Newberry County Honors Local Heroes and Discusses Zoning Ordinances at Recent Council Meeting

Newberry County Celebrates Community Achievements and Adjusts Ordinances

NEWBERRY COUNTY — Last week’s County Council meeting was filled with recognition and discussion that really brought the community spirit to life. The gathering was a platform not just for policy-making but also for celebrating the hardworking individuals who make Newberry County a great place to live.

Honoring Dedicated Service

Among the highlights of the meeting was the heartfelt recognition of some important figures in the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. Mary (Rachel) Cleveland was celebrated for her 10 years of dedicated service. A proud moment, she was pictured smiling alongside County Administrator Jeff Shacker, with appreciation evident in every glance.

Meanwhile, William Claytor received commendation for his impressive 15 years of service, further solidifying the commitment of the Sheriff’s Office to the community. It’s always encouraging to see those who work hard and serve so faithfully acknowledged in such public forums.

Adding to the spirit of service, Elizabeth Folk was honored for her remarkable 45 years of service to Newberry County. That’s a lifetime of contributions that deserve a big round of applause! The community is undoubtedly grateful for all the years of hard work and dedication.

Community Discussions and Ordinance Updates

The meeting wasn’t just about honoring service, it included important discussions about local ordinances. The County Council reviewed a draft ordinance concerning the keeping of chickens as a conditional use in residential zoning districts. Jeff Shacker explained that they aim to “capture the essence” of what it means to have backyard chickens while also ensuring that it doesn’t disrupt the neighborhood vibe.

The draft included some suggested provisions, with Councils considering a limit of 18 hens per property, which they are able to keep as long as certain conditions are met—including the size and placement of enclosures. Councilman Les Hipp expressed his view that there was “a lot of good, thoughtful time put towards this,” reflecting the Council’s efforts to be fair to everyone in the community. While no action was taken on the ordinance during this meeting, it’s clear that local leaders are focused on the well-being of residents.

Exciting Developments for Community Projects

In other exciting news, the Council unanimously approved a bid for hazardous material removal services as part of the Old Gallman School Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) initiative. The lowest bid of $168,775 came from Neo Corporation—a move that will utilize funds provided by the state legislator to ensure safe removal of hazardous materials and roof repairs. Thanks to these financial provisions, the Thriving Communities Foundation will manage these funds, demonstrating community collaboration at its finest.

Additionally, a proposal for arborist services in Lynch’s Woods was approved, with DendroDiagnostics, Inc. being awarded the contract. This move is funded by a grant from the South Carolina Forestry Commission Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program, showing how commitment to both nature and community safety go hand in hand.

A Month to Celebrate Manufacturing

The meeting also witnessed the reading of a proclamation declaring October as Manufacturing Month in Newberry County. It was said that Newberry County has one of the largest manufacturing workforces in South Carolina, contributing to over 27% of the workforce—substantially higher than the state and national averages.

In just the last decade, this thriving area has seen the welcome of 13 new manufacturing companies that have together invested more than $726 million and created approximately 1,690 new jobs. Existing companies have also expanded more than 18 times within the same period, creating over 510 new jobs with investments exceeding $241 million.

With so much positivity happening in Newberry County, it’s clear that the blend of service recognition, community planning, and economic growth makes this a vibrant hub worth celebrating.