Tag Archives: anderson county

Job creation up, unemployment down in Anderson County

By Stan Welch

Anderson County has built an enviable reputation in the last few years for attracting manufacturing and the quality jobs that usually accompany such large capital investments.

The efforts that have led to those investments and jobs have clearly paid off, as the unemployment rate in the county has reached its lowest point since July 2008. Figures released by the county this week show unemployment at 6.8 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in April of 2012.The percentage of unemployed peaked at 9.2 per cent in June and July of last year.

County to seek federal funds for Cherokee Rd. bridge project

By Stan Welch

A long dormant road project involving the Cherokee Road Bridge across US Hwy. 29 got at least a breath of air Monday afternoon, when the Anderson County Council finance committee approved a request to apply for a federal grant. The project was scaled down by the SCDOT last year, when District Seven Councilwoman Cindy Wilson sought to revive it.

Long meeting results in no action on Williamston issues

By Stan Welch

After enduring a meeting that lasted over five hours, Williamston Mayor Mack Durham and other town officials were once again disappointed in their efforts to place the Williamston Police Department under the authority of the County’s Central Dispatch system.

Delayed by a cumbersome agenda of almost three pages in length, and virtually paralyzed by a public hearing at which dozens of citizens spoke, the Council failed to complete the agenda; and never got to two big issues concerning Williamston residents, including the Gray Drive bridge and the question of Central Dispatch.

Anderson County Government, Business and Politics Year in Review . . . 2012

By Stan Welch

JANUARY

Officials from the Anderson County Planning Department confirmed that an O’reilly Auto Parts store would be coming to Piedmont soon.

The 2012 Anderson County Council elected its chairman and vice chairman at the first meeting of the new year. District Four representative Tom Allen was elected unanimously to the chair, while former two term chairman Tommy Dunn was elected as vice chairman. District Seven Councilwoman Cindy Wilson’s nomination as vice chairman died for lack of a second.

Around the County . . .

Anderson County Public Works report on project around Anderson County:

Airport

The Clemson men’s and women’s basketball charter flights have begun arriving for the season.

· Working to get the Cessna Service Center agreement signed by everyone after Council’s approval at the last council meeting.

· Current Fuel Prices: Avgas full Service – $6.08, Avgas Self Service – $5.66, Jet-A – $5.51

Building & Codes

· Bids have gone out for Phase II Demolition of our targeted Substandard Housing. There are a total of 11. One will be taken down by the owner and the other 10 will be scheduled for demolition after the first of the year. Additional information will be forthcoming by the end of December on demolition dates once we receive the bids.

Preston finances remain under scrutiny

By Stan Welch

Former Anderson County administrator Joey Preston’s legal troubles continue to deepen, as his role in the silver securities scam run by Ron Wilson comes under broader scrutiny by state officials.

In a complaint filed by the South Carolina Securities Commission in October, allegations were made that Preston helped steer investors to Wilson’s scheme, despite not being licensed to engage in such enterprise. The allegations do not address whether Preston was aware of the nature of the scheme or not; only that he was not properly licensed to perform in such a way.

Around the County . . .

Anderson County Public Works Update for the week ending November 2

Airport

· Clemson basketball charter flights start in November, and will continue through March 2013.

· Current Fuel Prices: Avgas Full Service – $6.08, Avgas Self Service – $5.66, Jet A – $5.68

Building & Codes

Ruling on Preston case expected after Thanksgiving

By Stan Welch

At the end of nearly two hours of testimony by Joey Preston Monday, his team of attorneys rested their case, bringing the three year trial to a close. All that’s left is the submission of written final arguments to Judge Roger Couch, who promised a ruling shortly after Thanksgiving.

Preston explains actions in deposition

Thursday, Nov. 1 – In a videotaped deposition admitted into evidence by Judge Roger Couch over the vigorous objections of Team Preston, confirmation of what so many have presumed for years was produced. Former Anderson County administrator Joey Preston conceded under oath that he had conducted an eight year extramarital affair with Kelly Nichols.

Absentee voting begins in Anderson County

Anderson County Registered voters who qualify and need to cast an absentee ballot for the November 6 General Election may do so beginning this week at the Voter Registration Office located at 107 South Main Street in Room 105 in Anderson. The office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Contrary to popular belief, this is not Early Voting”, explained Director, Katy Smith.

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