The Senate Thursday failed to advance a Republican measure and rejected unanimous agreements on two related bills from Democrats that would have paid federal employees and contractors who have continued to work amid the government shutdown, which entered day 23. 

The stalemate constituted the latest example of how dug in to their arguments both parties are as the shutdown that began Oct. 1 drags out, as well as the heightened political tensions in the upper chamber when it comes to striking a deal to resume government funding.  

AOP Clubhouse, in conjunction with Clubhouse International, will launch their work next summer providing a safe place to improve recovery outcomes with serious mental health issues with the creation of a community-centered “Clubhouse” in Pendleton which will serve Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. The initial site for the program will be the Pendleton Community Center, though the hope is to eventually purchase a building of their own.

Over the past several hours, days and months, we’ve watched a troubling trend unfold across our local governments in South Carolina. From town halls to county courthouses, good people, those dedicated public servants who love their communities, are stepping down, walking away, or choosing not to run again. It’s a warning sign we should all take seriously.

T.L. Hanna at Easley

Westside at Laurens

Chesnee at Crescent

Palmetto at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School

Powdersville at Carolina High School

Southside at Wren

BHP at Pendleton

A special election, mandated by law to occur 13 Tuesdays from the vacancy date—tentatively January 20—is the next chapter in this unfolding story. The filing period, a brief two-week window yet to be announced, will determine the field of candidates eager to shape West Pelzer’s future.

Almost 11,000 households which make up 22,657 individuals are expected to feel the pinch in Anderson County.

Blake Sanders represents District 9 in the South Carolina House of Representatives and is a licensed Landscape Architect with 20 years of experience in planning and community development.

The Town of West Pelzer, Town of Pendleton, Town of Pelzer, City of Belton, Town of Honea Path, Town of Iva, and the Anderson County Capital Sales Referendum for Roads are on the ballot this year.

Pendleton’s annual Scarecrow contest is back, bringing creativity and community spirit to the town square and surrounding area this fall as part of the bigger annual fall harvest festival set for Saturday. This year marks the first time the Town of Pendleton has organized the event on its own, after taking over from local organizations that previously coordinated it.

The Salvation Army of Anderson County is gearing up for its annual Red Kettle campaign and calling on community members to volunteer as bell ringers this holiday season.

Board members say the familiar sound of ringing bells outside local retailers provides more than Christmas cheer — it’s the organization’s largest source of funding for its emergency shelter operations. This year, residents are encouraged to form Bell Ringing Day teams, pairing up in groups of two for volunteer shifts throughout the Christmas season.

Anderson County Council approved three first-reading zoning amendments to update official maps for the Shirley Store, Neal’s Creek, and Rock Spring voting precincts. The move marks a shift in how areas of the county are increasingly expressing concerns and seeking zoning to protect their districts. Council members congratulated the areas for their work in getting through the process of zoning.

The play mercilessly lampoons such Victorian novels as “Rebecca,” and “Wuthering Heights,” as well as classic horror films, while maintaining a “high-camp seriousness.”

Audiences who have witnessed the show at other locales marvel at its whiplash pace, clever wordplay, and the pure delight of seeing two actors embody an entire world of ghosts, monsters, and melodramatic mayhem.

Each year, the autumn tradition draws locals and visitors to the town’s historic streets, blending eerie storytelling with fascinating history. This year’s lineup promises six all-new sites, including some of Belton’s most storied landmarks: the Belton Train Depot, the former site of Haynie’s Drug Store, the Robertson Boarding House, the former Belton City Hall and Jail, the Horton House, the J. T. Rice House, the Dr. Haynie House, and the I. W. Cox House.

A bipartisan bill proposed in the House would require the state to remove from public access after 30 days any eviction filings that do not result in an actual court order telling the tenant to get out. Any cases that did result in an eviction order from a judge or were settled in court would be removed from public view after six years under the proposal.

When completed, the updated Pelzer Community Center will retain its historic character while meeting modern standards for public use. For Ragland, it’s more than a renovation; it’s a reclamation. “This building tells the story of Pelzer’s people and their resilience,” he said. “To bring it back—not as a relic, but as a living part of the town again—that’s the real goal.”

“It keeps getting bigger and bigger every year,” said Williamston Mayor Rockey Burgess “People from all over come. We got people from Anderson and Greenville, even Spartanburg here today. It's pretty neat to be able to see all the kids come out, dress up, and see the community come together, do something, while the town gives something back to the community.”

“This is our third year having our fish fry, I remember that because this is my fourth year being in office,” said Anderson County Councilman Glenn Davis, who represents Dist. 2. “This is something where we can give back to the community. They need to see me out here serving, and it's just an all-around good time for everybody.”

Council is also set to take up three first-reading zoning amendments to update official maps for the Shirley Store, Neal’s Creek, and Rock Spring voting precincts. Planning Director Alesia Hunter will present those items.

In a doo-wop world, complete with a three-woman Greek Chorus in sequins blending scenes and story, director and cast approach the cult classic not as camp, but as something more precise…

photo courtesy Kelly Crittendon

Westside 48, Fountain Inn 21

T.L. Hanna 55, J.L. Mann 17

BHP 55, Crescent 28

Wren 45, Laurens 14

Pendleton 40, West Oak 14

Powdersville 45, Palmetto 14