AA Learn more about in-home care options for your loved ones

Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Personal Care Consultation

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TESTIMONIALS

“ABC were able to quickly organize the 24/7 care we needed to help my mother through her final days of hospice. All of the attending staff were courteous and professional. The owner communicated clearly and we were very thankful for her attention and quick response to our situation. I would highly recommend ABC to assist with your senior care needs.”

David M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care was my very first home health job coming out of high school and it has truly been a experience for me. I did leave to explore and find my way in the world however in 2020 I gotten the opportunity to come back with open arms and I couldn't pass it up. This company works hard to help employees and clients. The owner miss Beth is a strong independent women that gets the job done and will help anyone that needs it. She has seen things in me that I hasn't been able to see in my self, and that is why this will be my forever employment. If you want to work somewhere where communication is key in this business, a business that cares about you and wants to see you move up in the world you need to come and work for this company. I am not just saying that because I work there now. I am saying this because I have a job that enjoy going to work each and everyday.”

Kirstie I.
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TESTIMONIALS

“When I left my old company and went to a new one being the same thing I was, a caregiver, I was nervous. I wasn't treated the best or appreciated at all at the old company so I figured this one would be the same way but boy was I wrong. I work for a company that appreciates me and is willing to work with me through any situation so we are all on the same page. They respect me as their employee, a mother and just a person in general. Yesterday when I went to the office to pick up my check, I was given an award. The boss of our company chose ME as "Employee of the Month of September". Talking about feeling appreciated, I've only been working for them for 4 months. I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for choosing me and believing in me and my work. It's not always easy but it's worth it!????”

Catlyn C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Beth and Kathi, I want to thank you for sending Tonya to me. She is a great caregiver. She has been a lot of help since my husband of 64 years passed away.”

Barbara
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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone at Always Best is always responsive and so helpful. They take great care of my parents and have become part of our family. In addition to caring for my parents, they assist with meals as needed and do light housekeeping and laundry. They have reduced our stress level so much, knowing that the folks are well taken care of around the clock.”

96woodkat
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TESTIMONIALS

“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”

Pattie D.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”

Hoyt &.
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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

“ABC was hired to help me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy mom's Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. Trudy first started helping mom in the evenings but as mom got worse she changed her schedule and started helping on the weekends. Anytime I needed them Trudy came to the rescue! Mom was hospitalized and I'm a single mother and needed someone to stay at the hospital with mom during the night. Trudy stayed with my mom every night at the hospital and I never had to worry because I knew mom was in the best hands and that if anything went wrong Trudy would text or call me. I definitely will recommend this company to anyone they were a blessing.”

Maryk84
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Kathi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”

Selos S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Lynn, It was a pleasure working with you and your accomplished and compassionate team during my husband’s illness. Each step of my experience with your company was professional and at the same time caring and loving, from the initial interview to the final day. The aid who spent time in our home was willing to do whatever was requested and was kind and truly caring. I compliment you and your competent team for lessening the burden and for making the journey as pleasant as possible. With sincere thanks, Laura G.”

Laura G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful and very friendly. I could not have asked for them to be anymore helpful all while being so respectful and kind. You just don't get that everyday when dealing with different agencies and other people, so it was very important to me that to let you know what an incredible job the staff is doing in your facility. From the lady who answered the phone to the lady who assisted with transportation arrangements, each time I called was nothing short of accommodating. Thank you for teaching your staff that respect and friendliness goes a long way as does everyone helping to make things happen for the RESIDENT!!”

Duncan S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Really appreciate how quickly Always Best Care was able to get care started for my father with such a short notice. The caregivers did an amazing job and I would highly recommend them to others.”

Linda Z.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”

Bernad L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Every single person that I spoke with at your place of business was super helpful and very friendly. I could not have asked for them to be anymore helpful all while being so respectful and kind. You just don't get that everyday when dealing with different agencies and other people, so it was very important to me that to let you know what an incredible job the staff is doing in your facility. From the lady who answered the phone to the lady who assisted with transportation arrangements, each time I called was nothing short of accommodating. Thank you for teaching your staff that respect and friendliness goes a long way as does everyone helping to make things happen for the RESIDENT!!”

Lori S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care of Greenwood has given us exceptional service. We are grateful for the tireless devotion of Beth Kapperman to our needs. She is professional, compassionate, and extremely well versed in all aspects of providing top flight senior services. We feel so fortunate to have Beth and her team working on our behalf. Grandpa is 90 years old and has a rare movement disorder. He is able to live at home and enjoy a wonderful quality of life because of the in-home care we receive through Always Best Care. Grandpa is fond of his ABC caregiver Missy. She is kind to him. They seem like life long friends together. Missy is our angel. She is capable and willing to do whatever is necessary for grandpa. Always Best Care provides life saving services for families that want their loved ones to enjoy the comforts of home. We simply could not do it without them. Furthermore, we have had the benefit of Beth's knowledge of other options for Great Grandma who needs skilled nursing care at age 99. We are so thankful for the peace of mind afforded us through our relationship with Beth Kapperman and her company Always Best Care Senior Services of Greenwood.”

Jane R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides a in-home care for a variety of needs. The owner of the company comes in to your home for a free evaluation of the client and spent over an hour talking to us about my dad, They provide service for a minimum of one hour to overnights. Their workers are very knowledgeable and friendly. Even though their primary job is to care for your loved one they are there to do light housework, laundry, etc. Their rates are reasonable and you can be assured that your loved one is well taken care of under their care.”

Karen F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very responsive to any request. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”

Alan W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The best care anyone can offer.”

Vivian T.
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TESTIMONIALS

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

Maryanne M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very responsive to any request. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others.”

Gerald T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The best care anyone can offer.”

Vivian T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional and very well run. Provide good help at a reasonable price. Also very responsive to any request. Would not hesitate to recommend them to others. Gerald Tracey”

Gerald T.
 In-Home Care Starr, SC

How does In-home Senior Care in Starr, SC work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's 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. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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.

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 ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Starr, SC

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.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, 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:

Comfort
Comfort

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, 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.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

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.

Independence
Independence

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 an assisted living community. 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.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

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 to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be 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 in Starr, SC 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.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

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:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

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.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

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.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

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.


Respite Care Starr, SC

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

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.

 Caregivers 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 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:

An assessment of your senior loved one

01

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

02

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

03

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.

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.

Latest News in Starr, SC

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.

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:

Starr chiropractor wins $112,100 jury verdict in defamation case

[email protected] jury decided this week that Starr chiropractor Gregg Battersby is entitled to collect a total of $112,100 from two Anderson County women who accused him of indecent exposure.Jurors awarded Battersby $61,100 in damages from Carrie Neal and $50,000 from Jan Morton-Ganter, court records show.Battersby represented himself in the trial involving the defamation lawsuit that he filed against Neal and Morton-Ganter. He said the verdict represented a measure of vindication from the o...

[email protected]

A jury decided this week that Starr chiropractor Gregg Battersby is entitled to collect a total of $112,100 from two Anderson County women who accused him of indecent exposure.

Jurors awarded Battersby $61,100 in damages from Carrie Neal and $50,000 from Jan Morton-Ganter, court records show.

Battersby represented himself in the trial involving the defamation lawsuit that he filed against Neal and Morton-Ganter. He said the verdict represented a measure of vindication from the ordeal that he has endured since being arrested on two counts of indecent exposure in August 2013. The charges were dropped by the 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office in April 2014.

"It has been a living hell," said Battersby, adding that he struggled with depression.

Battersby said that he was falsely accused by the women, and in the suit he said that Neal owed him $12,000 for past treatments and Neal and Morton-Ganter were friends.

His state chiropractor's license was suspended for nearly two years in connection with his arrest. Although his license was restored in August 2015, the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners publicly reprimanded Battersby for displaying a misleading banner outside his home office in Starr that said he charged $25 for office visits.

Battersby said his practice has yet to recover.

"People tend to believe what they want," he said.

Judge Donald B. Hocker has given attorneys for Neal and Morton-Ganter 10 days to file post-trial motions in the case, Anderson County Clerk of Court Richard Shirley said.

Morton-Ganter's attorney, Anderson lawyer John Kirkman Moorhead, said he is considering options for a possible appeal.

"We respect the jury's verdict but we are disappointed," he said.

Neal did not attend the trial and her attorney did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Court records show that Neal pleaded guilty to methamphetamine possession last year. She received a three-year suspended sentence and was ordered to serve two years of probation.

Jurors in this week's trial were not told about Battersby's 2006 conviction in Ohio on a public indecency charge.

Battersby also has sued John Skipper, Anderson County sheriff at the time of his 2013 arrest. A judge dismissed the case but Battersby appealed the ruling. His case is pending before the South Carolina Court of Appeals, a clerk said. Skipper lost his re-election bid in November.

Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM

A $400,000 fire engine was destroyed in a wreck just as a county fire tax increase kicks in

The ripple effects of an accident that destroyed a $400,000 Anderson County fire engine will be a test for the county's volunteer firefighter system as a tax increase for new engines, narrowly approved by voters in May, will begin to show up in tax bills in the coming weeks.The tax increases are expected to be about $0.77 extra for a $100,000 home or $2.12 for a $300,000 home in the first year of a multi-year increase.It's not clear yet what the insurance will be or how much of the new collections, if any, will g...

The ripple effects of an accident that destroyed a $400,000 Anderson County fire engine will be a test for the county's volunteer firefighter system as a tax increase for new engines, narrowly approved by voters in May, will begin to show up in tax bills in the coming weeks.

The tax increases are expected to be about $0.77 extra for a $100,000 home or $2.12 for a $300,000 home in the first year of a multi-year increase.

It's not clear yet what the insurance will be or how much of the new collections, if any, will go directly toward a replacement for the wrecked $400,000 2014 fire engine that served the Starr community. A volunteer firefighter has been charged with DUI in the accident.

It's never a good time for a wreck but coming right as the tax increase hits homes is going to pose an additional challenge, said Jimmy Ray Sutherland, the county's fire chief.

He said it would take some time for the insurance and investigation process to unfold.

More:Anderson County Fire Department asking for tax increase to pay for aging equipment, gear

The county fire commissioners called an emergency meeting less than a week after the wreck.

The county's fire service had planned to buy three new fire engines this year, but will only be buying two because it may take awhile for insurance and investigations into the wrecked Starr engine to conclude, Sutherland said.

Buying in multiples saves money, which matters because fire engine prices went up around $90,000 from 2020 prices to the price in May, when the tax was approved, fire officials said at the time.

With around 62 fire engines across the departments, it takes about three new engines a year to keep up with a 20-year replacement cycle for the engines, which is the goal of the county fire service.

The two fire engines that will be replaced date to 1992 and 1993, slightly ahead of that 20-year cycle.

The destroyed Starr fire engine was immediately replaced by a backup. The county keeps several of those for routine or other types of maintenance, Sutherland said.

Firefighters will in the meantime continue proving their value in a largely volunteer system that avoids larger tax costs, Sutherland said.

Eventually the tax increase, the first since the mid-1980s for the fire service, is expected to bring the annual collections to more than $6 million a year, the system currently raises around $3.9 million a year.

The tax increases are expected to be about $0.77 extra for a $100,000 home or $2.12 for a $300,000 home in the first year of a multi-year increase.

More:Anderson County Fire Department asking for tax increase to pay for aging equipment, gear

The tax increase, and the fire engine wreck, come as a generational shift is making it increasingly difficult to find new candidates for the volunteer system that is the backbone of firefighting in the county.

The county fire commission provides engines and other financial support along with oversight of the 27 fire stations in the system.

More:Anderson County fire commission tax levy passes with nearly 50/50 split

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Mike Ellis lives in Powdersville and tells South Carolina stories with a focus on Anderson County and Pickens County along with faith and investigations. He's always looking for the next story that people need to read, please send any tips or feedback to [email protected]

Mother, daughter duo from Upstate off to LA for national championship game with special ties to both teams

Rebecca McNichols graduated from UGA and her daughter is currently a senior at TCU. The family rivalry is on. Infinite Scroll Enabled GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email AddressPrivacy Notice STARR, S.C. —The big matchup between Georgia and TCU has sparked a bit of rivalry off the field with ...

Rebecca McNichols graduated from UGA and her daughter is currently a senior at TCU. The family rivalry is on.

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STARR, S.C. —

The big matchup between Georgia and TCU has sparked a bit of rivalry off the field with fans and alumni alike.

Rebecca McNichols is an '80s graduate of the University of Georgia, from Starr, SC, in the upstate.

"I was there at the 1980 national championship game when we won," McNichols said.

Fast forward 40+ years later, and McNichols daughter is now a senior in college. It just so happens that her daughter, Anna Robinson, is a senior at Texas Christian University.

"The odds of us actually making it to the championship on my senior year as mother, daughter is pretty incredible to me,” Robinson said. "She’s (her mom) going to want her daughter to be happy and win, but at the same time, she’s a full bulldog and always has been.”

After exciting wins by both TCU and UGA last week to clinch their spots in the national championship game, the duo did not waste time feeling as if the trip to Los Angeles could be a historical one for the family.

"To turn the tables and be able to go is really exciting, especially with my mom as a bulldog," Robinson said.

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“As soon as TCU won the game, we were booking flights and getting a hotel room," McNichols said. “I’m just so excited that the stars aligned for these two teams to come together like this. It’s a dream come true.”

WYFF News 4 caught up with the two as they were packing up to leave for the Charlotte airport. After nearly 10 hours of delays Sunday night, they were finally on a plane headed to Los Angeles, California.

Who will win the game and the internal rivalry between the mother, daughter duo?

We'll have the full story, which will air during the 'Road to the Title' special Monday night at 7.

Community praying for Starr teen firefighter who was injured in crash

Joseph Blanton could hardly wait to become a volunteer firefighter in Starr.His father, Jason Blanton, has been with the Starr fire station for about a decade, and Joseph would follow him around there, just waiting for a chance to grow up and help."That's the kind of kid he is," said Starr Fire Chief Gregg Campbell. "He has always had a helper's heart."Joseph Blanton was so eager to join the fire service that he started taking classes at 16, though he couldn't actually begin fighting bl...

Joseph Blanton could hardly wait to become a volunteer firefighter in Starr.

His father, Jason Blanton, has been with the Starr fire station for about a decade, and Joseph would follow him around there, just waiting for a chance to grow up and help.

"That's the kind of kid he is," said Starr Fire Chief Gregg Campbell. "He has always had a helper's heart."

Joseph Blanton was so eager to join the fire service that he started taking classes at 16, though he couldn't actually begin fighting blazes until two years later, Campbell said.

"He and his family, they are a big part of this station, a big part of this community," Campbell said. "Sometimes, you just know when somebody is special, and Joseph is. He always puts himself last and other people first. It's really ingrained in him."

Now the firefighters who call him L.B. — short for "Little Blanton" — are asking for prayers for the teen.

Joseph Blanton, 18, was driving to Greenville Memorial Hospital on Monday to take emergency medical technician training when his pickup truck ran off the highway near the intersection of U.S. 29 and Rogers Road in Anderson County, according to firemen and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

His truck struck some trees, according to Trooper Joe Hovis.

Responding firefighters couldn't even see him at first, Campbell said, but then they saw the pickup's headlights in the woods. Joseph called out that he was trapped.

"At first, the responders didn't know how bad it was," Campbell said. "They knew he was broke up. They knew he had a bad gash on his head, but as they learned more, they knew it was serious."

Campbell said Blanton has some type of spinal cord injury, though the extent of it is not yet known.

"What we know is that Joseph is stable and alert and breathing on his own, and his family has seen some positive signs," Campbell said. "This community and this fire station are going to surround him in prayer, and we are praying for a full recovery. We believe there are promising signs. Real promising signs."

As of Tuesday afternoon, Joseph Blanton was in serious condition at Greenville Memorial Hospital, according to hospital spokeswoman Sandy Dees.

Hannah Vernon, who was Blanton's art teacher at Starr Elementary School years ago, is one of dozens of people who took part in a quickly organized prayer service for him.

"I remember when he was a little boy, he would get his classwork done and then he would come up to me and say: 'I there anything I can do to help you?' And he never outgrew that, thank God. He has such a servant's heart."

Joseph graduated from Crescent High School just a few months ago.

Joseph's mother, Jessica Glenn Blanton, thanked the community for its prayers in several Facebook posts Tuesday. She said Joseph said "Hey Mama," to her Tuesday morning, and that when Joseph's dad tickled the teen's foot, Joseph moved it.

Joseph also issued a meal request : a steak, egg and cheese biscuit from Jackie's Starr Mart and Cafe.

Vernon has posted several photos of children holding written Bible verses in hopes they will inspire the Blanton family.

One of the verses, from the book of James, reads:

"The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. The Lord will raise them up."

Vernon said she believes the prayers of many will make a difference.

"We are all praying for a miracle," Vernon said. "We are asking God to do what we know he can do."

Follow Nikie Mayo on Twitter @NikieMayo or email her at [email protected].

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