News Archive Williamston officials present judges with robes Williamston Town Council presented municipal judges James M. Cox, Jr. and John C. Neel, III, with judges robes and gavels during the regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Mayor Phillip Clardy said the new robes would reflect the demeanor and respect of the office. Both men were joined by family members as they were  presented the robes and a certificate of commendation by the mayor and council for their service.  Councilman Jimmy Rogers said he was glad to see the recognition and expressed his appreciation for their service. Councilman Harold Mackey said “They are men of high integrity and they render a decision of those who come before them that is fair.” Councilman David Harvell said he was thankful for their work and councilman Wade Pepper said he appreciates their service. Williamston Police Chief Richard Turner said, “They make the right decisions and I respect them. It has been a pleasure working with them.” Council also approved an election ordinance providing for the election of council members for Ward One and Ward Two. The nonpartisan election will be held in conjuction with the Nov. 5 general election. Council members Harold Mackey (Ward One) and Jimmy Rogers (Ward Two) are up for reelection. Williamston Town Council serves four year staggered terms with two seats up for reelection every two years. The four-year terms will run from Jan. 1, 2003 to Dec. 31, 2006. Books will open for filing Friday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall for anyone interested in running for the offices. There is a $50 entry fee and a petition must be submitted with 5 percent of registered voters who reside inside the town limits. Council also heard a request by Renee Earle to name the Mattison Circle area off Cherokee Rd., Newton Village, in honor of Newton E. Mattison. Council also accepted information from the Anderson County Planning Division concerning duplicate road names within the municipality. Six addressing problems were identified including: Center St., off Park St., near downtown Williamston is one of two duplicate streets. The name Lucknow St. has been suggested by the County. Patterson Dr., off of Hamilton St., is also a duplicate name. Harbison Dr. has been suggested as an alternative. Two structures addressed to Gossett St. should have addresses on Tower St. A structure on Payne Dr. is addressed to a number that is out of sequence. A structure on Knight Ave. is addressed to a number that is out of odd/even sequence. A structure currently addressed to Minor St. and two others addressed to W. Main St. have primary access to a driveway that will become a named road. The name College Dr. is being suggested for the drive that services the structures. The Anderson County Planning Division is working in conjunction with the E-911 Addressing Office, Division of Public Safety, and Division of Transportation, to eliminate duplicate road names within the same emergency service zone. Roads that branch into three directions and structures with addresses on the wrong road are also being corrected. Council will consider alternatives for duplicate names and are accepting recommendations from residents. They will present the Planning Department with the names by Sept. 1. Council also accepted as information revised policies and procedures for the Williamston Police Department. Gatewood Subdivision residents may get some relief from odors from a sewer treatment facility in the area. Town officials are experimenting with 20 pound deodorant blocks which will present a wind directed cherry fragrance which fights odors up to 14 weeks. The deodorant blocks are being purchased from Sani-Systems, Inc. of Anderson. The unique mesh hanger will emit a wind directed cherry fragrance which will neutralize odors, according to Mayor Clardy. Duplicate street names being eliminated for E-911 Streets and addresses in the area that have been identified by The Anderson County Planning Division as presenting problems for the E-911 address system are being corrected, officials said. The Anderson County Planning Division is working in conjunction with the E-911 Addressing Office, Division of Public Safety, and Division of Transportation, to eliminate duplicate road names within the same emergency service zone. Duplicate road names, roads that branch into three directions and structures with addresses on the wrong road are being corrected, officials said. County residents have already presented 30 petitions with alternative names for roads that have duplicate names, according to Anderson County Planning Division Director Jeff Ricketson. Ricketson said the County began sending notices to residents and municipalities on July 1st. “Most have understood the need to change the names.” “We are able to accommodate most of the requests of citizens,” he said. Ricketson said there were about 2000 addresses identified as problems within the E-911 system, and that number was reduced to about 1,000 that have to be changed. Six addressing problems were identified in Williamston including: Center St., off Park St., near downtown Williamston is one of two duplicate streets. The name Lucknow St. has been suggested by the County. Patterson Dr., off of Hamilton St., is also a duplicate name. Harbison Dr. has been suggested as an alternative. Two structures addressed to Gossett St. should have addresses on Tower St. A structure on Payne Dr. is addressed to a number that is out of sequence. A structure on Knight Ave is addressed to a number that is out of odd/even sequence. A structure currently addressed to Minor St. and two others addressed to W. Main St. have primary access to a driveway that will become a named road. The name College Dr. is being suggested for the drive that services the structures. In Pelzer, Park St. and Dendy St. are duplicate street names. County officials are suggesting Pelzer Park St. and Dillon St. as alternatives. In the Powdersville area, Dogwood Ct. is a duplicate road name. Boxelder Ct. is a suggested alternative. Also Elm Ct., with Tuliptree Ct. an alternative; Woods Ln. is a duplicate with the alternative of Fairforest Ln.; and Wyatt Rd., with Chapin Rd. being offered as an alternative. Ricketson said the Planning Division has spent several years building a state of the art satellite mapping system to go along with the addressing system used by the County emergency, fire and police services. The mapping should be on the internet by the end of the year. He said tax parcel information will be available also. Officials will consider alternatives for duplicate names and are accepting recommendations from residents. They will present the Planning Department with the names for final approval by Sept. 1. Spring Water Festival offers new attractions A karaoke contest, bluegrass jam session, festival pageant and new T-shirt design are expected to offer area residents an incentive to participate in the 21st Annual Spring Water Festival on Aug. 24. The Williamston Municipal Center (Town Hall) will be the featured artwork for the 2002 Spring Water Festival T-shirts, which will be available this week, festival Chair Jamie Carter said. The design features burgundy and green on a white shirt. Local artist Thomas Addison contributed the artwork for the design which ties in with the Town’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Festival T-shirts sizes small to XL will be available for $10 at ERS Video and Appliance and at the Williamston Municipal Center prior to the festival. Children’s sizes are available for $8. Addison, who has contributed artwork for the Spring Water Festival throughout its history, will also offer limited and signed prints at the festival on Aug. 24. The 5th annual Spring Water Festival  Pageant will also be held Aug. 24 during the festival. Registration for the pageant will be at 8:30 a.m. with the pageant beginning promptly at 9 a.m. Contestants should dress in casual summer attire (sundress or short set). Each contestant will receive an award, regardless of placement. There will also be a photogenic cateory for each age division. A special award will be given to one contestant in each age category. Photos should be turned in at registration along with a $5 entry fee for each photo. A maximum of two photos will be accepted. Entry fee is $30 per contestant. Registration forms can be picked up at The Journal, Color Fast Screen Printing or The Magic Dance Academy at Carolina Rhythm. All entry fees along with registration form must be turned in by Friday Aug. 16. Late entries will not be accepted. For more information call Angela Walker at 847-7827. Limited stage time is also still available for anyone interested in performing or entertaining on the Children’s Stage at the Spring Water Festival, organizers said. Interested persons should contact Angela Walker at 847-7827 before August 13. Please leave group name, contact name, and phone number. Groups will be alloted one hour. The festival will also feature something new and different with a karaoke and songwriters contest. The karaoke contest winner will receive a $300 prize. The winner of the songwriters contest will receive a free day of recording in a recording studio. For information or to sign up call 847-7473. Bluegrass music will be presented by local talent throughout the day at the old historic depot. Bluegrass pickers interested in an old fashion jam are invited to bring your own acoustic instrument to the park and join in along the creek. For more information contact Jack Ellenburg at 847-6140. The 2002 festival will also feature a variety of entertainment including gospel, country and rock. The Sesquicentennial committee is currently offering souvenirs including hats, pillows, afghans, tote-bag, and limited edition, numbered souvenir plates. These items are also available at Town Hall and will be available at the festival, according to Lt. Col. Mike Creamer who is chairman of the committee. The Williamston Fire Department is again sponsoring the festival’s auto show, which will include 75 to 100 local antique and classic autos. Owners may register their vehicles between 8 a.m. and noon. A $10 registration fee will be charged. Awards will be given to the top 50 vehicles. Five specialty awards, including best Chevrolet, best Ford, best truck and Mayor’s choice will be presented.  Persons interested in displaying a customized vehicle in the show should call 847-4155 or 847-4950 for more information.