The Senate plan spends $166 million to give state workers a $2,500 bump in their base pay if they make less than $50,000 and a 5% raise if they make more than $50,000. The House's budget for fiscal year 2023-24 spends $42 million less. Workers making less than $83,000 would get a $2,500 raise and those making more would get a 3% pay bump.

Funding for roads and bridges has been lacking for decades in the county, which has 1,534 miles of county roads, and the new proposal would generate an estimated $30 million annually. The additional funds would be used exclusively for roads and could not be transferred into other parts of the budget. Other ideas such as a vehicle fee, which could raise $3 million per year were rejected in favor of asking voters to approve a penny tax.

A series of other litter pickup events are also going on in the county this week and beyond. For details on efforts to combat litter in Anderson County, visit CleanAnderson.org

Brennan took home both a trophy and a check for $10,000.

The Anderson County Youth Leadership group offers mentoring and other activities led by community leaders.

The city will close the short section between Tribble Street and Sharpe Street to through traffic Monday-Thursday. All off-street parking, save for the driveway at the Anderson County Farmers Market Pavilion, will remain open.

New housing, growing recreation opportunities, and a new way to communicate with the citizens of Honea Path have made for a busy Spring so far for the town.

“The Age of Aquarius: A Psychedelic 60s Rock Concert,” continues through April 30 in at the historic Pelzer Auditorium. Tickets available here.

All this, plus the county’s budget, upcoming events and economic development are part of this Anderson Observer interview with Administrator Rusty Burns.

Scheduled for Monday-Wednesday, the conference is a place where professionals can make connections and share information on such topics as marketing, security, staff morale, and budgeting. 

Located in an under-resourced community, the center provides services in the areas of healthcare, education, and includes an extension library and a police sub-station, childcare and after-school care.

The agency’s 2023 Infant Mortality Report, released annually by DHEC’s Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, shows that South Carolina’s infant mortality rate has grown by almost 40 percent overall since 2017.

Among the nine Republicans who have either announced a 2024 presidential run or who are viewed as potential contenders, Trump is on top with 41 percent. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Haley are neck-and-neck with 20 percent and 18 percent respectively.

“Drastic” increases in the cost of materials and labor have driven the original cost estimates up from $55 million to $72 million. The county has worked with Mosley Architecture redesign plans for the new detention center as a two-story facility, which will reduce costs and maintain space on the property for future growth.

In an email to supporters, Scott teased that he would be making a “major announcement” during an appearance on Fox News on Wednesday morning.

Tri-County’s tuition remains the second lowest in the S.C. Technical College System and the lowest in the Upstate. A two-year degree at Tri-County costs roughly less than one semester at a four-year college or university.

The popularity of the library system continues to grows, with more than 252,662 visitors in 2022, an increase of 38 percent, checking out more than 400,000 types of physical materials. Another 275,000 patrons took advantage of electronic materials. The library also provided 641 programs last year.

The university’s Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership named Sanders Entrepreneur of the week, in recognition for his accomplishments as one of the area’s top business leaders. Sanders earned a B.S. in Financial Management in 1990 and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Development from Clemson in 1997.

Pendleton’s efforts to meet the needs for more parking include repairing and expanding sidewalks to encourage the benefits of a walking town. New crosswalks and other. upgrades are also part of this effort to maintain the charm of the county’s oldest township.

The City of Anderson Public Works Division will be repairing crosswalks on Federal Street and East Sharpe Street which will close parts of both streets through Friday.