Divorce Attorney in Anderson, SC

ANDERSON, S.C. —

A cow in Anderson County, South Carolina, has tested positive for rabies, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

The cow was found on Gentry Road and Highway 81 S. in Starr. Health officials said no people are known to have been exposed at this time, but 19 cows were exposed and will be quarantined as prescribed by the Public Health Veterinarian.

The cow was submitted to DPH's laboratory for testing Dec. 31, 2025, and was confirmed to have rabies Jan. 2, 2026.

Health officials said if you believe you, your family members, or your pets have come in contact with this cow or another animal that potentially has rabies, call DPH's Anderson office at (864) 372-3270 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2).

South Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection of the pet from rabies using a vaccine approved by DPH and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock with USDA approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated. Cattle and horses, however, are the most frequently reported infected livestock species. Species for which licensed vaccines are not available (goat and swine), that have frequent contact with humans, or are considered valuable, should also be vaccinated.

“Keeping your pets and livestock current on their rabies vaccination is a responsibility that comes with owning an animal. It is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your livestock from this fatal disease. That is an investment worth making to provide yourself some peace of mind,” said Terri McCollister, DPH’s Rabies Program manager.

This cow is the first animal in Anderson County and the state to test positive for rabies in 2026.

Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 138 positive cases a year.

In 2025, 10 of the 101 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Anderson County. For more information on rabies, visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

Anderson’s roads are getting more dangerous. Population growth, aging infrastructure, heavy commercial traffic, and the mix of rural highways with suburban congestion create conditions where serious crashes happen regularly. If you drive in Anderson, SC, you face risks that go beyond typical fender-benders. Understanding where accidents happen most frequently, why they tend to be severe, and how to protect yourself matters when driving on Anderson’s increasingly hazardous roads.

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Why Anderson Drivers Face Higher Serious Crash Risks

Anderson sits at the intersection of major commercial routes, college town traffic from nearby Clemson, and rapidly growing suburban development. Interstate 85 cuts through the area with constant commercial truck traffic. State highways connect rural communities to Anderson’s urban core, bringing high-speed rural driving into collision with slower suburban traffic patterns.

According to the Anderson Observer, South Carolina highways rank among the most deadly in America, and Anderson roads contribute to that grim statistic. The city’s road infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with population growth and increased traffic volume. Roads designed for lighter rural traffic now handle suburban congestion, creating bottlenecks, dangerous merging situations, and intersection conflicts. City officials recognized these problems when creating their Safe Streets for All Action Plan, acknowledging that existing road conditions pose serious safety risks.

The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Anderson

Certain Anderson roads and intersections see disproportionate numbers of serious crashes:

Major intersection hotspots include Clemson Boulevard and East-West Parkway, SC-28 Bypass and Pearman Dairy Road, and downtown intersections near Main Street.

Dangerous local roads pose serious risks despite having less traffic.

Common Causes of Serious Crashes in Anderson

Anderson crashes often result from driver negligence, including speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and failure to yield. However, Anderson’s mix of rural, suburban, and urban areas adds complications. Rural roads encourage higher speeds with less traffic and fewer controls. Drivers accustomed to these open roads sometimes drive inappropriately fast, even when roads transition to suburban areas with more access points, turning traffic, and pedestrians. Suburban growth means that more inexperienced drivers, unfamiliar with local roads, mix with long-time residents who drive on autopilot. New developments create unexpected traffic patterns on roads that previously carried minimal vehicles.

Why Rural and Suburban Anderson Crashes Tend to Be More Severe

Crashes outside Anderson’s urban core often result in more serious injuries and fatalities for several reasons: Higher speeds outside city limits mean more force in collisions. Rural roads often have 55 mph speed limits, and actual travel speeds frequently exceed posted limits. When crashes occur at these speeds, occupant injuries are exponentially more severe.

Delayed EMS response times mean injured crash victims wait longer for medical care. Rural locations may require 15-20 minutes or more for emergency responders to arrive, compared to 5-10 minutes in urban areas.

More rollover crashes and run-off-road accidents occur on rural roads. Narrow shoulders, ditches, trees close to roadways, and curved roads create conditions where vehicles leave the road and roll. Fewer traffic controls and limited street lighting mean drivers have less warning of hazards and intersections.

The Impact of Tractor-Trailers and Commercial Traffic

Anderson’s location on I-85 and its growing distribution and manufacturing economy mean heavy commercial truck traffic. Large trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When trucks follow too closely or cars cut in front of trucks, rear-end crashes result in catastrophic injuries.

Truck blind spots are massive. Passenger vehicles traveling beside trucks, directly behind them, or immediately in front may be completely invisible to truck drivers. The weight differential between 80,000-pound trucks and 3,000-pound cars means passenger vehicle occupants absorb enormous force in collisions.

Weather and Road Conditions That Increase Accident Severity

Anderson’s weather creates periodic high-risk driving conditions. Heavy rain causes hydroplaning on roads with poor drainage or worn surfaces. Many of Anderson’s roads have drainage issues that create standing water during storms. Fog occurs frequently, particularly in low-lying areas near bodies of water. Dense fog reduces visibility to nearly zero, causing multi-vehicle pileups when drivers fail to reduce speed appropriately. Ice and occasional snow cause severe problems because Anderson drivers lack experience in these conditions, and the city has limited ice treatment resources.

The Types of Serious Injuries Anderson Drivers Commonly Experience

Severe Anderson crashes often cause life-altering injuries, including:

How Anderson’s Growth Is Increasing Crash Severity

Anderson’s population growth and economic development are making roads more dangerous. More housing developments mean more commuter traffic on an almost daily basis. Heavier traffic increases stress and driver impatience, which regularly leads to higher aggression and faster speeds. Further, retail expansion creates more congestion and turn-related crashes, especially in and around shopping center parking lots.

Unfortunately, the city’s infrastructure is not keeping pace, allowing bottlenecks and driver conflicts when merging. Every driver in Anderson should take steps to avoid accidents and injuries, given these issues.

What Drivers Can Do to Protect Themselves

You can reduce your crash risk in many ways:

However, no matter how safe and defensive you are when driving in the Anderson area, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Even the most alert and cautious drivers can suffer injuries in collisions due to other drivers who violate traffic laws.

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been seriously injured in a crash, contact an Anderson car accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Serious injury claims require legal experience to maximize the compensation you might receive and protect your rights.

Contact a car accident lawyer immediately if your crash involved commercial vehicles, multiple parties, disputed fault, or serious injuries requiring hospitalization. These complicated cases demand legal representation to oversee insurance challenges and recover fair compensation. Anderson’s dangerous roads regularly cause preventable serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve full compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

Article Last Updated: January 5, 2026.

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. —

Two teens have been accused of using modified fireworks to cause "major damage" to a church parking lot in South Carolina.

Around 11 p.m. on Dec. 22, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about teenagers detonating explosives and performing burnouts in the parking lot of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in Easley.

When deputies arrived, they found altered fireworks actively burning in the parking lot, along with extensive tire marks in the grass and on the asphalt.

After the fire department extinguished the flames, deputies noticed a charred crater measuring approximately 35 inches by 40 inches in the middle of the parking lot, along with debris consistent with an explosion.

Deputies said the damage to the church property was significant and costly.

According to WYFF News 4's Photographer Kyle Clardy, it appears that the "crater" has been paved over since the incident happened.

Detectives talked with people who live nearby, which led to the identification of the teens involved as Hayden Cothran and Blake Yeargin, who are both 18 years old.

The investigation revealed that Cothran was the primary individual responsible for performing burnouts on church property, causing damage to multiple parking lots and fields belonging to the church.

Witnesses also reported that Cothran, along with Yeargin and an unnamed juvenile, were involved in detonating the altered fireworks.

The sheriff's office said because the fireworks had been modified with an accelerant and no longer functioned as manufactured or intended, they were deemed illegal to possess or manufacture.

Due to the detonation happening on church property, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad were notified and assisted with the investigation.

Deputies announced Cothran and Yeargin's arrests on Jan. 2.

Cothran was charged with the following:

Yeargin was charged with possession, manufacture, or transportation of a destructive device or explosive with intent to cause damage or injury, which is a felony.

New Year's Eve is a time to reflect on the past year, bid farewell to the old, and celebrate the beginning of a new one.

People around the world gather with friends and family to partake in festivities that include fireworks displays, lively music, and parties.

There are a variety of New Year's Eve events taking place in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson.

Notable events include the Hoppin' Greenville Party, which promises an evening filled with energetic music and dancing.

NYE at Rockers Brewing Co. and Restaurant in Spartanburg will feature their "Champagne Dreams" Party, complete with craft beers and a festive atmosphere.

Additionally, UP on the Roof offers a scenic view to ring in the new year with style and elegance.

Below is a brief overview of events taking place on New Year's Eve in the Upstate.

Hoppin' Greenville Party: 120 N Markley St

Hoppin' Greenville is hosting its "Midnight on Tap" New Year's Eve celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 120 N. Markley St., Suite 202.

Guests can look forward to an evening filled with craft beers, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere to welcome the new year.

Ticket prices:

The event includes a complete NYE takeover with DJ CubanLink from Radical Grove, fresh pizza from Todaro's, and a self-pour bar featuring 70 plus taps of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Guests can purchase tickets via the .

Countdown on Coffee Street

"Countdown On Coffee Street" New Year's Eve event at Ink N Ivy is another fantastic celebration happening in Greenville, located at 21 E. Coffee St.

The party kicks off at 9 p.m. and continues until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere with great music, food, and a countdown to remember.

Ticket prices start at $45 and go up to $49.87, with early-bird pricing available. Prices may increase as the event date approaches.

Tickets include the following features:

Guests can check the current ticket price and purchase them through the .

New Year's Eve Masquerade Jubilee

Another option is a "New Year's Eve Masquerade Jubilee" at Keipi Restaurant, located at 1320 Hampton Ave Ext STE 3.

This event will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

It will include live jazz music, hors d'oeuvres/food, a photo booth, complimentary drinks, contests with prizes (including for the best mask), and a champagne toast at midnight, along with a potential special surprise.

Guests are encouraged to wear their coolest masks and dress to impress.

Ticket prices: Tickets start at $50 (plus a $1.25 service fee).

Prices may be higher if purchased at the door.

New Year's Eve Party 2026 - Casino Night

Another option is a "New Year's Eve Party 2026, Casino Night" at Zen, located at 924 S. Main St., in Greenville.

The event kicks off at 8:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders, giving them an exclusive head start on the night's festivities.

General admission opens at 9:30 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy a casino-themed night with games and entertainment.

Guests are encouraged to dress in formal or cocktail attire; men must wear a jacket.

There will be gaming tables (Roulette, blackjack, craps) for entertainment purposes only (no actual gambling).

Appetizers and desserts will be available, and VIP tickets include a complimentary glass of champagne for the midnight toast.

General admission tickets start at $50-$54, with prices varying by ticket type (e.g., early bird, VIP, all-inclusive, or Diamond VIP).

Early bird specials end on Dec. 30, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to secure the best rates.

Guests can purchase tickets online at Greenville-Events.com/Events.

Children's Museum of the Upstate: 130 Magnolia St

The Children's Museum of the Upstate, located at 300 College St, will host a "Noon New Year's Eve" event on Wednesday, Dec. 31, running from 9 a.m. to noon.

The festivities will conclude with a "ball drop" or confetti blast at noon, providing a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate the new year.

The event offers engaging activities for children and families to enjoy as they welcome the new year together.

Eventsinclude:

Ticket prices

Both events include:

For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, you can visit the .

Dave and Buster's Greenville: New Year's Eve celebration

Dave and Buster's Greenville, located at 1025 Woodruff Road, Suite #P101, is offering two early family-friendly New Year's Eve 2026 events.

These events will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with two time slots available: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets include a chef-curated banquet (appetizers and dessert), unlimited soft drinks, a $20 Power Card with unlimited video game play (non-redemption games only), party favors, and a ginger ale toast for the early "ball drop."

Children under the age of two do not need an entry ticket, but all other attendees require a ticket.

Kangaroo Jax: 2437 Laurens Road

Kangaroo Jax, located at 2437 Laurens Road, is hosting a "Confetti Countdown" event on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

According to a Facebook post, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the primary "confetti blast" and countdown at 3 p.m.

Pricing is generally based on standard admission rates.

Admission includes unlimited play on bounce houses, slides, the indoor carousel, and the Ferris wheel from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The main celebration features dances, music, party hats, and confetti poppers, and takes place between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Main Event: 225 Beacon Drive

Main Event Greenville, located at 225 Beacon Drive, is hosting a family-friendly "When the Clock Strikes FUN" New Year's Eve celebration on December 31, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., though the venue is open for celebrations all day, according to a news release.

Tickets start at $19.99 per person.

Tickets include the following:

Families can also enjoy an array of activities, including:

“Families are looking for ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve together in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment,” said Laurie Curtis, Head of Marketing for Main Event. “Our celebration is designed so everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, can enjoy the day together. It’s more than a party. It’s a chance to create lasting memories in a playful, energetic setting that goes beyond traditional New Year’s Eve events.

Spartanburg

There are also several events taking place in Spartanburg on New Year's Eve.

NYE at Rockers Brewing Co. & Restaurant

Rockers Brewing Co. and Restaurant at 226-A W Main St. is hosting a free New Year's Eve event on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The celebration kicks off at 8 p.m. and will continue until midnight, with the brewery staying open late to ring in the new year.

Guests can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere, though the kitchen will close at 9 p.m., attendees are encouraged to arrive early if they wish to dine.

The event features live music from several local bands:

A complimentary champagne toast for guests 21+ and a juice box toast for those under 21 will occur at 5 p.m. for families celebrating early, and again at midnight.

Blues Boulevard Jazz: 99 S. Church St.

Blues Boulevard Jazz, located at 99 S. Church St., is hosting a New Year's Eve Party featuring Jazzsmith with H. Wade Johnson on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

The event begins at 8:30 p.m., offering guests a night of smooth jazz and celebration.

Tickets are priced at $50 for the concert and champagne toast, or $80 for those who wish to enjoy a meal with the musical performance.

A minimum purchase of $10 in food or drink per person is required, in addition to the ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased via https://www.bluesboulevardjazz.com/spartanburg.

Children's Museum of the Upstate: 130 Magnolia St.

The Children's Museum of the Upstate, located at 130 Magnolia St., will host a "Noon New Year's Eve" event on Wednesday, Dec. 31, running from 9 a.m. to noon.

The festivities will conclude with a "ball drop" or confetti blast at noon, providing a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate the new year.

The event offers engaging activities for children and families to enjoy as they welcome the new year together.

Events include:

Ticket prices:

Anderson

On New Year's Eve, Anderson will also host several events.

UP on the Roof: 314 S McDuffie St.

UP on the Roof, located at 314 S McDuffie St., is hosting the "Champagne Dreams" New Year's Eve Party on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event will continue through the midnight countdown until 1 a.m.

Guests can enjoy a spectacular view, delicious appetizers, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight to ring in the new year.

Tickets include heavy hors d'oeuvres and food stations (6– 8 p.m.), live music, and a complimentary sparkling toast at midnight.

Ticket prices:

This is a ticketed 21+ event, and a valid photo ID is required for entry.

Dana Beigay will provide live music from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Anderson's Exclusive NYE Party, titled "The Event"

Anderson's Exclusive NYE Party, titled "The Event", is an all-inclusive fundraiser benefitting the charity First Light.

According to a Facebook post, the event is scheduled for Wednesday Dec. 31.

The celebration will be held at Bleckley Station, 310 S. Main St., from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Guests will enjoy an evening filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and the satisfaction of supporting a great cause.

General admission tickets for "The Event" cost $99 and include access to a premium open bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts, and live entertainment with dancing.

All proceeds from the event will benefit First Light: A Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Resource Center.

Tickets for "The Event: Anderson's Exclusive NYE Party" can be purchased at TheEventAndersonNYE.com.

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at .

ANDERSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Several unhoused residents in Anderson say local officials demolished around a dozen tented shelters last week, leaving people who were already without homes with nowhere to go.

A can of corn, dirty socks and an unopened toothbrush tucked inside a tennis shoe are among the items that remain after the demolition.

“They bulldozed all the trees down and got all the trash that we couldn’t get out. They wouldn’t let us get back in there and get the stuff we needed,” said Joshua Carroll, who had been living at the site for months.

Carroll said officials gave residents only a few hours’ notice to leave and gather their belongings.

“Why can’t you just put your badge down for a second and just try to listen to our cries,” Carroll said.

Bruce Ealey, who used to live at the site, said this was not the first time officials had removed their shelters.

“They walked down and tore all our tents down by hand. And it felt personal. They did it in a real heartless, unprofessional type of way,” Ealey said, recounting his experience last year.

Carroll said he later researched the land and learned it is owned by a railroad transportation company, not the city or private residents. He said officials never posted no trespassing signs.

Where tents once stood, only shoelaces tied together from a tree remain, which used to hold up tarps and provide shelter.

Patricia Jackson, who was once unhoused herself, said people need resources, not punishment.

“Certain people in Anderson I feel like hate the homeless, because where are they gonna go?” Jackson said. “These are mothers, fathers, veterans who have fought for us.”

According to United Way of Anderson, the county has the highest rate of homelessness in the Upstate. Advocates say there still are not enough resources available.

“There’s not really a lot of housing available, no type of placement for housing, no job training or anything,” said Ealey.

“We don’t see no love and nobody to talk to. Sometimes we just want to. We’re like balloons, man, about to pop,” Carroll said.

Since losing his shelter, Carroll said he has been sleeping under a small garage.

“We slept on the sidewalk the other night and it was pouring,” he said.

Carroll said the residents are not asking for special treatment, just understanding.

Fox Carolina reached out to several agencies for comment. While the land is within city limits, police say county officials are responsible.

Update: Anderson County officials say the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control were responsible for the cleanup. FOX Carolina has reached out to DNR for comment.

Correction: The land is near West Market Street, not West Main Street.

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