Electrician Contractor in Powdersville, SC

Polls opened at 7 a.m. this morning for primary voting for statewide races, some Anderson County Council districts and several other elected offices.

Check back here for up-to-date results in all the Anderson area elections as the polls close Tuesday night.

Polls had technical issues at a few polling locations throughout the morning, election director Laura Booth said.

"Clerks get very anxious and nervous, letting their nerves get the best of them. When this happens we try to talk them through their issues but we also have polling location technicians we deploy as well," Booth said in an email.

A few poll workers had to move around to fill vacancies. "Overall, we struggle with finding dependable people who will work," she said.

North Pointe Elementary School, which had two precincts in the gym, had a steady stream of voters when polls opened. The Piercetown precinct had nine voters by 7:15 a.m. in a precinct with 2,419 registered voters.

"I always vote, I believe in our democratic process," Kenney said. "I believe in the importance of us having a voice and exercising our constitutional rights."

She said she would like to see a focus on education from new leaders.

Growing up, Layton Barnwell said he heard people say voting doesn't matter, but his family always encouraged him to do his part.

"I'd like to see a lot of younger people get out and actually want to be a part of the political parties and stuff," Barnwell said after casting his vote at the school.

One of two computers was down at the Concrete precinct at Concrete Primary School in Powdersville, a poll worker said, which affected checking in voters but did not interrupt the pace. By noon, 124 voters had cast ballots in an area with 34,027 registered voters.

Ken Smith was standing outside the precinct before heading to Pickens to cast his vote. He’s happy with the local level of leadership, he said, but is looking for change nationally.

“It’s important who’s going to run this country,” Smith said. “This country needs a change.”

Denver Sandy-Springs precinct poll worker Jim Rodriguez said their precinct had some technical issues 10 minutes before 7 a.m. while some voters were lined up. Two poll workers also did not show up, he said, but everyone has been able to vote despite the early challenges. Eight voters had come to cast their ballots at the polling location by 7:55 a.m. Tuesday.

In Powdersville, at the Concrete precinct at Concrete Primary School, one of two computers was down, a poll worker said, which affected checking in voters but did not interrupt the pace.

124 voters had voted by noon in an area with 34,027 registered voters.

Ken Smith was standing outside the precinct before heading to Pickens to cast his vote.

“It’s important who’s going to run this country,” Smith said. “This country needs a change.”

He’s happy with the local level of leadership he said but looking for change nationally.

Here's what you need to know before you vote:

2022 voter guide

Where to vote

To find your individual polling place using your name and birthdate, visit scvotes.gov.

Sarah Sheridan is the community reporter in Anderson. She'd appreciate your help telling important stories; reach her at ssheridan@gannett.com or on twitter @saralinasher.

INMAN — Chapman came into Wednesday's Class AAA Upper State baseball championship needing to win one game of the double-elimination tournament. After falling to visiting Powdersville in the first matchup, the Panthers bounced back to clinch their spot in the state championship with a 9-2 win.

"I didn't see any quit in their eyes when they were down 2-0, and then Johann (Rodriguez), who's been huge for us all playoffs long coming through in big situations, did again right there to make it even," said Chapman coach Steven Fusaro. "When Johann and then Hudson (Moss) came through for us, it just ignited a confidence in everybody else on this team."

It didn't always look like the night would have a happy ending for Chapman, which entered 5-0 in the postseason. After a back-and-forth first game that the Patriots won, it looked as if the tournament could go either way. That is until Ricky Montalvo got on the mound for Chapman to start Game 2.

Montalvo, the Panthers' ace who's committed to play at Newberry, was able to hold the Patriots to two earned runs in his complete-game outing. Though Fusaro had hoped to hold Montalvo for the state championship series opener against Oceanside Collegiate on Saturday, falling in the first game forced his hand.

More on Chapman's playoff run:Chapman baseball gets revenge in dominant playoff performance, led by ace Ricky Montalvo

"When you get to this point, you're playing to win a state championship. We knew that we had a great player waiting in the wings if we didn't get that first game," Fusaro said. "And when we didn't, Rick went out there and did what he does. Big Pitch Rick came in and just gave us an absolute gem."

"My goal was to go out there and dominate," Montalvo said. "I knew my defense would make plays, and ... I trust them so much, when I go up there, my mentality is to throw strikes and let my defense work behind me."

Though Montalvo's arm put the Panthers in a good position, the bats of junior catcher Johann Rodriquez and sophomore outfielder Hudson Moss put the game over the top for Chapman.

"When we went down 2-0, I remember the first thought in my head was, 'I'm not going to let this be the last ball game I play with this group of seniors,' who I'm really close with," Rodriquez said. "I'm excited that I was able to come up big for them, excited I was able to come up big in that situation and give us a chance to eventually win the game."

That's exactly what Rodriquez did, when he tied the score at 2 before the ball really started rolling Chapman's way. They took the lead and never looked back after Moss hit a two-RBI double off the top of the fence — barely missing out on a homer — to put the Panthers ahead 4-2.

"I'm just speechless, man," Moss said. "I don't even remember what the at-bat was like. I was so excited to see the ball hit off the fence. I don't remember anything. I'm just so happy for this team."

Chapman will take on Oceanside Collegiate on Saturday at Shipyard Park outside of Charleston in Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

Staff Writer in 1984

This story was originally published in September 1984.

Carey D. Burriss Jr., 34, sat in a jury pool in the main courtroom of the Anderson County Courthouse all week in September of 1984.

"When I stood in the front of the courtroom and the (lawyers) had to consider me, I was ready for them to say, 'No,'" he said.

"There was a pause, and I was about ready to raise my cane and tell them I could see with my ears. But when I heard them both say, 'Seat the juror,' it was like a dream had been realized."

Burriss and court officials said they believe he's the first blind person to serve on a jury in state history.

"I felt proud. At that moment, all that work by the federation, all the letters and correspondence with elected officials became worth it," Burriss said.

Legislation removing the jury duty exemption for blind people became state law June 20, 1984.

"It's been a great experience, and I think I may have shown some people what a blind person is capable of doing," Burriss said.

Burriss served on two juries, one for a trial in absence, in which the defendant was not present, and the other for a trial of driving under the influence. The jury returned a guilty verdict in both cases.

Burriss, an employee of the Clemson University horticulture department, is president of the 16-member Anderson chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

He learned earlier in the week that his selection for jury duty "could result in a first."

"I knew he was the first blind juror we've had in Anderson County, and found out today he was the first in the state," Anderson Clerk of Court Jimmy Burdette said. "From everything I've been told, he did a fine job."

Assistant 10th Circuit Solicitor David Hoffman, who prosecuted one of the cases in which Burriss was a juror, said he "had no qualms about seating him" on the jury.

"There may be some cases in which visual evidence is presented where a blind person might be at a disadvantage," Hoffman said. "In a situation like that, I suppose the handicap would have to be taken into consideration. But the cases were such that there was no problem."

Presiding Circuit Judge Joseph R. Moss, a former state Supreme Court Chief Justice, agreed that there were "cases in which being able to view evidence or the demeanor of a defendant would be important.

"But there are also cases when a blind person might be able to pick up on something that a sighted person can't," Moss said

"We've been fighting for this for a long time," Burriss said after being discharged from the second case.

Burriss, who also serves on the state board of the Federation for the Blind, said he was "actively involved" in the lobbying effort that resulted in the legislation removing the jury-duty exemption for the blind.

Blinded by a ricocheting bullet in an accident 16 years ago, Burriss said he has learned to accept living with total blindness.

"I have learned to see with my ears," Burriss said.

"Serving on a jury is something that we should have been able to do years ago," he said. "I know that now. It's a shame we have to fight so hard to show people we can do these things.

"I believe a blind person must take the initiative and show that they're capable of doing certain things. When you show you can do something, you're more likely to be accepted."

"We haven't been given many chances, but the public is beginning to see the light. There are other things I want to do. I'm glad to have ben a pioneer as a juror."

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - James Island Pitcher/Catcher Hogan Garner was named the 4-A player of the year in South Carolina by the state’s coaches association on Friday.

Garner has hit .463 this season with 6 homers and 38 RBI while also going 6-0 with 1 save and 45 K’s in 36.1 innings of work on the mound.

Berkeley’s Miller McGuire and Summerville’s PJ Morlando were among the Lowcountry players honored as Region Players of the year as well.

The complete list of All-State teams are listed below.

*Bolded names were Region Players of the Year

*Classification Players of the Year listed at the bottom

AAAAA All-State

Zac Cowan-Blythewood

Jay Dillard-TL Hanna

Braeden Harrison-Dorman

Tristan Smith-Boiling Springs

Beau Hollins-River Bluff

Luke Janack-Carolina Forest

Miller McGuire-Berkeley

PJ Morlando-Summerville

Ben Lumsden-JL Mann

Garrett Fulmer-Spartanburg

Adams Faucett-Dorman

Connnor Rasmussen-Fort Mill

Mathieu Curtis-Fort Mill

Caleb McCants-Blythewood

John Rollings-Blythewood

Davis Wright-Blythewood

Alex Nevils-Blythewood

Walker Mitchell-River Bluff

Todd Hudson-River Bluff

Nathan Hall-Lexington

Cole Long-Lexington

Kevin Samonsky-Dutch Fork

Josh McCusker-Carolina Forest

Nolan Alexander-Carolina Forest

Ryder Manale-Wando

Jackson Proctor-Berkeley

Chase Stryker-Ashley Ridge

Thayer Tavormina-Summerville

AAAA All-State Team

Noah Robinson-Westside

Mavis Graves-Eastside

Harrison Wilson-Catawba Ridge

Shane Keup-Dreher

Grant Loggins-AC Flora

John Allen Forrester-Airport

Cam Canarella-Hartsville

Hogan Garner-James Island

Jake McCoy-Catawba Ridge

David Mershon-Eastside

Chance Hall-North Myrtle Beach

Keillor Osbon-James Island

Jake Sears-AC Flora

Aydin Palmer-South Florence

Trevor Testerman-Catawba Ridge

Max Branham-Lugoff Elgin

Owen French-James Island

Ellijah Tiller-Greenwood

Julian Scott-Irmo

Brody Fowler-Eastside

AAA All-State Team

Jacob McGovern-Seneca

Eli Hudgins-Powdersville

Wilson Wages-Clinton

Michael Lindler-Mid-Carolina

Skyler King-Brookland-Cayce

Landon DeLavan-Lakewood

T.J. Anderson-Aynor

Jackson Sobel-Oceanside Collegiate

Harrison Crawford-Belton-Honaea Path

Brody Conn-Daniel

Gavin Troyer-Powdersville

AJ Cammarota-Blue Ridge

Ricky Montalvo-Chapman

Jeb Dawson-Broome

Jace Martin-Mid-Carolina

BJ Etheridge-Brookland-Cayce

Ty Marshall-Brookland-Cayce

Drew Johnson-Strom Thurmond

Trey Bright-Lake City

Michael Norris-Marlboro County

Carson Krasula-Aynor

Hampton Spires-Aynor

Andrew Bowers-Oceanside Collegiate

Aryan Patel-Hanahan

AA All- State Team

Ty Price-Abbeville

Jesse Bowers-Landrum

Peyton Starkey-Gray Collegiate

Kyle Percival-Andrew Jackson

Jerry Sanders-Barnwell

Jake Herndon-Woodland

Jakobe Sims-Marion High School

Payne Davis-Ninety Six

Cade LInker-Crescent

Trent Delgado-Abbeville

Jacky Murphy-St. Joseph’s

Kolby Capps-Blacksburg

Brent Stukes-Gray Collegiate

Cade Bouknight-B-L

Ashton Phillips-Andrew Jackson

Landon Peavy-Andrew Jackson

Brody Sanders-Buford

Toby Troutman-Woodland

Grayson Mitchell-Philip Simmons

Surarian Harrison-Woodland

Tripp Williams-Philip Simmons

Coton Starling-Chesterfield

Collin Minshew-Latta

Dylan Shelley-Latta

A All-State Team

Khalil Tolson-Southside Christian

Seth Morrow-Lewisville

Jarrett Wooten-Williston-Elko

Kyler Odom-East Clarendon

Colby Thorndyke-Green Sea-Floyds

Logan King-Charleston Math & Science

Van Herrington-Low Country Leadership

Bubba Lytle-Branchville

Carson Boleman-Southside Christian

Dalton Stroud-Green Sea-Floyds

Jace Avant-Johnsonville

Zack Hunt-Lake View

Wes Ard-East Clarendon

Jordan Gibson-Ridge Spring-Monetta

Jonathan Looper-Branchville

Nelson Vaughan-Southside Christian

Zander Poston-Hannah-Pamplico

Ben Coyle-Lewisville

Brandon Hershberger-Dixie

Cason English-Whitmire

All Classifications POY - Tristan Smith-Boiling Springs

5A POY-Zac Coward-Blythewood

4A POY-Hogan Garner-James Island

3A POY-Jacob McGovern-Seneca

2A-POY-Kyle Percival-Andrew Jackson

1A POY-Colby Thorndyke-Green Sea-Floyds

Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.

The Greenville News is providing this important information about the winter storm free of charge. Please remember that your subscription to The News helps us provide this and other important journalism. Thank you for reading, and please consider buying a subscription. For information, visit greenvillenews.com/subscribe.

A blanket of snow covered the Greenville area Sunday as the area's biggest winter storm in years continued to blow into the evening.

State transportation and emergency officials warned Sunday night of overnight freezes and black ice with the risk for drivers into Monday morning.

Monday update:Bad road conditions greet Upstate drivers as weather alerts warn drivers off roads

More than five inches of snow accumulated Sunday in parts of the city — the most since 4.3 inches fell near Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport on Dec. 8 to 9, 2018.

The National Weather Service reported eight inches of snow in parts of northern Greenville County and that Sunday's storm broke the daily maximum snowfall record with 6.5". The previous record of 5.7" was set in 1965.

Most roads in the area were snow-covered and hazardous. The city of Greenville reported "dozens" of temporarily stranded motorists, and a post on Twitter from the city's verified account said more than 20 cars had spun out on the Church Street bridge downtown.

More than 30,000 people across the Upstate were without power by noon.

There were 5.5 inches of snow reported in the Paris Mountain and Sans Souci areas of Greenville.

More than 5 inches accumulated in Taylors near Eastside High School, and the total was about the same in Powdersville.

Most of the snow accumulation had already occurred by 9 a.m., according to Chris Horne, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Travel on area roads was expected to remain treacherous into Monday.

Flights into and out of Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport were cancelled.

Road conditions:SC winter storm: Road conditions are bad and deteriorating, according to Highway Patrol

More:Thousands across the Upstate are without power as snow and sleet continue to fall

Overnight, at 3:03 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service reported snowfall rates of more than an inch per hour across the Upstate and Western North Carolina.

Higher amounts accumulated north of Interstate 85 while areas to the southeast got more sleet and freezing rain.

Temperatures were forecast to fall into the upper 20s across the Upstate Sunday night.

Check back for more on this developing story.

– Reach reporter Alexis Hamilton at ahamilton@greenvillenews.com or 864-404-7487 and on Twitter @producedbylex.