Most people who buy a home and the land it sits on expect that it will be theirs for as long as they choose to reside there. They may choose to pass that home and land along to children or other family members once they pass. It's a very common scenario, but for some residents of Charleston County, it may not be possible due to a highway expansion. Once the expansion starts, these residents could actually lose their land. And while you wouldn't think such an action would be legal in America, truth is often stranger than fiction.
The newly proposed expansion on Highway 41 will expand the highway to two lanes, increasing it to a total of four lanes on most of the roadway and from two to three lanes near the Phillips Community. The project would also start construction of Laurel Hill Parkway - a two-lane road that intersects through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park. For the Phillips Community, which sits adjacent to the highway, it could mean the loss of residents' homes and land that have been in their families for generations.
So, what can people like those in the Phillips Community do? They don't want to lose their homes or bear the burden of significantly more traffic around them. On their own, the options can be dour. But with the help of eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.
Remember that when you purchase or are given a plot of land, your property rights aren't as absolute as you may think. According to the United States Constitution, the government has the authority to take your property under specific circumstances. Essentially, your property rights are not absolute.
What's interesting is that the government's ability to take your property is actually stated in the Constitution. Even though the Constitution states that "private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation," in essence, this means the government can take your property if the intended use is valid and they compensate you fairly. The Supreme Court upheld this view in 1876, interpreting that the government had this power based on the Constitution. Eminent domain was frequently used during the construction of the nation's railroad system, often without sufficient limitations on the government.
Unfortunately, many South Carolina residents end up being on the wrong end of the cost-benefit analysis when it comes to fair compensation. That's why, if the government is trying to take your land, it's so important to get in touch with eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC, as soon as possible. That way, you have someone by your side for any legal proceedings or disputes. At Lauren Taylor Law, we have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients in cases where the government has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:
In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
Landowners commonly contest whether the taking is genuinely for public use. There are constraints on the government's actions and the reasons for which they can seize your land. The interpretation of these terms by the courts often favors the government. "Public use" does not simply mean that your property would be open to the general public. Instead, the term is more akin to "for the benefit of the public."
Historically, the government expropriated private lands for projects such as bridges and highways. Numerous legal battles arose during the period when the nation was constructing its railroad system. In these instances, the courts typically interpreted "public use" more broadly.
Some of the most common reasons why government landtaking is upheld include the building of structures like:
These are the more "traditional" uses of eminent domain, where the public use would be less in question. However, the law also permits certain utilities to wield the power of eminent domain. For instance, in a recent case in South Carolina, Dominion Energy was granted the authority to acquire homes in order to construct an energy pipeline.
Regrettably, governments have historically tended to misuse this authority, and some courts have even condoned such actions. As an example, courts in Toledo, Ohio, allowed 83 homes to be taken from residents in order to construct a manufacturing plant for Chrysler, which said the plant would create jobs for the public.
If the government is trying to take your land, you should never give up on your property. By working with eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC, you may be able to stop them by challenging the taking itself. You can also challenge the purpose of the taking and argue that the reason for "public use" is really for private use.
Many people worry about the government taking over their entire piece of land. However, in some cases, the government may not need all your property and might not want to compensate you for it. They may only require a portion of your land.
In such instances, the government not only has to pay you for the part of the land they are taking, but they also have to compensate for the decreased value of the remaining land that you still own. Additionally, the government may seek to obtain an easement on your land through eminent domain. This easement could be for utilities or access to another area. Once again, the government must compensate you for the land taken and for the reduction in value of the rest of your property.
In essence, fair market value represents the amount a willing buyer would offer to a seller for their property. While this concept seems straightforward, applying fair market value in reality can be quite challenging. In many instances, negotiating with the government may be necessary to receive proper compensation for your land. Just like any negotiator, the government typically begins with a low offer and anticipates a counteroffer from you to reach a mutual agreement. Rarely does the government present its best offer right from the start.
Several valuations may be considered to determine your property's fair market value:
The amount of income your property could have produced
Comparison of sales to other similar properties in the area that were recently sold (there could be disagreements pertaining to what is comparable)
The amount of money it would cost to replace your property (and the structures built on it) minus depreciation
In reality, during a trial, both you and the government would have valuation experts testify. First, you'd have to choose the relevant valuation, which the government might dispute. Then, you'd need to apply the appropriate valuation method. There might be a significant difference between your numbers and the government's.
However, even if you couldn't prevent the seizure of the property, many have successfully challenged the government's valuation of their property. Property owners have compelled the government to pay more, and our team of eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.
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Typically, you'll receive notice regarding the potential acquisition of your property through a letter. But if you're like the residents of the Phillips Community, you might have already heard murmurs that something might happen to your land. If you suspect or find out that the government plans to take your land through eminent domain, you need the help of seasoned eminent domain attorneys in Greenville, SC, right away.
The truth is that the government can be just as challenging to deal with as an insurance company. Despite your constitutional rights, they might try to conceal information or offer far less compensation than your property is worth.
In an eminent domain lawsuit, you're essentially challenging the government. While some courts might show some level of deference to the government, they are not given free rein to do as they please. It's within your rights to stand up and contest the government's actions if they violate your rights. But to fight back effectively, your best bet is to work with an eminent domain lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law.
Your attorney will assess the best legal approach for your case, which could involve suing the government or vigorously defending against their lawsuit. You could also negotiate compensation, either before or after the case goes to court.
If you receive notice that your property is being targeted for eminent domain action, also known as condemnation, it's important to seek advice from an eminent domain attorney. Many people won't reach out to a lawyer when dealing with this kind of legal issue because they:
Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely, if ever, true. In fact, you may actually be more vulnerable and at risk than you originally thought. This misunderstanding illustrates exactly why you should enlist the services of a reputable eminent domain attorney. With the assistance of a legal expert who is well-versed in South Carolina eminent domain law, property owners can safeguard their rights and secure maximum compensation.
Here are the top three ways an eminent domain lawyer can help:
It's important to keep in mind that the initial offer from the government for your property is often the lowest amount they think they can get away with. This rarely represents the full and fair compensation you deserve. An attorney has the expertise and resources to ensure that you receive proper compensation for the value of your property, including relocation expenses and more.
In some instances, an eminent domain attorney may be able to secure a higher amount than what the government is proposing. The eminent domain lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and protecting your property
Government agencies are not permitted to simply take any property they desire. According to the 5th Amendment, they must prove that the condemnation is genuinely for public use and meets other specific criteria. You have the right to demand that the state fulfill these criteria before seizing your property. Plus, if only a portion of your property is necessary to complete the project, you have the right to safeguard the ownership of the remaining part of your property.
Eminent domain cases and their related laws can be quite intricate and overwhelming for the average property owner. You shouldn't be expected to grasp all the technical terms, and you certainly shouldn't be penalized for not fully understanding the process. That's why having an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side is valuable on many levels. A skilled eminent domain attorney will assist you through each stage in plain language that you can grasp. With an eminent domain attorney advocating for you throughout your case to safeguard your rights, you stand a better chance of receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve.
If the government takes your property or prevents you from using it, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The law provides you with the opportunity to stand on equal ground with our government, allowing your lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our eminent domain lawyers step in so you don't get pushed around. Our goal is to fight the government on your behalf, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about eminent domain in South Carolina and how our firm can help.
GREER — Buildings left vacant when a ceramic maker closed last year will soon have a new purpose. A company that manufactures carbon composite materials is moving in, bringing with it an expected 50 jobs and $17.5 million investment.United Composite Materials will take over the combined 73,000-square-foot facilities at 1446 S. Buncombe Road. The property's two buildings formerly housed Haydale Ceramic Technologies which filed for bankruptcy and auctioned off its equipment last year.The company expects a quick turnaround, ...
GREER — Buildings left vacant when a ceramic maker closed last year will soon have a new purpose. A company that manufactures carbon composite materials is moving in, bringing with it an expected 50 jobs and $17.5 million investment.
United Composite Materials will take over the combined 73,000-square-foot facilities at 1446 S. Buncombe Road. The property's two buildings formerly housed Haydale Ceramic Technologies which filed for bankruptcy and auctioned off its equipment last year.
The company expects a quick turnaround, starting operations at the Greenville County location in July. The facilities will serve as specialized manufacturing plants to supply the North American sports and leisure composite markets with advanced carbon composite material.
Greer Mayor Rick Danner said this is a boon for the city.
“This investment reinforces Greer’s role as a hub for industrial innovation and long-term growth,” he said in a press release.
Max Stewart, Greenville Area Development Corp. president and CEO, said in the release that this "further positions Greenville County as an ideal place for advanced manufacturers to build and maintain their operations.”
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development awarded Greenville County a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to help cover building improvements and approved job development credits related to the project.
County Council has approved two of the required three readings for a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for the company, which would effectively reduce its property tax rate by more than 40 percent for the next 30 years.
The county also plans to extend a special source credit to the project that will cover 15 percent of that reduced property tax burden for seven years.
"This investment highlights the collaborative environment we have built to support business growth and reinforces Greenville County’s importance to South Carolina’s economy," Greenville County Council Chair Benton Blount said in a released statement. "We look forward to partnering with United Composite Materials as they grow and succeed here."
ESPN Events’ owned-and-operated gymnastics invitational, the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, heads to a new location as ESPN’s 2027 gymnastics season will flip to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC, with two quad meets in one weekend. Session I will air live on ABC on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, with Session II following on ESPN on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027. Sprouts Farmers Market returns as the event’s title sponsor.“We have truly enjoyed taking this event to different cities to enga...
ESPN Events’ owned-and-operated gymnastics invitational, the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, heads to a new location as ESPN’s 2027 gymnastics season will flip to Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC, with two quad meets in one weekend. Session I will air live on ABC on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, with Session II following on ESPN on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027. Sprouts Farmers Market returns as the event’s title sponsor.
“We have truly enjoyed taking this event to different cities to engage with gymnastics fans around the country and showcase the very best in the sport over the past three years, said ESPN Events director Kristen Shaver. “We are excited to see the energy and support that Greenville is known for when it comes to hosting women’s sporting events and look forward to launching the season with two highly competitive quad meets featuring the top-ranked programs in gymnastics.”
Five of the current top 10 teams in the country are slated to compete in the 2027 edition of the meet, with all eight squads currently ranked in the top 25. The 2027 Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad field includes No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Florida, No. 5 UCLA, No. 6 Georgia, No. 12 Utah, No. 15 Clemson and No. 22 UNC. Of the 43 National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships awarded since 1982, the field accounts for 36 of those national titles, including 11 of the last 12.
“We’re proud to welcome the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad to Greenville and to continue building the kind of premier sports calendar that elevates our destination,” said Heath Dillard, president and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC. “Events like this create visibility for Greenville, support our visitor economy, and showcase elite collegiate competition. Greenville has proven that women’s sports matter here and that our community will show up.”
Utah’s Maverik Center hosted the inaugural Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, and the event rotated to Oklahoma City in 2025 before returning to West Valley City for the third iteration. The first three years of the event have scored the three most-watched live, regular season collegiate gymnastics meets ever on ESPN networks.
Full details regarding quad matchups, times and commentators will be announced at a later date. Tickets are set to go on sale this fall. Fans can secure pre-sale access by signing up for the event mailing list at www.sproutscollegiatequad.com/tickets.
About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. Sprouts Farmers Market is one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States. Sprouts helps people live and eat better with fresh produce at the heart of the store and delicious discoveries for every dietary lifestyle. Always foraging for what’s fresh and innovative, Sprouts offers a carefully curated assortment of products that inspire wellness naturally, including organic, gluten-free, plant-based and non-GMO favorites. Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Sprouts employs approximately 36,000 team members and operates more than 480 stores in 25 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts and the role it plays in its communities, visit Sprouts.com/about.
About ESPN Events ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In the 2025-26 academic year, the 35-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, the premiere regular season college softball and gymnastics events, as well as the Band of the Year National Championship. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events features more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans.
All of ESPN. All in One Place. ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise, and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package from certain providers. Bundling options available for fans include a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN offering that provides a one-of-a-kind streaming package combining sports with branded and general entertainment. For more visit stream.espn.com.
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South Carolina: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, hail and heavy rain possibleGREENVILLE, S.C. —Severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday in the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina and northeast Georgia.Storms may produce damaging, straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain.Live radar:SUNDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potentialSevere threat Sunday:Severe threat Monday:MONDAY: Impact Day due...
GREENVILLE, S.C. —
Severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday in the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina and northeast Georgia.
Storms may produce damaging, straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain.
Live radar:
SUNDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potential
Severe threat Sunday:
Severe threat Monday:
MONDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potential
*** A burst of snow is likely in WNC by the afternoon as the front departs. Light accumulation, mainly on elevated surfaces, is possible. ***
The wind will pick up behind Monday's powerful cold front. A Wind Advisory is in place for the highlighted areas above 3500 feet in western North Carolina. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are expected.
TUESDAY: Impact Day due to frigid temperatures & wind chills
WEDNESDAY: Impact Day due to another cold morning. Lows in the teens & 20s.
The WYFF News 4 weather team has been independently certified for having the most accurate forecast in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson market for the second year in a row.
"Our goal every day, in every forecast is accuracy," said WYFF 4 President and General Manager Blake Bridges. "Our expert weather team is dedicated to giving viewers a forecast they can trust to be right. We are also the only station in the market with our own 24/7 live radar, Live Super Doppler 4. It’s clear that WYFF News 4 is the weather leader in this market."
The certification comes from WeatheRate, an independent research firm that tracks forecasts from every station in multiple markets across the country.
"Everyone knows that forecasting the weather around here is difficult with the Upstate and mountains," said WeatheRate President Bruce Fixman. "The station that gets the forecast right more than anyone else is Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus and the WYFF News 4 weather team."
Greenville, SC - Beacon Home Pros has officially launched its Greenville, SC cleaning services, expanding access to residential and commercial cleaning across the Greater Greenville area. As a locally owned, family-run business, Beacon Home Pros is entering the market with a straightforward promise: fast, reliable cleaning and a personalized approach that treats every home and workspace with care.For homeowners looking for Residential Cleaning in Greenville SC, Beacon Home Pros offers flexible service...
Greenville, SC - Beacon Home Pros has officially launched its Greenville, SC cleaning services, expanding access to residential and commercial cleaning across the Greater Greenville area. As a locally owned, family-run business, Beacon Home Pros is entering the market with a straightforward promise: fast, reliable cleaning and a personalized approach that treats every home and workspace with care.
For homeowners looking for Residential Cleaning in Greenville SC, Beacon Home Pros offers flexible service types designed around real-life schedules. Options include one-time cleaning for a reset, recurring cleaning with special pricing to keep spaces consistently fresh, and deep-cleaning add-ons that focus on the details that tend to get missed in everyday upkeep. Beacon Home Pros builds each visit around the client’s priorities, whether that means specific rooms, focus areas, or preferred products.
Move-related cleanings are another core offering. Beacon Home Pros provides move-in and move-out services intended to help clients leave a previous home in excellent condition or step into a new space that feels truly ready. Using quality tools and eco-friendly products, Beacon Home Pros tackles the kind of grime that builds up behind appliances, along baseboards, and in high-touch areas, aiming to deliver a clean that feels as thorough as it looks.
Beacon Home Pros also supports businesses and property managers with commercial service options, including office spaces, vacation rentals, and other commercial environments. The goal is to help local organizations maintain welcoming, professional spaces without adding complexity to day-to-day operations. For clients who want a clear process, Beacon Home Pros emphasizes simplicity: book quickly, get an efficient clean, then repeat on a schedule that fits.
What helps Beacon Home Pros stand out is the way it supports customers before, during, and after the appointment. Beacon Home Pros offers VIP customer support through SMS and email, along with fast communication and dedicated assistance. The company also offers pre- and post-clean walkthroughs to align expectations, confirm priorities, and make sure clients feel confident about what’s being delivered, an approach designed to build trust over time, not just win a one-time booking. If a client is not fully satisfied, Beacon Home Pros will return to address the issue at no additional cost.
Booking is designed to be quick and mobile-friendly, allowing clients to request an instant quote and schedule a cleaning from a phone, tablet, or computer. Beacon Home Pros also promotes customized cleaning plans, giving clients control over frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly), focus areas, and product preferences. For surfaces that need specialized care, Beacon Home Pros uses high-quality, manufacturer-recommended products for luxury appliances and a careful approach to wood floors and detailed baseboard cleaning.
With the launch now underway, Beacon Home Pros is inviting Greater Greenville residents and businesses to experience a cleaning service built around trust, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail. To learn more or to book a visit, clients can visit the company website.
About Beacon Home Pros
Beacon Home Pros is a family-owned, locally operated cleaning company serving the Greater Greenville, South Carolina area with residential and commercial cleaning services. The company provides one-time, recurring, and move-in/move-out cleaning using eco-friendly products, high-quality tools, and customized cleaning plans supported by VIP customer communication.
Media Contact
NameBeacon Home ProsContact phone1-864-402-8819Contact address500 E McBee Ave Suite 100 #1153CityGreenvilleStateSouth CarolinaZip29601CountryUnited StatesUrlhttps://www.beaconhomepros.com/
South Carolina women's basketball aims for another SEC Tournament title when it faces Texas on March 8 in Greenville.The Gamecocks (31-2) outlasted LSU on March 7 to move on to the championship game.Texas (30-3) beat Alabama and Ole Miss to advance to the tournament final.The two teams split two games in the regular season, one a Texas win on a neutral site in non-conference play and the other a South Carolina win in Columbia in SEC play.Here's how to watch the South Carolina women's basketball vs. Texas game toda...
South Carolina women's basketball aims for another SEC Tournament title when it faces Texas on March 8 in Greenville.
The Gamecocks (31-2) outlasted LSU on March 7 to move on to the championship game.
Texas (30-3) beat Alabama and Ole Miss to advance to the tournament final.
The two teams split two games in the regular season, one a Texas win on a neutral site in non-conference play and the other a South Carolina win in Columbia in SEC play.
Here's how to watch the South Carolina women's basketball vs. Texas game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!South Carolina vs. Texas in the SEC Tournament final will broadcast nationally on ESPN. Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo will call the game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, with Holly Rowe reporting courtside. Streaming options for the game include FUBO, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The South Carolina women's basketball vs. Texas SEC Tournament championship game starts at 3 p.m. Sunday from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville.
It'll come down to composure and execution, two areas where the Gamecocks have succeeded in so far.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, March 6
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