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Upcountry Fiber issues statement after employee experiences arc flash in Anderson County
A contractor working for Upcountry Fiber and Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Anderson County experienced an arc flash on Monday while assisting with deploying broadband internet services. According to a press release, Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly, administered life-saving procedures on-site, and transported the injured person to AnMed Health Medical Center for further treatment. The contractor was then transported to the Augusta Burn Center. No new details have been released on their condition. ...
Recreation facilities enhanced at a community center
Seneca’s Blue Ridge Community Center now has six basketball goals on its newly constructed courts, and the thanks goes to a group of employees at the local BASF plant. Over two days last month, 14 volunteers from the BASF Veterans Employee team committed 60 hours to bring the project to life. The main installation took place June 14 with the installation of MegaSlam72, Mega Slam60, and FX 60 basketball goals. The project attracted attention in the community, as residents stopped by to watch the process. The timing coincided with Juneteenth celebrations and underscored a commitment by BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions to create opportunities and enhancing facilities in underserved communities.
Seneca Hopeful for FEMA Reimbursements
More than four years after an EF-3 tornado hit Seneca, city officials are hopeful that the nearly $8 million in approved FEMA reimbursements will be received this year. Seneca Assistant City Administrator Josh Riches reported that the city is awaiting two sets of funds: $3.4 million, of which $2.4 million has been received, and an additional $4.5 million following arbitration with FEMA. Riches expects the remaining $1 million and the $4.5 million to be received by the end of the year. In an unrelated matter, City Administrator Scott Moulder reported that the roof of the former Seneca Middle School is in good condition, which could facilitate the city’s potential purchase of the property for recreational use. The evaluation found no significant concerns, and the matter will be discussed at the next Seneca City Council meeting.
Pre-trial motions in Parnell v. city of Clemson
A judge in Pickens County next month will hear pre-trial motions in the case of Kimberly Parnell, Lakeview Apartments vs. city of Clemson, CS Acquisition LLC and Keowee Trail LLC. The plaintiffs have challenged the formula that Clemson used to approve the HUB project that they say will mean a seven-story apartment complex with retail spaces on the first floor. It’s a case that continues to divide the male members of the city council from the female members. In the pre-trial motions, to be heard Thursday, August 8, lawyers for the defendants CS Acquisition and the city of Clemson will ask Judge G-D Morgan to throw out plaintiffs’ request for an injunction to stop the development. The defense claims the plaintiffs bid for an injunction relies on a mistaken interpretation of law.
Façade Grant Approved for Walhalla’s Former Fire Station
The Walhalla Downtown Development Corporation (DDC) board unanimously approved a $3,000 façade grant last week for upgrades to the former fire station at 103 E. Main St. This grant, the maximum allowed, will help fund the installation of two new custom doors but will not cover the total estimated cost of $8,431.43. Marcia Spaeth, who bought and is renovating the former fire station, plans to use the space for retail on the ground floor and apartments upstairs. Although the grant stipulates that installation must begin within 45 days and be completed within six months, Spaeth expressed concern about potential delays in door delivery. Consequently, the DDC board extended the timeline to 90 days. Walhalla Mayor Tim Hall was the only board member absent from the meeting.
Air Blockage Delaying Sewer South Phase Two
An “air blockage” is delaying the completion of the Sewer South Phase 2 project, which aims to connect sewer service from the Coneross Wastewater Treatment Plant in Seneca to the South Carolina Welcome Center. Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority executive director Chris Eleazer informed the finance and administration...
Anderson County plans to build a new $83 million detention center to be able to house 650
Editor's Note: The story's headline was updated to correct the number of inmates that will be housed at the new detention center. On Tuesday, Anderson County Council approved $83 million to build a detention center. ...
Duke Energy’s Request for Taller Tower Approved
The Oconee County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved Duke Energy’s request for a variance and special exception to install a new 310-foot communications tower on Rochester Highway in Seneca. The $2.1 million tower will exceed the 250-foot height restriction by 60 feet and is part of Duke Energy’s effort to enhance connectivity and support the county’s future growth and SmartGrid. The new tower, located on Duke’s 159.9-acre site near the Oconee Nuclear Station, will improve point-to-point connections and network performance, support emergency services, and provide potential leasing opportunities for future wireless carriers. Duke Energy’s application highlighted the tower’s role in advancing technology and reliability, with no community opposition reported.
SC Charter Institute accused of conspiring to tarnish school operator and steal its business
A bombshell court filing accuses SC’s largest charter school district and its leaders of a criminal conspiracy to damage the reputation of a for-profit education management company in order to take its business.
Urban Wilds: Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve
In 1974, the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Department – the precursor to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – began a landmark effort that would prove to be influential nationwide. Fifty years ago, the agency established the country’s first Heritage Trust Program to “document and...
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