Archives

Just because Kevin Williams's business plans seem to fall into place doesn’t mean you have no chance of starting a successful business. Each tub must stand on its own bottom. So you must put faith in your own business plan, not allowing the ideal circumstances of others to dampen your zeal to start a business. Kevin’s father is a computer programmer. His mother taught homeschoolers. Kevin dropped out of political science at Furman University. He then interned for South Caroli

A busy section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will soon be widened to 16 feet, creating two dedicated 8-foot lanes: one for cyclists and one for pedestrians. The city has designated the section between Unity Park and Linky Stone Park. The City’s Planning Commission unanimously approved a stormwater variance, moving it along for City Council review. The variance was needed based on the trail’s proximity to the Reedy River. Engineering models showed the improvements would not impact

Church Street in downtown Greenville has been reopened to traffic for some time, but today was my first time really taking it in. The $30 million completion is reassuring, showing that the city fathers are alert and responsive to local needs. Now the economic boost can continue its robust progress because downtown traffic jams have eased, say traffic experts. Engineers say the objective was to ensure safety for the 26,000 to 38,000 motorists driving through downtown Greenvill

For the first time, I walked into the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery Store at 205 Cedar Lane Road yesterday. I was so enthralled by the richness and variety of their food selection that I walked away from my classic cane and didn’t remember leaving it there until last night. All night I fretted over my lost cane, wondering if I would ever find it again. First thing this morning, I called the cafe and left a voicemail. I was surprised to receive a text quickly asking how they co

Cranking up a restaurant from scratch is not a cakewalk. Now that Eddie Marini, his wife, and three children have paid their dues in full, their new restaurant, called The Mason Jar, plans to stay in downtown Greer. When Marini opened the restaurant in 2022, people used to walk by. He got busy remodeling the front, adding large TV screens, enhancing the menu, and increasing staff. OWNER, EDDIE MARINI Customers started entering the restaurant in ever-increasing streams. Income

It seems that way too many people have dementia. According to the CDC, 11% of people older than 65 have dementia. That’s 1 in 9 people. Some people experience that their mother and two siblings are afflicted with this widespread disease. What could be more personal than that? Happily, the seven other siblings have no signs of cognitive loss. Many are, therefore, caring for loved ones while also practicing prevention. What can a soul do for loved ones? And what are the best p

Value Beyond the Invoice: True market value includes reliability, transparency, and ethical sourcing When doing business, you remember the people who treat you right with honesty and courtesy. Take, for example, the simple task of putting different-sized tires on your vehicle. COLE WATSON & TIMOTHY FOSTER A merchant could stretch the truth to make a few dollars for installing and balancing tires, or he could truthfully tell a customer he would not be pleased driving his vehic

The word is out: Shaquille O’Neal is an ambassador of goodwill for the NBA. Years after retiring from the League, Shaq remains in touch with fans everywhere. Goodwill gestures are widespread, but in Atlanta, you run into real-life beneficiaries of his largesse. While visiting my sister, Dr. Lula Reams, in Atlanta, she called a friend over to meet us. Exuberant Juanita Simmons warmly greeted all with a smile and worked the room like a seasoned pro. When we asked about Shaq’s r

Estate sales are alive and well in the Upstate. Dozens of active liquidation companies and dozens of weekend events occur across the area at any given time. BRUCE IDGINTON, RUNS THE SHOW Rapid growth, a large number of retirees, and people downsizing mean sales occur almost every weekend. JACKIE IDGINTO HAS A REASON TO SMILE, SALES ARE SUCH FUN Check us out for locations near you. WhatsUpNews.online. ANTIQUE TRUNKS ARE RARE One house sold soon after it was listed. What could

The inductees include the Rev. Jesse Jackson (posthumously), founder of Rainbow PUSH Coalition; Ray Lattimore, President/CEO, Marketplace Professional Staffing; Reginald B. McKnight, Esq., Global Head of Community Development & Engagement at Google; and Susan Stall, community volunteer. These trailblazers will join inductees from previous classes. Each year, PWCC honors outstanding community leaders and celebrates 107 years of service in the Upstate. The public is warmly invi

Marshal Charlott, a Prince lookalike, will light up the PWCC with his interactive, intimate, and highly entertaining show, the ultimate xperience and tribute to PRINCE. Buy your tickets now for Monday, October 12, at 7 PM at the PWCC at 335 Greenacre Rd., Greenville, SC. Marshall Charloff’s pedigree includes fronting the greatest Prince tribute show in the world, playing keys with the Atlanta Rhythm Section, writing for and producing the Commodores, and being featured on guit

Longtime receptionist with a ready smile for all, Ms Rhonda Thompson has retired from the Phillis Wheatley Center. She always greeted others with a warm smile. Her joy was contagious, say colleagues and guests. Ms Rhonda brought warmth and life to the building, touching countless lives. She was always willing to lend a hand and listen to others’ concerns, lifting their spirits. If you were in central casting for the silver screen, Rhonda’s natural role would be everyone’s fav

Converse University announces four new members to its Board of Trustees. They are Nakia Martin Alexander, Walter Goldsmith, Cary Perkins, and Ann Richardson. Nakia Martin Alexander Nakia Martin Alexander is a distinguished federal law enforcement, fraud, and compliance executive who currently serves as the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. Alexander brings to Converse a wealth of executive leadershi

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is launching GSP Change for Good, a new charitable giving initiative that transforms coins tossed into the airport’s fountains into donations for local nonprofit organizations. Recent coin collections from GSP’s fountains totaled more than $3,000, providing the initial funding for the program. Going forward, every coin tossed into a fountain will help support future charitable donations. Each year, GSP will partner with local

My wife and I attended a Ray Charles concert at the Peace Center many years ago. We were excited to listen to the master. Imagine our surprise when a lone man, accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, no pips, Raylettes, or dancers, confidently walked center stage and just stood there for a minute. JOSH WHITE JR. It was clear that he didn’t hesitate because of stage fright or butterflies. This strategic pause raised anticipation. I cannot speak for others, but we certainly won

The National Weather Service warns that the heat index could rise to 106 today. High humidity and high temperatures could push the index to a record high, the NWS said. The leading weather expert has offices in Greenville and Spartanburg. Safety tips: stay hydrated, limit activities outdoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, never leave children and pets unattended in vehicles,

Even casual observers are quick to say there is a reason the Hispanic Alliance of the Upstate is the largest group of its kind in the Upstate, and it is also the fastest-growing by a large margin. DEBBRA ALVARADO, HOST Elite leadership cannot be ignored. The depth of its programs is unmatched. Look for yourself. Debbra Alvarado is the director of Programs. She displays the range of her skills and grasp of details when she conducts public meetings like the one today at South F

Real life can be more inspiring than fiction and fantasies. The Odyssey of flesh-and-blood contemporary cannot be denied. The history of Latonya Littlejohn, affectionately called Tonya, stands in stark contrast to myths and instills far more inspiration, pound for pound, than legends. The bleak and painful birth of Tonya Littlejohn on January 24, 1979, in Rock Hill, York County, S.C., and the determined actions of this victim of birth defects prove that no one has to be capti

Taylor residents woke up Sunday to find two massive trees down at the corner of Scottswood Rd and Dover Dr in Taylors, across the street from the Recreation Pavilion. Experts often point to soggy soil and high winds due to thunderstorms as the cause of the fallen trees. Still, credit is due to the prompt removal service from Greenville County. Thanks to an alert supervisor and responsive crews, local residents no longer have canceled plans for their Sunday morning.

The secret is out. Just stroll through this 640-acre nonprofit-owned Wildlife Sanctuary minutes from Downtown Greenville and discover how popular this calming trail is. Visitors report spotting deer, ducks, turtles, hawks, and other animals and birds that form a biodiverse community of wildlife. A few decades ago, this was a polluted and therefore unwanted property. But careful planning, design, and architecture have resulted in a network of over 13 trails, boardwalks, and 11