Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Greer, SC

Dennis Carroll Ballentine, age 79, of Taylors, SC, went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2026.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Ena Trussell Ballentine and the late Bernard Carroll Ballentine of Columbia, SC.

Dennis graduated from A. C. Flora High School in Columbia and received his bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina. He served in Vietnam with the Mobile Riverine Force in the Mekong Delta where he received two Bronze Stars and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V. He received an honorable discharge after serving for four years with the United States Navy and later received the Quilt of Valor. He was a certified public accountant with S.D. Leidesdorf National CPA firm and then became Vice President of Finance with Hewitt Coleman and Associates. Later he owned his own CPA practice, Clarke and Ballentine, LLC, later renamed Ballentine and Hodges, LLC, before retiring in 2013. Since 1973 he was an active member of Taylors First Baptist Church, part of the church's security team, and an usher. He also served in various church ministries: he was a coach for a boys' basketball team, Royal Ambassador leader, marriage small group facilitator, Intercessory Prayer member, and Finance Committee member. He served on the Board for the Taylors Free Medical Clinic, served on the Board of the Paraclete Foundation, the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and the Finance Committee at the Poinsett Club. He supported World Vision and the North Greenville University Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund and served on the board of directors of the Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund. He also held membership in numerous professional and civic organizations.

He was predeceased by his brother, Doug Ballentine of Lilburn, GA.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years Mitsy Winburn Ballentine, of the home; his son, Representative Nathan Ballentine of Chapin, SC; his two precious grandchildren, JC and Emma of Chapin, SC; sister-in-law, Gail Ballentine of Auburn, GA; brother-in-law, John (Susan) Winburn of Greer, SC; brother-in-law, Rev. Bob (Kathy) Clarke of Alpharetta, GA; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends in the Welcome Center at the church at 1:00 p.m. prior to the services. Services will be at 2 p.m. on March 3, 2026, at Taylors First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687, Taylors Free Medical Clinic, 400 W. Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687, or North Greenville University Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund, North Greenville University, P.O. Box 1892, Tigerville, South Carolina 29688.

Mackey Mortuary will be handling the arrangements.

DMA Industries opened a new 1.4 million-sq.-ft. facility in Greer, SC. The company said this strengthens its distribution and operational capabilities within South Carolina’s automotive corridor.

According to DMA, the expansion supports faster speed-to-market and improved service performance for customers across the North American automotive aftermarket.

Strategic Location and Trade Access

The new facility is located less than four miles from the Inland Port of Greer, providing access to international shipping lanes and major domestic trucking terminals. DMA said the site will operate as a Foreign Trade Zone facility and is C-TPAT compliant, supporting secure and efficient global trade operations.

According to the company, the Greer location enhances inbound and outbound logistics flexibility while supporting continued growth in regional distribution capacity.

Technology Investments and Warehouse Systems

DMA said the new facility will integrate several advanced systems to improve operational efficiency and accuracy. These include ultra-wideband inventory control tracking, camera-based visualization for put-away tracking, and an upgraded AI-supported proprietary warehouse management system.

“These advancements will provide service efficiencies while ensuring the highest levels of picking accuracy and on-time delivery,” said John Treece, chief executive officer of DMA Industries.

“This facility represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to be the most reliable partner in the automotive aftermarket,” Treece said. “By investing in the Greer region, we are not just increasing our square footage, we are improving our logistical speed-to-market and service execution.”

Supporting Continued Growth in South Carolina

DMA Industries is headquartered in Loris and operates five additional distribution centers in the state. The company said the Greer expansion continues its long-term investment in South Carolina and supports economic growth in the region.

“With this infrastructure in place, DMA is uniquely positioned to scale operations rapidly and increase efficiency while maintaining the service quality our customers expect,” said Fred Snow, president and chief operating officer.

GREER, S.C., January 31, 2026 (Newswire.com) - With Greer home prices selling for a median of $332,500 and homes averaging 72 days on market in the latest reported month, sellers are feeling the cost of mispricing while buyers are feeling the cost of hesitation - conditions that continue to spotlight LeAnne Carswell as the for clients who want a clear plan, strong execution, and fewer surprises from contract to closing. Buying or selling in Greer, SC? Call LeAnne Carswell at Expert Real Estate Team on (864) 895-9791.

Why Is LeAnne Carswell the Best Realtor in Greer, SC?

Greer isn't a "set it and forget it" market-buyers compare options fast, and sellers don't get many chances to make a first impression. Carswell's edge is a process built around certainty: clear pricing strategy, listing prep that targets buyer objections, and negotiation that stays calm when the deal gets complicated.

As Broker and Owner of the Expert Real Estate Team, she's known locally for combining deep Upstate knowledge with a practical, systems-driven approach-especially for clients who want strong guidance without the pressure tactics. "I'd rather we do the prep upfront and feel confident than rush and pay for it later," says Carswell.

What Is LeAnne Carswell's Experience in Greer?

Carswell leads the Expert Real Estate Team from its Greer headquarters, serving clients throughout the Upstate with a focus on residential listings, new construction, luxury properties, and senior life transitions as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Her team's footprint spans Greer and surrounding markets including Greenville, Spartanburg, Taylors, Lyman, Travelers Rest, and Landrum-often supporting clients who need both local nuance and steady transaction management.

Experience proof points:

What Do the Greer Market Numbers Say Right Now?

Greer's most recent market snapshot shows a median sale price of $332,500 with homes selling after an average of 72 days on market and 76 homes sold in the latest reported month. The sale-to-list price was 97.9%, with 14.5% of homes selling above list price and 28.5% showing price drops.

For sellers, the combination of price drops and below-list sale-to-list ratios is a clear signal: preparation and pricing discipline matter, and overreaching can create costly time on market. For buyers, a meaningful share of price drops can open doors-but only when your financing, timing, and inspection strategy are ready to move quickly. Learn what working with the best Greer real estate agent looks like when leverage, timing, and terms start to matter.

Who Are LeAnne Carswell and Expert Real Estate Team?

LeAnne Carswell is the Broker and Owner of the Expert Real Estate Team, headquartered in Greer and serving the Upstate across Greenville and Spartanburg-area markets with expertise in residential listings, new construction, luxury properties, and senior life transitions. With 2,200+ career transactions and more than $150 million in career volume, her team combines local market authority with process-driven execution - learn more about working with the for buying, selling, or a timing strategy.

Media Contact:LeAnne Carswell, Broker and Owner, Expert Real Estate Team

SOURCE: Expert Real Estate Team

Source: Expert Real Estate Team

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Greenville County Planning Commission voted 8-1 Tuesday night to deny plans for a controversial Greer subdivision that has faced opposition from neighbors for years.

The commission rejected the latest plans for the Bellewyn subdivision on South Batesville Road, saying the proposal does not prioritize open space as required under county rules.

Under county regulations, developers must set aside a portion of land to remain undeveloped to help preserve natural areas and manage growth.

Bill Johnson, a Sugar Creek resident who has opposed the project since 2024, said the land is an old pasture that holds a special significance for residents.

“We’ve lived in our home in Sugar Creek for 40 years. This pasture is important to us,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the plan is out of character with surrounding communities and worries roads won’t be able to handle the extra traffic.

“We just saw this as taking what was essentially a cow pasture--19 acres of natural area--and just jamming 72 units into it,” Johnson said.

The commission denied plans in 2024 over density concerns. At the time, Hartness Development requested 72 lots, just under four homes per acre. Commissioners approved new plans a year later with conditions that emphasized neighborhood concerns, including open space requirements.

The new plan proposes using a thin border as open space. A speaker reading a statement on behalf of the developer said larger storm water ponds are necessary and should also count as open space.

“We were advised by the county’s attorney that the planning commission does not have jurisdiction over stormwater design matters,” the developer’s representative said.

Planning Commission Chairman Steven Bichel disagrees.

“Stormwater isn’t our purview, but if you dig a big hole in the middle of open space, that’s our purview,” Bichel said.

Developers could return with new plans. Johnson said he would support a proposal that reduces the current density.

“I’m hoping that it won’t be going forward. But, let’s see what happens,” Johnson said.

Residents raise concerns about public notice

Residents said they did not see the developer’s changes until Tuesday. They also said no public hearing signs were posted.

The planning commission said that did not happen because changes came from planning staff, which does not require the same process. One commissioner said they will look into changing that requirement.

The big picture regarding open space

The debate over the Bellewyn subdivision highlights a broader issue in Greenville County: open space. The county has no single standard for how developers must preserve open land—requirements vary by zoning and development type. Guidelines are also vague when it comes to classifying stormwater ponds as open space.

Last year, Greenville County Council placed a moratorium on cluster housing and began meeting with residents and developers to gather feedback and suggestions. The county is actively studying the issue and released an open space plan last June.

During a council meeting earlier this month, leaders said they plan to unveil a more detailed open space plan in February.

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The South Carolina Chef Ambassadors for 2026 have something going on in Myrtle Beach, Greer and Charleston — enough so that the governor has chosen them to represent the state.

Gov. Henry McMaster joined Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director Duane Parrish to announce the chefs who will represent the culinary ambitions and accomplishments of the Palmetto State’s food scene.

They are Jordan Heyd, owner and executive chef of Lekker Eats in Myrtle Beach; James London, owner and chef of Chubby Fish and Seahorse in Charleston; and Guichard Ulysse, chef and owner of House 509 Bistro & Wine in Greer.

Chef Ambassadors represent the state through food festivals and other promotional opportunities, sharing South Carolina’s culinary traditions, agricultural heritage and undiscovered places, according to a news release. They support the state’s farmers by using Certified South Carolina produce, meats, dairy, seafood and other farm-fresh foods.

According to her bio provided by Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Chef Heyd was a local who began her culinary journey on private yachts, where she gained global food experience and developed a passion for international, healthy dishes. She trained formally in South Africa at a culinary school in Cape Town and became a yacht chef. COVID nudged her back to South Carolina, where she started a small business making prepared meals. That grew into Lekker Eats, a scratch kitchen, market and bar built on her “eat good, feel good” philosophy.

Charleston native Chef London discovered his passion for fishing and food at an early age, starting his restaurant career at age 14. After earing a business degree at the College of Charleston, he honed his skills at The French Culinary Institute in New York. His journey includes restaurants in New York , including the acclaimed Niko, and San Francisco before returning home to open Chubby Fish, a dock-to-table restaurant with an emphasis on local catches and sustainable sourcing. Next door, he opened Seahorse, a cocktail bar and supper club.

Chef Ulysse is a native of Haiti who received his first cooking lessons as one of 10 children at the feet of his mother and grandmother. He immigrated to the United States and trained at Johnson & Wales University and launched a career working with South Carolina school districts and as a chef for Sodexo across four states. Ulysse and his wife returned to South Carolina and in 2022 opened House 509.

The South Carolina Chef Ambassador program launched in 2014, unifying the major industries of tourism and agriculture, which collectively contribute tens of billions of dollars to the state’s economy and account for hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide, according to the news release.

Chefs are appointed by the governor, and the program is run through a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

“The Chef Ambassador program highlights the strong partnership between South Carolina’s chefs and farmers and the role they play in our tourism and agribusiness success,” McMaster said in the release. “We’re proud to welcome the 2026 class of Chef Ambassadors to represent our great state.”

Commissioner Weathers said the program helps remind state residents that culinary pride often begins on the farm.

“The Chef Ambassador program helps us connect South Carolinians with their food and with the farmers who grow it,” he said in the release. “These chefs exhibit our state’s culinary diversity and our wide array of locally grown foods.”