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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Starr, SC

Home Care Starr, SC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Historical Startex Bridge gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Starr, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Starr, SC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. You could tell she loves her job. she started helping in the evenings, then on weekends. Mom's health got really bad and she was hospitalized and Trudy changed her schedule so she could stay up at the hospital all night with my Mom. I never had to worry because I knew mom was in good hands and that Trudy would te… See more”

Mary K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”

Kathi S.
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“Great Place. Really caring people. would recommend if a friend of family member need non-medical care.”

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“The best care anyone can offer.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Starr, SC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Starr, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Starr, SC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Starr, SC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Starr, SC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Starr Walking Track & Playground with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Starr, SC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Gray House or visit Ashtabula Historic House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Starr, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Starr, SC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Starr, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Starr, SC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your SC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Starr, SC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Starr, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Starr, SC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Starr, SC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Summit Place
  • Dominion Senior Living of Anderson
  • Rocky River Baptist Residential
  • North Pointe
  • TerraBella Marchbanks
  • The Garden House of Anderson
Home Care Starr, SC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Starr, SC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Starr, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Starr, SC

Latest News in Starr, SC

The Gray House in Starr is a dining, lodging and special events destination

Friends, family and lenders were skeptical when Kathy Stone wanted to open a restaurant in rural Starr, South Carolina.“People told me when I first started in business that this was a bad location,” Stone said. “They told me that people were not going to come to Starr. They said, ‘What’s in Starr?’ and I said, ‘I’m in Starr.’”As a matter of fact, Stone has been the owner of The Gray House in Starr for almost 33 years and has grown the rural restaurant into not only a d...

Friends, family and lenders were skeptical when Kathy Stone wanted to open a restaurant in rural Starr, South Carolina.

“People told me when I first started in business that this was a bad location,” Stone said. “They told me that people were not going to come to Starr. They said, ‘What’s in Starr?’ and I said, ‘I’m in Starr.’”

As a matter of fact, Stone has been the owner of The Gray House in Starr for almost 33 years and has grown the rural restaurant into not only a dining destination, but also a bed and breakfast and a sought-after site for weddings and special events.

“I said I was going to have the best quality food, the prettiest flowers, the most wonderful wait staff and that’s what we’ve got and I’m so proud of it,” Stone said.

Growing up in Honea Path, Stone developed a love of farming and was sure it would be her lifelong career. It was while tending cattle in the field at her farm in Starr that she began to wonder about the private residence across the road. One day, she had an opportunity to go inside.

“I walked into this house and thought there was something really quaint about this place,” Stone recalled. “It was like something magical. It just intrigued me.”

It would a while before the house, which was empty and had fallen into disrepair, went on the market.

“My husband had passed away, so my boys had to take over (the farm) and I had to gear myself toward something that I thought I could handle,” Stone explained.

So, Stone bought the turn-of-the-century home and embarked on a yearlong restoration to turn it into a restaurant. Her first event was a Valentine’s Day party for Union Baptist Church in Iva, a church family that has continued to support The Gray House over the years.

From its Southern setting and air of hospitality to its signature dish, Filet Jack Daniels, everything about The Gray House reflects its owner.

Each weekday at The Gray House features a Southern lunch special such as Country Fried Steak, Turkey & Dressing or Baked Ham. Sundays are reserved for a Sunday Southern Lunch that includes entrees, sides and desserts like Grandma used to make. Fan favorites are Filet Jack Daniels and Amish Baked Chicken, Stone says.

Friday and Saturday evenings are a bit more upscale at The Gray House although attire is casual and the atmosphere comfortable.

The Gray House also is a bed and breakfast, featuring two upstairs suites, each with private baths and dining alcoves. A full course breakfast is delivered to guest rooms. The establishment and its lush grounds also can be rented for weddings and special events. Indoor seating in four dining rooms can accommodate about 80 persons. And, The Gray House caters events held off property.

“Coming to The Gray House is like coming to Grandma’s house,” Stone said. “We’re going to take care of you, and you can just make yourself at home.”

Want to visit?

The Gray House, 111 Stone’s Throw Avenue, Starr, SC 29684, 864-352-6778. Follow The Gray House on Facebook for daily specials.

Hours: Tues – Fri and Sun, 11 am – 2 pm. Reservations suggested on Sunday; Fri & Sat, open for dinner starting at 5 pm.

You Can Rent This Entire Island In South Carolina For Under $600 Per Night

Need to get away? We feel ya. If camping is an option, then consider renting the awesome Crescent Group Campground in South Carolina. It’s located on a small peninsula that’s actually an island reachable by vehicle over a narrow causeway leading to the campground that sits perched on beautiful Lake Hartwell. The campground is designed for group camping in South Carolina, which means, if you really want the entire...

Need to get away? We feel ya. If camping is an option, then consider renting the awesome Crescent Group Campground in South Carolina. It’s located on a small peninsula that’s actually an island reachable by vehicle over a narrow causeway leading to the campground that sits perched on beautiful Lake Hartwell. The campground is designed for group camping in South Carolina, which means, if you really want the entire island all to yourself, all you need to do is reserve it.

You Can Camp Overnight At This Boat-In-Only Campground On Lake Jocassee In South Carolina

There's A Creek Hiding In A South Carolina Forest Where You Can Camp Year-Round

The Most Epic Resort Campground In South Carolina Is An Outdoor Playground With A Wave Pool, Rock Climbing Wall, Splash Pad, And More

Crescent Group Camp is on federal lands and reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Learn more about the campground and make reservations by visiting the Crescent Group Campground page on the Recreation.gov website. Visitors who’ve posted reviews to Google rave about this hidden treasure. Currently, it has 4.7 out of 5 stars! Most people concur the site is clean, managed well, and exactly as described on the Recreation.gov website. Have you camped here? We’d love to hear about your experience (and see your photos in our FB comments!)

Address: Campers Way, Starr, SC, 29684

Love to camp? So do we! Check out another island campground in South Carolina (it’s located on Lake Jocassee) that you can only get to by way of a kayak or canoe! Keep reading to learn more! Want to see another campground where you can rent the entire island for only $210/night? It’s on Lake Wylie and just over the border in neighboring North Carolina! Learn more about this lovely campground in North Carolina.

More to Explore

Daniella DiRienzo | May 17, 2023

What are the best campgrounds in South Carolina?

South Carolina offers a variety of beautiful campgrounds where you can enjoy the state's natural beauty. Here are some of the best campgrounds in South Carolina:

What are the best places for a getaway in South Carolina?

South Carolina offers a range of wonderful destinations for a getaway. Here are some of the best places for a getaway in South Carolina:

Michelin To Invest $200 Million To Expand Starr, S.C., Manufacturing Operations

Company investments in South Carolina total $1.15 billion over 21 months STARR, S.C. (Jan. 24, 2013) – Michelin North America today announced a $200 million major expansion of its Starr, S.C., manufacturing plant to increase the company’s output of rubber compound material used to build tires in North America. The company expects the investment to create more than 100 new jobs.Today’s news is the latest in a string of major manufacturing commitments made by Michelin in the pa...

Company investments in South Carolina total $1.15 billion over 21 months

STARR, S.C. (Jan. 24, 2013) – Michelin North America today announced a $200 million major expansion of its Starr, S.C., manufacturing plant to increase the company’s output of rubber compound material used to build tires in North America. The company expects the investment to create more than 100 new jobs.

Today’s news is the latest in a string of major manufacturing commitments made by Michelin in the past 21 months. Together, these projects represent a $1.15 billion investment by Michelin in South Carolina and the creation of at least 870 new manufacturing jobs in the state.

“I am proud to say this new expansion at this facility is one of the lynchpins that will allow us to maintain Michelin’s industry leadership in providing customers with the best tires in all categories,” said Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America. “Michelin’s continued investment in Anderson County and the state of South Carolina is a testament to our proven, high-quality workforce here.”

Construction has begun on the Starr plant expansion, which will be adjacent to the current facility. Also nearby is Michelin’s previously announced Earthmover tire plant that is being built and scheduled to begin producing tires later this year.

Michelin said operations will begin at the expansion in 2014 and will supply material for tire production in North America, helping meet heightened overall production demands.

The Starr factory is one of two Michelin semi-finished rubber production plants in Anderson County. The company’s largest rubber-producing plant in the world is only a few miles away in Sandy Springs. Built in 1975, that facility was one of Michelin’s first manufacturing facilities in the U.S.

“This facility produces the quality rubber compound used in Michelin’s tires, and its ability to meet the strong demand for our products is critically important,” said Rich Kornacki, executive vice president of Michelin North America and head of the specialty product lines. “We are proud to place yet another one of Michelin’s key plants in Anderson County, S.C., an area that has been great for our business.”

Michelin is South Carolina’s largest manufacturing employer. Nearly 9,000 of Michelin’s 22,000 employees in North America will be located in South Carolina when all the construction is complete. Nine of Michelin North America’s 18 production facilities are located in the state.

“We are delighted that Michelin again has decided to invest in our great state and our wonderful county,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Francis Crowder. “The relationship between Anderson County and Michelin has been long and fruitful. Today Michelin will again add quality jobs and investment to our area. We are truly blessed and we pledge to continue nurturing this very special relationship now and in the future.”

South Carolina National Guard supports the rescue of more than 150 neglected dogs

STARR, S.C. - State National Guard members rallied Saturday after the discovery of more than 150 neglected dogs at a suspected puppy mill.The dogs, discovered in Anderson County, S.C., have since been isolated so authorities can determine whether they were exposed to canine parovirus, which can be deadly.The discovery of the small dogs, some as old as 10 years and young as a few days, began after a local resident who purchased one of the puppies at a flea market learned the puppy had parvovirus and it had to be euthanized....

STARR, S.C. - State National Guard members rallied Saturday after the discovery of more than 150 neglected dogs at a suspected puppy mill.

The dogs, discovered in Anderson County, S.C., have since been isolated so authorities can determine whether they were exposed to canine parovirus, which can be deadly.

The discovery of the small dogs, some as old as 10 years and young as a few days, began after a local resident who purchased one of the puppies at a flea market learned the puppy had parvovirus and it had to be euthanized.

The incident was brought to the attention of the Anderson County Sheriff's office which began an investigation, as parvovirus is highly contagious and deadly to other canines.

What unfolded is being described as the largest rescue of dogs at a suspected mill type operation in recent memory in Anderson County. The small breeds were caged in a secluded area and living in deplorable conditions.

They included shih tzus, dachshunds, chihuahuas and pomeranians. More than 28 state agencies got involved to help the puppies, and included members of the 2-263rd Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battalion, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), S.C. National Guard, the State Provost Marshal and the State Guard.

Anderson County officials determined the rescued puppies had to be isolated from other animals and that an abandoned animal shelter needed to reopen to care for the pups while their exposure to parvovirus was determined. Because the facility had no running water, the South Carolina National Guard was contacted for assistance.

"We were called to help provide water for cleaning the facility and water for the animals to drink," said Lt. Col. Marion Collins, commander, 2-263rd ADA Battalion.

The soldiers responded by delivering two full M-149 Water Buffaloes, which hold 400 gallons of water each. Because of the unique skills of members of the unit, they were able to repair the water line and get water running back to the facility.

"Anderson County goes out of their way to support our Guard members, so we want to give back. We're proud to help," said Collins.

More than 30 members of the State Guard provided assistance at the recovery site and at the makeshift shelter to assist in the arduous task of retrieving the puppies and assisting other volunteers to bathe and transport the animals.

"We were able to assemble teams within 30 minutes to assist Anderson County," said State Guard Col. Michael Williams. "Our brigade is in the upstate and we were ready to help."

According to Deputy Provost Marshal Lt. Col. Charles Campbell, their Provost Marshal office was providing members to work in eight-hour shifts to assist local law enforcement with security.

Anderson County Emergency Operations Center coordinated the efforts, which provided an opportunity for all agencies to exercise coordination and communications procedures, showcasing capabilities that would be used in a natural disaster and help area residents.

"We work together as a community under all situations and are grateful for the support from the agencies, volunteers and community who are helping," said Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper. "One of the volunteers told me when this first started, they could see the sadness in the puppies, but now they are noticing these pups have hope in their eyes. That's what's it's all about."

Individuals wishing to help the dogs are asked to contact the Anderson County Animal Shelter.

Town of Starr rallies in support of family following fatal ATV accident

Hagen Phillips, a 6th grader at Starr-Iva Middle School, succumbed to injuries sustained in an Oct. 10 ATV accident. In the wake of tragedy, an Anderson County restaurant is stepping up to help Hagen’s family by raising money, with the community rallying behind them.STARR, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Word spreads fast in Starr, and in addition to a GoFundMe page that’s nearly reached its goal – on Friday, hundreds gathered to rally in support of the family Hagen. Hagen leaves behind. But this is not the only way the publ...

Hagen Phillips, a 6th grader at Starr-Iva Middle School, succumbed to injuries sustained in an Oct. 10 ATV accident. In the wake of tragedy, an Anderson County restaurant is stepping up to help Hagen’s family by raising money, with the community rallying behind them.

STARR, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Word spreads fast in Starr, and in addition to a GoFundMe page that’s nearly reached its goal – on Friday, hundreds gathered to rally in support of the family Hagen. Hagen leaves behind. But this is not the only way the public can help.

Seven days a week, Jackie’s Starr Mart and Café in Starr serves lines of customers seeking a signature cheeseburger.

“It’s family owned,” said Gregg Harrell, manager. “And it’s a business that’s been in the Starr area for 23 years.”

A business that also supports the people who support them.

“Because God’s good to us and you’ve got to give back,” Harrell said.

Which leads us to the massive crowd gathering outdoors, including leaders in religion, education, and nonprofits.

“Time is our biggest asset,” said Hannah Vernon, Joy Comes founder and president. “It’s not money, it’s not power, it’s not even how good your grades are. The amount of time that we have is something you can never get more of, so how we spend our time with the people that are around us speaks to what we actually believe matters.”

Vernon is one of hundreds that gathered outdoors, where 12-year-old Hagen spent most of his days, to uplift the people he leaves behind. Hagen’s family calls the Oct. 10 ATV crash involving three of his peers a “freak accident.”

“We want to see these kids live their life like Hagen lived his,” said Denise Stephenson, Hagen’s grandmother. “Every minute.”

Hagen’s family describes him as an outdoorsman who liked cutting trees, fishing and moving. A big spirit taken to soon, that will live on in others.

“He’ll always live down here – we’re donating his organs,” Stephenson said. “He would have loved that.”

Hagen also had skill, winning the belt for ‘Big Bass Champion’, and beating all high schoolers during his first tournament.

“It’s a big deal with bragging rights,” said Kay. “He just seemed to be a natural with it, and just ran with it.”

Coach Kay is retiring the belt for this season in Hagen’s honor.

“We will not pass this belt this year, it’s being given to his family,” he said.

He also calls the decision appropriate, and the right thing to do.

“It’s a big, united front,” Kay said. “So, it’s a family more so than a sport.”

On Sunday, the public is invited to join this winning team. Jackie’s Starr Mart and Café is holding a barbeque fundraiser from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., proceeds will be donated to the Phillips family.

“Guys show up, we’re planning for the biggest fundraiser that we’ve ever had,” Harrell said. “All these people that showed up today – they’re our customers, they come in, with their support we’re allowed to give back to this community.”

MORE ON THIS STORY: 12-year-old dies after ATV crash that injured 3 other Anderson Co. students

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