Two women and one child were found dead in a house fire in Greer, South Carolina. The fire occurred at 9:30 p.m. on April 2, and the Boiling Springs Fire Department responded to the scene. The identities of the victims have not been released, and the case remains an active investigation.
The City of Greer has 15 capital projects underway, including the Sports and Events Center, Public Safety Training Center, Groce Meadow Fire Department, Downtown Parking Garage, South Tyger River Greenway Trail, and Wards Creek Trail. The largest project is the Sports and Events Center, which is on track to be completed by 2027. The Public Safety Training Center is expected to be the first to be completed, with a predicted end date in late April. The Groce Meadow Fire Department is in the planning phase, while the Downtown Parking Garage is on hold as the city discusses continued development. The South Tyger River Greenway Trail is expected to be completed by June 13, while the Wards Creek Trail is in the planning stage with no set completion date.
The city of Greer celebrated its 150th anniversary with a community gathering that featured a vintage car show, history programs, live performances, local vendors, and circus acts. The event was held in partnership with the Greer Heritage Museum, which hosted a live Greer150 Radio Show and had booths telling different stories of Greer's history. The celebration was followed by a laser light show, and the city still has many events planned for the sesquicentennial year.
The Greer Relief & Resources Agency is hosting its annual Neighborhood Breakfast on Thursday, March 26, at the Bonds Career Center. The event will feature testimonials from neighbors whose lives have been positively impacted by Greer Relief. Attendees will also learn more about the organization's programs and discover ways to get involved through volunteering, giving and community partnerships. Additionally, Greer Relief will present its 2nd Annual Good Neighbor Award, recognizing an individual who goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The City of Greer Fire Department is mourning the death of Lieutenant Taylor Graham, a dedicated firefighter, leader and public servant who died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was known for his professionalism, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to both his fellow firefighters and the community he served. Funeral arrangements have been announced.
The Greenville County Council has approved a potential Fee in Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement with United Composite Materials LLC and Hankuk Composites US Inc. on its second reading. The company plans to create 50 new jobs and invest $10 million in the county. The item will be heard once more before final approval. The council also heard several zoning ordinances, and the first reading of an ordinance to issue and sell up to $2 million of general obligation bonds to the Donaldson Center Fire Service Area.
The city of Greer is celebrating its 150th birthday in March with a variety of events, including live music, food and performances. The Greer Farmers Market will host a Celtic Market, and the City of Greer Parks, Recreation & Tourism department will host an early Easter event with free activities. The main event will be the Greer 150 Big Bash, featuring living history demonstrations, local vendors, live performances and a vintage car show.
Jonathan Wade Sumter, 54, of Greer, has been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs of over $1.8 million. Sumter and two accomplices submitted false applications on behalf of sham companies and split the proceeds. Jason Elijah Sumter was sentenced to three years in prison, and Gerothia McCullough was sentenced to 12 months. The defendants were ordered to pay restitution, with Sumter ordered to pay $1,802,741.
The Greer Police Department is investigating a report of animal cruelty after a woman's cat was allegedly tortured and killed by a group of juveniles. The cat, named Ginger, was allegedly stolen in late February, and its deceased body was returned to the owner's residence in March. The police department's Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the matter.
Girl Scout cookie season is underway in Greer, and there are several booths scheduled to take place over the next two weekends. Booths will be located at various locations, including Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Barnyard Flea Market, Dancer's Corner, Lowes Food, Lowes Hardware, Wag-n-Wash, Wendy's, Torrid and more. Booths will be open at various times, so be sure to check the schedule to find a location that works for you.
