times per week; while an increasing number (10 percent in 2011, 17 percent this year), believe the Bible is "just another book of teachings written by men" and rarely or never read it. The middle ground – those who say the Bible has some truth but rarely read it, is shrinking (26 percent in 2012, 23 percent this year).

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  American Bible Society, http://www.americanbible.org/state-bible
  The American Bible Society's annual "State of the Bible" survey found more Americans polarized for or against the Bible this year.

In an age where homosexual marriage and abortion have become key political issues, only 17 percent of self-identifying Christian adults say they would "be interested in receiving input and wisdom from the Bible on romance and sexuality."

The study did bring some encouraging news as well, however. More than half of Americans (56 percent) believe the Bible has too little influence in U.S. society today, the ABS spokesman noted. Only 13 percent said it had "too much influence."

He continued, "What perhaps many Americans fail to recognize is that the easiest way for the Bible to influence society is for individuals to take it off their shelves, read it and let its words and wisdom influence their own choices and decisions."

"If more individuals were reading the Bible on a consistent basis and using it as a roadmap for their lives, I think the world would look quite a bit brighter," the spokesman said.

Full Story Here

Observer Good Citizen Spotlight: Angie Stringer

If you participated in any of Anderson's Labor Day weekend events, you can imagine how much behind-the-scenes work went into the planning and execution of those special days. Angie Stringer

While the success of the events is the result of more than a few Anderson County citizens who gave hours of their time, one person is most responsible for making sure things went without a hitch: Angie Stringer. 

Stringer, whose official job title - Public Information Officer/Web Manager, Anderson County and Executive Director, Labor Day Omnium/Tour de La France & Celebrate Anderson - wears one out just reading it, has been working behind the scenes for Anderson County for several years making our home a better place to work and live. From providing assistance to economic development to meeting the information needs of businesses exploring Anderson County as a potential home to promoting and distributing information for all of the county's departments (including making Anderson one fo the top counties in the nation for transparency in government) and agencies to making sure special events get done and get done right, Stringer is a perpetual motion machine.

Her work has helped make Anderson a top Labor Day destination in the state, and her dogged determination to make all the events, including Celebrate Anderson and the Tour de La France, has attracted not only Andersonians but folks from across the state and the more than a dozen countries.

If you should see her about, and she is moving slow enough to speak to, tell her thanks for all her hard work.

Apple Festival Kicks Off Today in Westminster

The South Carolina Apple Festival kicks off today in Westminster with a series of exhibits, music and food for the whole family. This year's Festival runs today from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. 

The South Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple-producing area in the state. The annual festival has drawn thousands of visitors to the Westminster, South Carolina area since its first appearance in 1961.

Whether you enjoy whitewater rafting, shopping for arts and crafts, browsing antique shops,  or just kicking back and listening to live musical entertainment, the Apple Festival offers something for everyone in the family. Most of the events are free and are planned with the entire family in mind. 

From the Kiddie Rides, which draw a steady line of youngsters, to booths featuring woodworking, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, and other handicrafts, the street provides blocks of shopping options for visitors and the home town folks alike. 

There is also plenty of food. Whether you prefer a full barbecue dinner, sandwiches, hot dogs, funnel cake, fried apples pies, homemade ice cream, or want to stock up on home grown apples, honey and fruit preserves, it's all there.One highlight of each year's festival is the annual Apple Festival Parade, held at 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon.

A schedule of events can be found here.

S.C. Drivers Buckle Up More

South Carolina drivers and vehicle passengers are buckling-up more often and that’s due primarily to education and enforcement, according to a spokesman from the state Highway Patrol.

A National Occupant Protection Use Survey, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said the seat-belt usage rate across the state rose from 86 percent in 2011 to 90.5 percent in 2012.

Cpl. Bill Rhyne of the Highway Patrol credits the enforcement end of that increased rate to law enforcement networks throughout the state working together in partnership to ensure people are buckling up.

The survey said 16 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico had seat-belt usage rates of 90 percent or higher. The national average for 2012 was 86 percent, up from 84 percent in 2011.

North Carolina saw its rate fall to its lowest level since 2005 — from 87.5 percent in 2012, down from 89.5 percent

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/09/05/2962181/south-carolina-buckles-up.html#storylink=cpy

Brooks Center Brings "Mama Mia!" to Clemson

Finding time to assist back stage with a nationally touring Broadway production is not in a typical college student’s daily schedule. However, Clemson University performing arts students are getting that chance.

The musical hit "MAMMA MIA!" is about to kick off its national tour, but not before a two-week stop at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts for "tech rehearsals." During the mid-September visit, the technical elements of MAMMA MIA! will be put together on the Brooks stage. The crew will rehearse lights, sounds, cues, sets and performances to have everything performance-ready before the show appears in theaters across the country.

Clemson students majoring in production studies in performing arts will assist throughout the process, helping to put finishing touches on the set, carrying cable and working back stage during the show's first two performances at the Brooks Center.

"MAMMA MIA!" will open its official national tour with two performances in the Brooks Center at 8 p.m. Sept. 30, and  Oct. 1. Featuring the music of the band ABBA, the show tells the story of a mother, daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets and information are available at www.clemson.edu/Brooks or by calling the box office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

County Transportation Committee to Meet Monday

The Anderson County Transportation Committee will meet Monday at 4:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Transportation Division Building at 735 Michelin Boulevard, Anderson, South Carolina. 

View the Agenda online:

http://www.andersoncountysc.org/web/admin/documents/ACTC/ACTC-2013_0913.pdf

Christian Fiction Writers Forming New Chapter

Anyone interested in helping start a South Carolina chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (www.acfw.com), the first in the state, is invited to attend a discussion meeting September 22 at 3:30 p.m. at the Anderson County Library, 300 N. McDuffie Street, Anderson.

The American Christian Fiction Writers organization is a non-profit corporation of Christian writers of many denominations. It seeks to raise and maintain a level of high quality inspirational writing in all genres; to stimulate interest in and appreciation for the art of writing; and to facilitate dissemination of information concerning activities in the field of inspirational writing. Membership in its local chapters is open to all persons seriously pursuing a publishing career in the inspirational field, as well as other related professionals who voluntarily embrace the by-laws of ACFW.

For more information contact Elva Martin at 864/226-7024 or email elvacmartin@gmail.com

S.C. Representatives Weigh In on Syria

As President Barack Obama continues to seek congressional support for his plans for military intervention in Syria, South Carolina leaders are speaking out on how they feel about the situation and the decision of the Obama administration to get involved.

South Carolina Congressman and former Governor Mark Sanford says he will vote against military intervention in Syria.

The Republican lawmaker says his constituents are weary of military and financial engagements in the Middle East. And Sanford says the Obama administration has not answered questions about why it's in America's interest and what the exit strategy would be.

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and John McCain say President Barack Obama must make a strong case for attacking Bashar Assad's Syria if he wants to win congressional backing for the operation.

Graham questioned the wisdom of the administration publicly signaling in advance its intention to strike.

"Who performed the attack, and what their end game is, what their plan is, what their strategy is. I don't think just blindly sending a couple missles over there is going to accomplish anything and if we do commit any assets, I want it to be handed toward a meaningful goal," said 7th Congressional District Representative Tom Rice.

South Carolina District 6 Congressman James E. Clyburn tweeted on September 3rd, "Issues of war & peace require thoughtful consideration. I reserve judgment on Syria until a resolution and more details are forthcoming."

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement :

"Today's hearing confirms my belief that the United States must not engage in military action against Syria. The President's failed foreign policy over the last four and a half years has allowed Syrian Dictator Bashar al-Assad to engage in horrific acts of violence against his own people. The White House identified on April 25th that Syria had used chemical weapons, crossing the President's "red line." This debate should have occurred upon immediate detection, as opposed to now when intervention could potentially create greater consequences. Secretary Kerry, Secretary Hagel, and General Dempsey's inability to provide specific answers to direct questions conveys that authorizing a military strike will place American families at greater risk and increase instability which threatens our allies of Israel, Jordan, Turkey, and Iraq."

A Senate panel voted Wednesday afternoon to give President Obama the authority to use military force against Syria in response to a deadly chemical weapons attack.

New Waffle House to Open on Near Publix on Greenville Street

If you are craving something scattered or smothered and covered, then the announcement of the new Waffle House in Anderson should make your day.

The new restaurant, slated for a late 2013 opening, is currently under construction near Publix and just behind Chick-fil-a in the Anderson Pavilion Shopping Center.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Waffle House® restaurants have been serving "Good Food Fast®" since 1955. Today the Waffle House system operates more than 1,600 restaurants in 25 states and is the world's leading server of waffles, T-bone steaks, hashbrowns, cheese 'n eggs, country ham, pork chops and grits.

County Council Tables Animal Breeder Ordinance

By a 5-2 vote, Anderson County Council on Tuesday night tabled an ordinance requiring animal breeders in Anderson County to provide paperwork proving the animals have received vaccinations and treatment for intestinal parasites. The ordinance, written by a council Ad Hoc committee formed two weeks ago, is in response to the recent rescue of more than 150 dogs from a puppy mill in Starr. Councilman Eddie Moore said the ordinance reflects state laws already on the books concerning animal breeders.

“I would like to see us continue meeting to come up with an ordinance that is enforceable,” said Councilman Tommy Dunn. “One thing we’ve learned, is state law is not very clear. I think we need to make sure what we do is right and prudent. I think there is a good bit more work to be done.”

Councilwoman Gracie Floyd expressed concerns over the cost of the ordinance and if the county had enough animal control officers to enforce the ordinance. Floyd said the best thing for the county would be to require licenses for all dogs.

Moore countered saying proof of vaccination itself would provide some measure of self-enforcement.

Citizen comments largely favored some form of ordinance to protect animals and consumers. Others said the requirement to take the pets to a licensed veterinarian could be a burden on responsible breeders who already provide the shots and treatments outlined in the ordinance.

Also on Monday night, Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns said the county is taking bids to remove trees on the Civic Center pond dam. Burns said the trees were what caused the issue of the damage to the dam after recent heavy rains.

“We’re hoping the bids come in between $20,000-$30,000,” Burns said. “We really can’t get a plan until we know how much this will cost.”

Council additionally gave final approval to the fee-in-lieu-of-tax structure for Fraenkische, USA, which will allow the company to expand operations in Anderson by adding 54 jobs with an average pay rate of $16 per hour. The Fraenkische, USA, North American Headquarters will now be located in Anderson bringing an estimated 20 year economic impact to the county of $67 million.

Approved on first reading an ordinance amending Section 66-126 of the Anderson County Code pertaining to monthly charges for Sewer Service for parts of Anderson County.

On Tuesday night, council also:

Approved on first reading an ordinance amending Section 66-126 of the Anderson County Code pertaining to monthly charges for Sewer.

Approved a resolution directing the County Administrator to request the South Carolina Department of Transportation to conduct an Engineering and Traffic Study on Highway 153 from Interstate 85 Interchange to the Anderson and Greenville County Line to determine the appropriateness of raising the speed limit on said portion of Highway 153 from its current speed limit of 35 miles per hour to a speed limit of 45 miles per hour.

Passed on second reading an ordinance prohibiting certain large vehicle traffic on Orr Road .

Honored Ruth Hazel Maddox Wilkerson for her outstanding “example of servant leadership and her successful efforts in education to make Anderson County a better place to live and work.

Passed a resolution recognizing the Palmetto High School JROTC for outstanding accomplishments during the 2012-2013 Academic Year.

PAWS Special Puppy Adoption Set for Tomorrow

Anderson County's Pets Are Worth Saving (PAWS) will offer a limited number of the recently rescued dogs  for adoption Wednesday from noon to 6 p.m. at their office on 1320 Hwy 29 South. Approximately 30 have been cleared for release by the staff veterinarian and adoptions will be ‘first come-first serve’ with application approval.

For more information contact Jessica Cwynar, director or Anderson County P.A.W.S. at 260-4151

United Way Honors Youth Volunteer Corps

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Anderson County, an initiative of United Way of Anderson County held its annual celebration on August 16 to honor those youth who have participated the past year.  The Youth Volunteer Corps is a program dedicated to providing service opportunities to the youth of Anderson County ages 11-18. 

Several youth received special awards for their service to our community.  Award Winners were:

Most Enthusiastic – Carter Jordan; Most Dedicated – Sarah Parker; Spirit of YVC Award – Tyler Latimer; Community Service Award – Evan Price; Excellence in Leadership – Laura Parker; Most Outstanding – Krystal Young; Summer Sensation Star – Chris Latimer; and the Matthew Cheek Youth Service Award – Joshua Bush.

For information on how to become a member of YVC, please contact Carol Loyd at carol.loyd@uwandersoncty.com.