Two fatal traffic incidents occurred in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties over the Christmas holiday. On Dec. 24, a motorcyclist was killed in Spartanburg County after an SUV collided with him. The following day, a driver died in Greenville County after his car struck a tree. Both incidents are under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Aran USA, a manufacturer of sustainable liquid packaging solutions, is investing $4 million to expand its Greer facility, doubling production capacity and creating 18 new jobs over the next two years. The expansion will add approximately 16,000 square feet and enable Aran USA to double its production lines and capacity. The project is expected to be completed in July 2026. Aran USA's parent company, Aran Group, is headquartered in Israel and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, operating production facilities across three continents.
The Greenville County Council has approved a $10 million General Obligation Bond Request to fund the construction of a new landfill cell at the county's Twin Chimneys solid waste facility. The council also approved six additional ordinances and a resolution, including a land transfer and a commitment to match a $1 million Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant from the National Park Service. Five zoning ordinances were also approved.
Greenville County Schools renamed its security center in honor of fallen officer, Sgt. William Conley Jumper, Jr. Jumper died five years ago on Oct. 20, 2020, while conducting a traffic stop. He served in the Sheriff's Office for 28 years, including 10 years in the School Enforcement Division.
Habitat for Humanity of Greenville and Laurens County is celebrating 40 years of service in the community, having built over 430 homes and completed more than 330 home preservation projects. The organization has set a goal of raising $400,000 for its anniversary year. It has several projects planned, including an annual Dinner on Ice fundraising event and an anniversary build in December.
The Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit arrested three individuals on a variety of drug charges. Kaleb J. Merritt, 29, was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine 400g or more. Bryan A. Rios Flores, 24, was charged with Trafficking Cocaine 400g or more. Gerardo Magana Mora, 27, was charged with Trafficking Cocaine 400g or more.
Irby Jarrard Watkins was arrested on Sept. 4, 2025, following an investigation by the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (GCMDEU). Over 20 pounds of marijuana and over 500 grams of fentanyl were seized.
A feral kitten, fox and raccoon have tested positive for rabies in separate incidents across the state, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The animals were found in Greenville, Kershaw and Anderson counties, respectively. Three people and eight dogs were exposed to the animals and will be quarantined. So far this year, there have been 70 cases of rabid animals reported statewide.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 50-year-old Kerry Don Penwell following an investigation into fraudulent construction practices. Penwell, owner of Kasted Design Group, allegedly accepted more than $260,000 from a residential construction company to complete electrical work on multiple projects, but has only completed approximately $15,000 worth of work since May 2024. Additionally, investigators discovered that Kasted Design Group was not licensed to perform electrical work, only holding a license to install burglary alarms. Penwell was charged with Breach of Trust and Unlawful Practice of a Regulated Profession.
The Greer Heritage Museum is celebrating Museum Week from Aug. 23-29 with a range of events. A free History & Donuts event kicks off the week. Throughout the week, several local restaurants will donate a percentage of their sales to the museum, and the week will conclude with a surprise announcement from the museum.
