Friday, December 19, 2025
Duke Energy Seeks Significant Rate Increases in S.C.
Power bills for Duke Energy residential customers in Upstate South Carolina could go up, on average, by $12.50 a month in August, then rise by more than $6 additional monthly starting in 2026.
Supreme Court Rejects Bias Against Blacks in S.C. Voting District
The court’s conservative majority said in a 6-3 decision that the Republican-controlled state legislature did nothing wrong during redistricting when it strengthened Rep. Nancy Mace’s hold on the coastal district by moving 30,000 Democratic-leaning Black residents of Charleston out of the district.
Lisa Butler, School Dist. 5 Homeless Student Liaison Retires
Lisa Butler has become a statewide expert on how public schools can address serving students with no permanent address, and said the challenges continue to grow. Between 300-350 students in Dist. 5 have no permanent address.
Council Oks Belton Police Pact, 4 Opioid Fund Projects
Anderson County Council moved ahead on a proposal for the Sheriff’s Office to take over law enforcement duties for the City of Belton. The request was made by Belton City Council to help create better continuity in the policing of the city.
$2.65 EPA Grant to Help Revitalize Chiquola Mill Site
Honea Path has been awarded a $2.65 million grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for environmental remediation and cleanup efforts at the mill site, made possible by the Federal government’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. Honea Path is one of only 35 cleanup grant recipients in the southeast, and the grant amount awarded to the project is the fourth highest in the region.
S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrel, R-Anderson and S.C. Rep. Jay West, R-Anderson, secured an additional $1 million redevelopment site grant from the State of South Carolina to be used at the site.. Anderson County will serve as a project partner and is providing technical support and other resources toward the redevelopment effort.
County to Vote on Opioid Funding Projects
Council will also consider four new projects in the county for $1.1 million of the county’s opioid settlement funds.
News Analysis: ACRW Freedom Caucus Bias Ruins "Candidate Forum"
The Anderson County Republican Women could have had a dog whistle in mind when they invited candidates to Monday’s forum at Tucker’s Restaurant, hoping their ruse of hosting a public sharing of the candidates’ ideas would go unnoticed. But subltely be damned, it was soon clear this meeting was not about getting to know candidates or their positions, but taking pot shots at the two candidates who showed up and are not aligned with the Freedom Caucus.
Belton, County to Vote on Law Enforcement Deal
Belton is requesting that the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office take over the city’s law enforcement responsibilities.
Under the agreement, which will be considered on first reading by the City of Belton Council tonight and by Anderson County Council on Tuesday. Approval would require support on two readings by the city and three by county council.
Rhythm on the River Draws Big Sunday Crowd
The clouds broke and the crowds came for Sunday's Rhythm on the River in Dolly Cooper Park for music, kids activities, food and more..
Rescheduled for Sunday after an earlier rainout, organizers of the third annual incarnation of the event said they were pleased with the turnout.
Observer Offers Answers from June Primary Candidates
With the South Carolina Primary three weeks away, the Anderson Observer reached out to every county on the ballot in Anderson County to allow voters to get to know them better. Almost all responded.
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Rain Holds Off for Pig in the Park Williamston
The rain held off allowing for a good crowd at the annual Williamston's Pig in the Park, which brought competitive barbecue cooks to Mineral Spring Park for a cook-off as part of the Friday-Saturday event which included artists, music and new vendors.
Coming Sunday: Primary Candidates Answer Questions
The Anderson Observer asked every candidate with opposition a series of questions in preparation for the June 11 primaries in South Carolina. On Sunday, these candidates will outline in their own words, why they consider themselves the best hope for the state heading toward November.
SCDOT to Pave 20 Miles of Roads in County
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will pave close to 20 miles of state-owned roads in Anderson County in 2025. The move is part of the department’s 10-year pavement improvement program paid for by S.C. gas tax revenue, with a focus on the safety of roads and bridges.
SLED Finds Freedom Caucus Voter Forms Charges False
The state’s top law enforcement agency concluded that the allegation is “unfounded.”
Peace Officer Memorial Honors Fallen Officers
The Anderson County Fraternal Order of Police honored those who have fallen in the line of duty with a ceremony Thursday in the historic Anderson County Courthouse downtown.
The Peace Officers Memorial honored the 23 men and three K-9 officers killed in the line of duty in Anderson County dating back to 1892.
Anderson County Update, with Administrator Rusty Burns
Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns offers updates on the upcoming county’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget, economic development, recreation, repairs at the the historic courthouse, Broadway Lake, concerts at the civic center the farmers market and more in this interview with the Anderson Observer,
Electrolux Donation to Help Community Charities
Electrolux Group on Tuesday donated $90,000 worth of laundry baskets to Anderson Interfaith Ministries (AIM), which will be distributed to Hope Missions of the Upstate, New Foundations Home for Children, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Clemson Community Care, Anderson County schools, Clean Start, and other local non-profits.
City Oks Development, Takes Initial Look at FY 24-25 Budget
The potential development of the property has applied for tax credits for the project on the 11 parcels, and if approved, could begin construction in 2025, and be open within 12-15 months, according to City Administrator David McCuen.
Board Vote Moves Book to New Area of Childrens Library
The vote Monday will move the book to the Family Resource section of the children’s library which houses books which discuss such topics as divorce, death and puberty.