News Notes: Voter Turnout, Adoption Month, New Industrial Building
Observer Reports
High Voter Turnout in Pendleton
Pendleton’s 31 percent voter turnout on Tuesday was unusually high, and likely precipitated by a mayoral race, council race and the Anderson County Capital Sales Tax Referendum for roads. Sarah Stokowski defeated incumber Mayor Frank Crenshaw with 55 percent of the vote.
Adoption Month
South Carolina recognizes November as National Adoption Month, with Monday, November 24, designated as Adoption Day. Currently, 234 children in the state’s foster care system are legally free and waiting for permanent families, with 82 percent aged 6-18 and 18 percent in sibling groups. State DSS Director Tony Catone said adoption’s role in bringing hope and restoration. Throughout the year, the South Carolina Department of Social Services works with community partners to match families with waiting children. November serves as a critical time to raise awareness and support for adoption, especially for older youth in foster care.
Industrial Spec Building to Open Fall 2026
Atlanta-based Pattillo Industrial Real Estate announced it is moving forward with the development of a Class A, 248,000 square-foot industrial building in Anderson County, South Carolina, called Anderson Gateway Commerce Center. The site, located off I-85 at Exit 40 in Powdersville, will offer spaces ranging from 50,000 to 248,000 square feet and an adjacent site prepared for build-to-suit industrial space up to an additional 248,000 square feet. Designed to meet growing demand for high-quality industrial space in the Upstate region, the facility will support advanced manufacturing, light assembly, and logistics operations with direct highway access to major markets like Greenville/Spartanburg, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Construction will begin immediately, with delivery expected in fall 2026. Features include 32-foot clear height, office space, dock levelers, ESFR sprinkler system, and LED warehouse lighting. County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn said the project is in alignment with the county’s industrial growth strategy.
