In a wide-ranging discussion, Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns offered insights into a series of ongoing initiatives, from highly anticipated community events to long-term infrastructure projects. The conversation, which took place with Greg Wilson, editor of the Anderson Observer, touched on the upcoming Celebrate Anderson event, a proposed sales tax for road repairs, and the county’s economic development strategies.

South Carolina joins 33 other states next week with a hands-free driving law aimed at keeping drivers’ hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The legislation, H.3276, will mean those in violation of the law face a $100 fine for a first offense, and other infractions within a three-year period would cost $200 and two points on their motor vehicle record.

A 180-day warning period, during which time tickets would not be issued, starts Sept. 1, and the warning period for ends on March 30, 2026.

The estimated fiscal impact is nearly $1 billion annually: Employers lose $818 million through turnover and absenteeism, and the state misses out on $179 million in tax revenue.

More than half of that (an estimated $501 million) is driven by lost productivity from employee absences, according to the report titled “Untapped Potential in South Carolina.”

More than two dozen residents of the area around tax incentives for the planned plasma gasification plant at 5575 Dobbins Bridge Rd expressed concerns about the facility at county council Tuesday, and more than a dozen spoke for a total of almost an hour saying the facility would increase heavy truck traffic, noise and potentially various forms of pollution.

A third reading is required and Council Chairman Tommy Dunn promised a community meeting with the company and the residents before third reading.

“Before third reading, we’ll have a community meeting with someone from the company there to answer questions,” said Dunn, adding that without countywide zoning, “worse things” could be put on that property.

South Carolina’s best municipal projects don’t just look good on a rendering; they work hard for residents and small businesses. The IMPACT Fund is designed for exactly that ethic. Let’s use it to turn District 9’s momentum, and every town’s momentum, into durable main streets, resilient infrastructure, and places that feel like home. Learn more via the Municipal Association of SC’s IMPACT Fund page. Then put a project on paper that your council, merchants, and neighbors can rally around.

Anderson County Council will vote on a pair of tax incentives, one for a new business and one for an existing business as part of Tuesday’s regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the historic courthouse downtown.

A bid on road work from the Anderson County Transportation Committee will also be considered.

Council will also vote on third reading a fee in lieu of tax special source credit agreement for the warehouse on Long Road. The vote was tabled at the last council meeting until an agreement over lighting could be reviewed.

The Anderson County Library and Anderson County Councilman Glenn Davis hosted a back-to-school event on Saturday at the library which featured a panel discussion on education and a hands-on art demonstration.

Duke Energy is asking state and federal regulators to approve to a merger of its two utility companies providing power to the Palmetto and Tar Heel states.

To get South Carolina regulators to agree, the utility company proposes shuffling money around between customer groups to prevent potential sticker shock to its electric customers in the Upstate.

Duke’s customers in the Pee Dee and eastern North Carolina pay more per megawatt than customers in the Upstate, Charlotte area and western North Carolina. Merging the companies could result in major hikes for customers in South Carolina’s northwest corner, if they’re asked to pay more for a portion of the East’s more expensive power costs.

The city of Belton and the Belton Area Museum Association are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Class of Belton Hall of Fame inductees, an honor created to recognize citizens who have made significant contributions to the city's civic, educational, athletic, and cultural life.

This year's induction ceremony will move from its traditional December date to a new presentation at the Standpipe Heritage and Arts Festival on October 4. Mayor Eleanor Dorn said the change was made to ensure the honorees are recognized before a larger audience.

MedShore Ambulance is looking for a few good men and women who have a desire for a career in serving the community. To address a shortage of trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs), MedShore Ambulance has established a training school, or "academy," that offers accelerated courses to train and certify new EMTs.

Anderson City Council on Monday approved a contract with Spruce Lighting & Events to upgrade and expand downtown holiday decorations for the upcoming Christmas season. The $125,800 contract will include decorations for: lighting Main Street, Carolina Wren Park, Church Street Heritage Plaza, North Main Commons, North Linley Park and adding City Hall and South Linley Park as additions this year.

Council also appointed representatives for the Planning Commission, the Board of Architectural Review and the Board of Zoning Appeals as part of Monday’s meeting. Each appointment is a four-year term, and are as follows:

The Anderson County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is celebrating National Poll Worker Recruitment Day tomorrow, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at 301 N Main Street where citizens can sign up to serve as poll worker and be entered into a special prize drawing. Winners will be announced at the end of the business day.

Election workers are needed for the Nov. 4 general elections.

The work offers a paid opportunity to get to perform a civic duty and get to know the community. 

When Ayanna Hunt left Anderson for Southern University Sunday, the Westside High School student-athlete left behind a series of accomplishments in track and field that may be hard to match.

Hunt was chosen 2024 All Upstate High School girls' track and field team athlete of the year. During the 2024 season, she posted top marks in the state for both the discus (154 ft 11 in) and the shot put (40 ft 5 in).

In a state where manufacturing remains a cornerstone of the economy, the FILOT program is not merely a tax loophole; it is a strategic necessity. With over 2,000 active agreements statewide and a gross investment of $85 billion, the program demonstrates its effectiveness. For counties like Anderson, these agreements are not just a tool for growth, but a critical part of their economic survival, ensuring that the lights stay on and the jobs remain in South Carolina.

The 811 service, a nationwide toll-free number, connects callers to a local center that dispatches crews to mark underground utility lines, including those for natural gas, electricity, water, and telecommunications. The service is a key component of a safe digging initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Officials recommend making the call at least three business days before any excavation project begins.

The cost of the holiday light installation with Spruce Lighting and Events would be $125,800, which will include: lighting Main Street, Carolina Wren Park, Church Street Heritage Plaza, North Main Commons, North Linley Park and adding City Hall and South Linley Park as additions this year.

In an effort to address the needs of students who struggle in traditional classrooms, Anderson County School District 5 is utilizing an alternative learning environment at the ACE Academy. The program, one of three non-traditional options offered by the district, aims to provide a structured, supportive and therapeutic approach to education with the ultimate goal of reintegrating students into their regular schools.

Anderson County Council on Tuesday approved investment tax incentives for a new business which is projected to bring a $51 million investment and 54 jobs.

The company, code named “Project Pine,” is a plasma gasification concern, and the jobs will pay $53 per hour.

Anderson County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a proposal to allow voters the option of funding road/bridge repairs via a one-percent tax through a referendum on Nov. 4.

The county currently has a backlog of more than $350 million in transportation projects related to road and bridge repair. If approved, the new sales tax will provide the funding to address all projects, many of which have been neglected for years due to lack of funding. Between 30-40 percent, roughly $140 million, is expected to be paid by visitors or those passing through Anderson County.

Moving into the new school year, four of Anderson County’s five school districts will offer free breakfast and lunch for all students. Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 offer the free meals to all, while Dist. 1 will offer the service at seven of their 14 schools. The remainder of that district’s schools will provide free breakfast and lunch for students who meet certain edibility requirements.