Home Care In Tamassee, SC

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WESTMINSTER — Some of the city of Westminster’s water customers are under a continued boil water advisory.

The city’s public works department said Monday all residents living on U.S. Highway 76 west of Riversong Drive, all roads off of U.S. Highway 76 — including Unity Church and Cobb Bridge roads — and north up U.S. Highway 76 all the way up to the Welcome Church community need to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute before drinking or cooking. Any ice made from water that has not been boiled should not be used for drinking purposes.

“We are currently in the process of testing bacteriological samples in the Welcome Church community area to determine if the water has been contaminated,” the release said. “The potential contamination is due to an instrumentation failure resulting in a loss of system pressure.”

Water service has been restored and the city is “working to correct the instrumentation issue,” the release said. The public works department is waiting for the bacteriological testing to be completed.

COLUMBIA — Though the overall statewide count for influenza cases is trending downward, the Upstate continues to see higher numbers of the respiratory illness.

Dr. Martha Buchanan, who serves as lead medical consultant for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), said Thursday the state as a whole has been “trending down a little bit” for a couple of weeks but cautioned it could be a temporary lull.

“If you look at previous flu and respiratory disease data, you know that we have peaks and valleys,” she said. “We have to kind of continue to watch and wait and see — do our numbers go back up, or do they stay trending down, which would be fabulous. But we’re not sure yet what’s going to happen.”

From Jan. 7-13, DHEC reported just more than 1,500 lab-confirmed flu tests across the state, with 305 hospitalizations.

The agency reported 13 flu-associated deaths during the same time frame, although two of those happened during previous weeks.

Forty-one of the season’s 71 flu deaths have been in the Upstate, according to DHEC. Oconee and Pickens counties both are reporting a higher percentage of patient visits for flu than the state baseline of 3.2 percent.

Buchanan encouraged people to continue using prevention methods such as hand washing and covering coughs, even though cases are trending down.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re sick and covering your cough are things that need to be done year-round, not just during respiratory season,” she said. “Hand washing alone helps reduce illness rates greatly, so we really encourage everybody to keep those things in place year-round.

“Those are kind of our main points: get vaccinated, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick,” she added. “Flu and COVID are still here and still present in our communities.”

Vaccination rates still low

Buchanan highlighted the state’s low vaccination rates for flu and COVID-19 and reminded residents that vaccinations are “your best bet for protecting yourself and those around you.”

As of Jan. 13, 6.58 percent of eligible South Carolina residents had the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, she shared, adding the agency would “really love to see those numbers get higher” for both COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

“In public health, we always want vaccination rates to be as high as possible. We’d like to see 100 percent,” Buchanan said. “We know we’ll never see that. We just really want to encourage everybody to get vaccinated, and we know it would make a difference in our hospitalization and disease rates. “

It’s not too late to get vaccinated for either illness, Buchanan said.

“Both of these vaccinations are very safe, they’re very effective, and they are one of our best tools in reducing illness in our community,” she said. “As long as we still have COVID and flu circulating in the community, vaccination is an appropriate step to take.”

Vaccines are available at public health departments, doctor’s offices and pharmacies across the state.

The name ‘Oconee” means ‘Land beside the water,’ and that’s entirely true when we speak of Oconee County, South Carolina. The area is also known as the ‘Mountain Lakes Region’ for that very reason. But Oconee County has more than just gorgeous mountain lakes, rivers, creeks and streams… it also has more than 150 waterfalls just waiting for you to discover them all. Visit Oconee County is a terrific resource for discovering all that Oconee offers to nature lovers – especially waterfall chasers. Of course, we can’t feasibly feature all 150 waterfalls in one single article, so here’s the highlight reel for some of the best Oconee County waterfalls:

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Nature lovers know the thrill of searching ‘waterfalls near me.’ Visit Oconee South Carolina has more information about all of the Oconee County waterfalls we listed.

Looking for more fun? Follow this South Carolina waterfall road trip! Or have you heard about the secret waterfall in South Carolina that no one has really seen up close? Check it out!

More to Explore

Elisa Regulski | February 24, 2022

What are the best outdoor adventures in South Carolina?

Outdoor adventures don’t have to break the bank! In fact, we rounded up a list of the best free activities in South Carolina that are sure to spark excitement. For starters, visit the the Gardens of the South Carolina Governor's Mansion. Located in Columbia, this blissful escape will make you feel a million miles away from it all. The majestic trees, verdant plants, and lovely fountains are definitely photo-worthy. Looking for more fun? Check out the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson. This stunning destination spans 295 acres, and it’s full of themed gardens and natural landscapes.

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

Eager for an easy afternoon getaway? If so, you should definitely check out the trail to Spoonauger Falls. Nestled near Mountain Rest, this gorgeous walkway is perfect for kids and adults alike. Yes, the hike is only about .6 miles long, but we promise it’s jam packed with stunning sights. The highlight is definitely the gorgeous five-story waterfall. Spoonauger Falls stands 50 feet above the landscape, and it’s so beautiful that you’ll want to stare at it all afternoon. For more information about one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina, read our full article about Spoonauger Falls.

Are there any good swimming holes in South Carolina?

Absolutely! Wildcat Creek Falls, located in Wildcat Wayside State Park, is always a hit. When the temperature climbs, there’s no better place to make a splash and cool off. There’s even a 130-foot sliding rock! Carrick Creek Falls is another wonderful swimming hole in South Carolina. You’ll find this lovely oasis inside Table Rock State park. The water is always refreshing, and the views are always astounding. You also can’t forget about Parsons Mountain Recreation Area. This spring-fed pond is full of shimmering blue water. Whether you’re visiting by yourself or with your kiddos, you’re certain to have a blast.

Martintown Road Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, concluded its 49th year in meaningful service projects.

Chapter members collected 1,017 Coke bottle caps, 132 Box Tops for Education, and 26 ink cartridges sent to Tamassee DAR School, Tamassee, S.C., for purchasing textbooks and other educational materials. $600 in Walmart gift cards was sent to the school as Christmas gifts for the resident students.

The chapter donated 630 pieces of candy to NADPS Trunk or Treat and quarterly delivered Grab ‘n Go snacks to the officers.

Christmas gifts were delivered to veterans at the Augusta VA hospital. The chapter sent $430 to DAR Project Patriot. Support is focused on the following groups: women serving in the military; wounded military personnel at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany; the Warrior Transition Brigade at Walter Reid National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; and the Warrior and Family Support Center, San Antonio, TX. A total of 12,400 manufacturers coupons were clipped, collected, and mailed to support Coupons for our Troops.

Daughters logged over 1,000 community service hours in the Service to America program. The chapter wreath was laid at the Veterans Day Ceremony at Wade Hampton Park and the Memorial Day Ceremony at American Legion Post 71. The chapter purchased a book on the National Society’s wish list for the DAR library in Washington, DC.

“Daring Dicey Langston, SC Female Revolutionary Patriot,” “Honeybees as Pollinators,” “Using DNA to Help Identify Your Ancestors,” and “Rivers, Rails, and Roads” were topics for this year’s chapter programs.

The end of the school year saw the following seniors presented with the DAR NJROTC award and medal: Cadet/PO3 Chloe Drawdy – North Augusta High School; Taylor Compton – Midland Valley High School; Cadet/SCPO Chrislyn Schadler – Silver Bluff High School. The DAR Youth Citizenship medals and certificates were awarded to eighth-grade students Catherine Newman and Thomas Cook – North Augusta Middle School; Quinn Schreiber and Colyn Moore – Paul Knox Middle; Anna Hickey and Kyler Slagle – Our Lady of Peace School; MacKenzie Perry and Ethan Tesch – Victory Baptist School.

Glenda Flowers and Jennifer Creswell were welcomed as new members. Hollis Burns transferred in while Sue Hinderlider joined the chapter as a reinstated daughter. 10-year membership anniversary certificates were received by Barbara Graybill and Susan Turner; 20 years – Cynthia Taylor; 40 years – June (Sandie) Griffeth; 50 years – Mary Eleanor Smith.

For information on becoming a DAR member, visit www.dar.org. Email [email protected] for answers to questions.

The last landfill in Pickens County will be full in the next 12-16 months. A formal study on the remaining space at the landfill in Liberty will be done to determine exactly how much time is left. There are no other landfills, public or private, in Pickens County. Here's how this change may affect residents and the way they dispose of their waste.

Does this change where residents throw away their trash?

The landfill that's nearing capacity is the Construction and Demolition landfill where larger items are dumped. C&D landfills accept items like couches, mattresses and waste materials from construction sites. When the facility closes, the county will have built a transfer station at the landfill for people looking to dump C&D materials.

The county's landfill for everyday trash has been closed for several years. All of that trash is taken to a transfer station, then hauled to Greenville County.

Will there be a price increase?

Right now there are no price increases planned because of the closure of the landfill. The closure of the landfill will lead to a redistribution in costs rather than an increase, said Jason Anders, director of the Pickens County Solid Waste department. Based on projections, it will be "very close to the same operational costs," he said.

Pickens currently pays Greenville County $16 per ton of both C&D and household waste. Each truck carries between 20 and 21 tons. The county currently spends $720,000 on waste disposal, County administrator Gerald Wilson said.

How will this landfill be closed?

Wilson told the County Council that closure costs were estimated at about $2.1 million, in addition to about $1.1 million in infrastructure costs for trucks, trailers and building costs.

Are there any plans to open a new landfill in Pickens County?

Right now, there are no plans to open a new landfill. Anders said the county looked at expanding the current landfill, but with new DHEC regulations, it would cost more in the long-term than transporting materials to Greenville County.

Would recycling help and how can I get a recycling bin?

Anders, who also plays the role of recycling educator for the county, said recycling even one item you planned to throw away makes a difference.

"The more we're recycling, the more we're saving the Earth, but we're also saving tax dollars. Anytime it's not going to Greenville County and being buried, if we can get rid of it otherwise [by] recycling, reusing, that's cost avoidance."

Residents can request a recycling bin from the Solid Waste Department at no additional cost.

Staff report

SALISBURY — A dozen members of the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution traveled to the High Country of North Carolina on Sunday and Monday as part of a statewide DAR gathering.

The Salisburians’ trip included an overnight stay at Big Lynn Lodge in Little Switzerland, then a Monday journey to Crossnore School & Children’s Home, which is supported by N.C. DAR members.

A highlight of the Crossnore trip was a visit from National DAR President General Denise Doring VanBuren, who arrived Monday morning and was part of a check presentation to the school.

Besides their many local projects, N.C. DAR members also support the North Carolina Gibson Chapel and students of the Tamasee DAR School in Tamassee, South Carolina, and the North Carolina Period Room of the national headquarters in Washington.

Salisbury DAR members making the Crossnore trip included Sandy Czuba, regent of the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter; Jane Smith-Steinberg; Penny Sides; Linda Davis; Judi Crook; Dianne Hall; Sherry Walls; Becky Albrecht; Trudy Hall; Caron Meyers; Kim Edds; and Peggy Norris.

Crossnore School & Children’s Home is a nonprofit organization that provides residential foster care for children in crisis. It serves ages 1 to 21 and has locations in Crossnore, Winston-Salem and Hendersonville.

The organization’s mission is to provide “a sanctuary of hope and healing for children.” The Winston-Salem and Crossnore campuses offer on-site residential care, trauma-based clinical services, and a variety of extracurricular and enrichment activities.

Dating back to 1898, the Elizabeth Maxwell Steele Chapter of the DAR is the state’s second-oldest. North Carolina has more than 100 chapters in eight districts.

The Salisbury chapter is named after one of Rowan County’s famed patriots, Elizabeth Maxwell Steele (1733-1791).

The local DAR members provide a variety of community services. This past Friday, they baked and distributed cookies at Rowan County law enforcement agencies and fire stations.

From 8:30 to 10:30 every Tuesday morning, DAR members act as servers for military veterans who attend the Frontier Coffee Shop, now held at Salisbury’s K&W Cafeteria.

“We are an active organization with a focus on promoting patriotism, preserving American and local history, and supporting education for our children,” according to a website description for the chapter.