2002 2003 January  February  March  April  May  June  July  August  September  October  November  December 2003 December 2003 Looking back at 2003 Officials to answer questions at January town meeting Christmas gifts assist local military families Officers busy during holidays Dec. 24, 2003 Local teen polishes leadership skills in national conference Christmas wish comes true for former resident County task force to develop legislative recommendations Mad cow causes concern Dec. 17, 2003 2004 Williamston budget based on actual 2003 revenues, expenditures Florida volleyball standout  has Williamston connection Palmetto’s Davis heads South Carolina Shrine team 2003 Shrine Bowl Coach Abrams honored by Woodmont Wildcats Pelzer Light People brighten the holidays Thieves hit area homes and businesses Lengthy meetings remain an issue for County Council Officials to answer questions at January town meeting Dec. 10  Public left out of tax windfall process in Williamston Williamston budget shows $150,000 increase for 2004 Pelzer completes legal agreement on sewer project West Pelzer council approves 30-day trial on new sewer product Teacher Leona Parker honored on 80th birthday Dec. 3  Williamston taxpayers to pay more on 2003 tax bill Council approves budget, restates position on sewer Tierce releases third country gospel CD“Faith of a Child” Williamston to get new Main St. sidewalks Pride in Piedmont sponsors Winter Fest, Craft Fair Dec. 6 Preston reviews county budget, proposes cuts West Pelzer Christmas parade this Saturday Heritage Players 'Nunsense’ to take the stage   November 2003 Nov. 26 Christmas spectacular to kick off holiday events Community reaches out with Thanksgiving meals Proposed budget shows no deficit for Williamston School District One students outperform state on PACT (in science and social studies) Operation Holiday Cheer remembers local guard unit ‘Nunsense’ to take the stage in December ‘Cinderella’ auditions in Pelzer Piedmont Christmas Parade Piedmont Christmas decorating contest December 20 Nov. 19 Officials to apply for grant for Saluda River Valley Trail Piedmont officials consider  recreation program options Sue Cleveland to move to new site County Council extends reassessment appeal process Planning meeting at Spearman Nov. 25 Disagreement with referee results in coach’s arrest Disputed Pelzer election to be decided in ’04 Thieves strike homes, businesses Nov. 12 Pelzer election protests to result in new election County tax notices require analysis for understanding West Pelzer officials name new police chief Christopher won’t ‘sit idly at home’ in his retirement Sunday Ford gets state title, Wren boys finish second Mustangs finish third at state AA/A Cross Country meet Alcohol, drug arrests top list for officers Nov. 5 Williamston soccer fields back on the drawing board Town receives recreation funding from delegation Williamston officials to consider budget options Veterans Day programs planned Reassessment, millage boost to increase local tax bills Pelzer election not final October 2003 How should surrounding areas develop in the future? Department heads present needs list to town council Pelzer voters to choose mayor, council members Thieves activate alarm during store robbery Group makes a difference in Piedmont Piedmont PSD Board, YMCA partner to offer community programs Halloween events planned Taxpayers address county council on tax increases Festival organizers ready for October 17-18 event Student suspended for threat West Pelzer receives $15,000 in grant money Pelzer discusses joint projects with West Pelzer Two armed robberies reported this week Council to send letter of support for textile industry Confederate graves to be marked in ceremony Sunday Wren High’s Homecoming festivities in full swing Tax increase to fund more teachers Footbridge Festival organizers ready for October 17-18 event in Piedmont County Council decides county to operate QRV Anderson One Academies report continued success at Palmetto, Wren Anderson One is number one in PACT West Pelzer Council rescinds change of government ordinance Footbridge Festival Oct. 18 Lions proclaim sight conservation week Officers busy during Sept. Profilers help with homicide investigation Lottery winners announced Pelzer’s Kenneth Davis confused by recent events Cedar Grove breaks ground for new facility Powdersville station robbed at gunpoint September 2003 Cedar Grove residents like community as is Williamston Fire Department holds fire training exercise Tools top thieves’ list West Pelzer juvenile arrested in car thefts Charges filed in alcohol incident Local resident injured in attempted robbery Woodmen present flag, pole in honor of 911 victims at Beech Springs Tabernacle Public participation needed for planning Cedar Grove area Wilson continues questions on county expenditures Piedmont Service District board remembers Turner Firefighter funds benefit Wren Fire Department State Senator Billy O’Dell switches to Republican party West Pelzer Council approves stalking, loitering ordinance Davis presented Shrine Jacket   Council places fee restrictions on towing services No arrest made in homicide case Town receives $192,000 funding for sidewalk project West Pelzer citizens updated on town issues Truck thief drives a bad bargain Anderson County Council to decide on QRV proposal Military families continue to face deployment issues Tape sent to authorities; content not made public Area residents present concerns to county council EMS issues dominate county council meeting ‘Run for the One’ race set for Sept. 20 Meals on Wheels in need of volunteers  Police investigate incidents August 2003 Organizers pleased with Spring Water Festival Details of Middleton pardon hearing released Anderson District One SAT scores above average Citizens report being harrassed prior to Williamston election Festival parking costly Tip leads to motorcycle recovery Candidates file in Pelzer election District leads in exit exam scores, sees SAT scores dip Beautification project completed Uniforms give department new look Voters decide to leave form of government as is Spring Water Festival offers special attractions Christopher receives Order of the Palmetto School starts next week in Greenville County Piedmont Board decides against property purchase Tougher DUI law now in effect County hears EMS concerns   Referendum vote Tuesday, August 19 Citizens hear presentation on forms of government  Councilmen comment on change of government Williams family holds first reunion West Pelzer Council hears citizen concerns Authorities following leads in investigating homicide Anderson One ranks first in upstate for Exit Exam The Furniture Store plans grand opening Tolly Furniture closes store after 53 years serving area Historic Commission names new officers Crout leaving Meals on Wheels Pelzer bridge being replaced Christopher receives Order of the Palmetto   Information to be  presented at public forum August 12 Authorities investigating possible homicide Council names assistant judge, hears from citizens Spring Water Festival to offer new activities Wren’s Sara Lynn Brown named Teacher of the Year in Anderson District One Vandals spray paint Palmetto High School, stadium  July 2003   July 30 Balloon competition flying high in Anderson County Law Firm will not try Turner case County offers Community Emergency Response Training District One teachers are back Monday Anderson School District One racks up $112K in EIA grant funding July 23 West Pelzer officials reduce budget expenditures as part of budget analysis School District One registration, orientation next week Lunch, breakfast program policy announced by District Stolen motorcycle recovered Taxpayers to receive advance Child Tax Credit Historic Commission to meet next Thursday   July 16 Parole and Pardon Board denies Middleton pardon Town responding to numerous FOI requests  Decision to leave was personal for Lt. Brent Brooks Water line break causes concern West Pelzer officials begin budget analysis County meeting features major announcements   July 9 Williamston voters to decide on change of government August 19 Council members hear comments from citizens Release of evidence causes friction between town, sheriff Officers resign from police dept. Piedmont Lions honor “Citizen of the Year” Salkehatchie project helps local residents July 2 Turner arrested in shoving incident West Pelzer Council tables budget hearing High School ring returned to owner  Spring Water Festival preparations underway District One announces registration, orientation plans Piedmont’s Lisa Crisp performs magical role June 2003 June 25 District One proposed budget anticipates no tax increase Freedom Celebration to include fireworks, cookout Sgt. Turner fired from police department Warrant issued on former chief State Constables to help with events Thieves strike area homes, businesses Local musician to offer music workshop Avery leaving District One   June 18 Mayor, Council at odds over letter sent to agencies SLED completes inventory of police evidence room Fired officer expected to request grievance hearing Williamston officers recover stolen vehicle Local store robbed at gunpoint Piedmont Commissioners finalize proposed budget Wilson continues opposition to county sewer projects   June 11 Paxton looking forward to challenges as town’s MayorWest Pelzer Petition remains unchallenged Hart terminated from department Town planning for Freedom Celebration Police make arrests Thieves hit homes, businesses Woodmont students graduate Election process requires day-to-day attention West Pelzer postpones second budget reading   June 4 Council accepts petition, delays setting election date West Pelzer voters select Paxton as mayor Mineral Spring Bluegrass Festival Saturday at depot Town planning pre July 4th Freedom Celebration Williamston looking at sewer system upgrades costing $2.5 million County Council commits to major sewer improvements   May, 2003 May 28 Another tough budget year ahead for school district Changes underway in police department (Martin officially named police chief) Certified petitions to be presented to election board Grievance committee statement released by town West Pelzer voters to decide new mayor, two council seats County Council approves water funds for West Pelzer Thieves target local business Piedmont approves new budget May 21 Ellis sentenced to 90 days in jail for embezzlement Town employees testify on first day of Ellis trial Credit card statement reflects meals on the town Grievance committee releases statement on hearing Belton man facing multiple charges Anderson County officials address reassessment issues County Council gives final approval to $88 million budget West Pelzer Council vote supports special town election Piedmont Commissioners hold second reading on budget May 14 Mayor addresses personnel issues Interim police chief begins restructuring Former clerk’s trial begins Wednesday Middleton pardon hearing rescheduled July 16 West Pelzer candidates offer distinct choices Petitions turned in for certification  Diplomas awarded Friday to Palmetto, Wren Class of 2003 Wren, Palmetto runners capture state track honors May 7 Council hears final audit Williamston approves amended 2003 budget Williamston Council updated on projects Palmetto, Wren graduates hold baccalaureate services Piedmont Commissioners approve proposed budget April, 2003 Apr. 2 Williamston audit shows $402,760 deficit for 2002 Fire, police chiefs explain vehicle purchases Town updating software WACC Founder’s Day features Holloway WACC  Founders’ Day event planned for April 5 Palmetto High School plans alumni directory GWBA plans egg hunt Museum plans move forward County Council deletes gun range regulations Apr. 9 Account, police suspensions separate issues mayor says Chief of police forced to leave Town approves property transfer For Habitat House Saluda Valley’s Martin a golfer for all seasons West Pelzer Council handles vehicle bids, discusses cleanup Apr. 16 Cover letter for 2003 budget mentions drug money account From Nov. 2002 Town was $320,845 over budget during 2002 Revised 2003 budget more accurate mayor says Resignations follow firing of chief Chief’s firing causes controversy County approves standards, reviews proposed budget Water tower enters last construction phase Town approves property transfer For Habitat House Week of Apr. 23, 2003 Petitions being circulated to change form of government in Williamston Williamston governed under  ‘Mayor-Council’ structure Turner asks for grievance hearing Water tower enters last construction phase Local man thwarts robbery attempt Williamston officers make arrests Pelzer infant dies in tragic accident   Week of Apr. 30, 2003 2002 Audit to be presented Monday Petition drive continues to change form of government in Williamston Four candidates seek West Pelzer council seats Piedmont Board discusses vandalism, sewer problem, new budget Freedom March to honor soldiers Anderson District One students face weeks of standardized testing   March, 2003 Mar. 5 New projects add residential options Town considers lot options County Council welcomes industry, questions equipment costs Mar. 12 Mar. 19 Mar. 26 February Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb 26 Feb. 26, 2003 Cuts could force School District One to borrow money this fall Recommendation made to Pardon and Parole board on Middleton parole Mission, ministry drive new church Ordinance committee determines process Piedmont resident named SCTEA Educator of the Year Grand opening Friday for new Fred’s store Week of Feb. 19, 2003 Former Pelzer resident may have been world’s oldest person Sullens announces retirement from town Week of Feb. 12, 2003 Williamston wards, town services defined Piedmont Public Service Board looks at personnel, purchases, community Greenville Water increases rates, West Pelzer citizens escape increase Three men arrested in construction theft Week of Feb. 5, 2003 Cleanup, compensation top list for Williamston Mayor says Town of Williamston makes statement on pardon request, approves judges District One to add four school nurses Anderson County Council votes to relieve community water problem January, 2003 Jan. 1 Jan. 8 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Week of Jan. 29, 2003 New councilmen tour Williamston facilities Man wanted in abduction Powdersville Town to collect commercial solid waste/recycling fee Town officials reviewing file records Seven district schools awarded Palmetto grantsAnderson One  Week of Jan. 22, 2003 Museum committee moving forward on project GWBA continues looking at downtown project ideas County Council reviews annual financial report Eleven vie for Miss Palmetto 2003 Plan to add school nurses Pet exposes 14 to rabies Jan. 15, 2003 Anderson County Council begins year with new chairman, old issues Restitution payment opens door for Middleton pardon West Pelzer approves zoning change January 8, 2003 Williamston wards, town services defined Piedmont Public Service Board looks at personnel, purchases, community Greenville Water increases rates, West Pelzer citizens escape increase Three men arrested in construction theft New questions surface regarding book purchases New councilmembers looking forward to working for town Transplant anniversary celebration honors Williamston teenager West Pelzer Council approves police vehicle purchase program Anderson District One kindergarten summer school axed under latest budget cuts Anderson County Council elects Dees chairman Week of Jan. 1, 2003  Looking back at 2002