Latest news with #SpartanburgCounty
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Early voting in Spartanburg's GOP primary: Here's what to know
Early voting is underway in the Spartanburg County Republican Party primary for two November 4 special elections. Nine Republican candidates are in the mix to become Spartanburg County's next sheriff: Robert Cheeks, Andy Clark, Rusty Clevenger, Adam Crisp, Nick Duncan, Randy Hollifield, Joseph Pilato, Bill Rhyne, Ric Stephens The winner of the GOP primary will run unopposed. Meanwhile, there are six candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Spartanburg County Council District 3: Paul Abbott, Bryan Alverson, Tim Burrell, Caylus Goodson, Jason Lynch, and Stephen Mathis. The primary winner in the county council race will take on Democrat Kathryn Harvey and Forward Party candidate Sarah Gonzalez. The Republican Party primary will be held on August 5. But eligible voters may cast their ballot ahead of time – from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday until August 1 – at the Spartanburg County Administration Building, located at 366 North Church Street. More: Spartanburg sheriff candidates offer views on diversity hiring, ICE enforcement Voting is taking place in Conference Room 1. 'It's very important to note that this location is upstairs and voters should park on the Church Street side of the administration building, entering through the main entrance near the flagpoles,' said John Baucom, Director of Spartanburg County Voter Registration and Elections. Voters should bring a valid photo ID, Baucom said. He also encourages voters to visit to verify their address and review a sample ballot. The special election for Spartanburg County Sheriff follows the May 23 resignation of former Sheriff Chuck Wright amid controversy. Wright had been in office for more than 20 years. Jeffery Stephens is currently serving as interim sheriff. The special election for Spartanburg County Council will fill the seat David Britt held since 1991. He resigned in May to take a position with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Early voting has begun in sheriff, county council GOP primaries Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican candidates for Spartanburg County Council seat taking part in public forum
Voters in Spartanburg County Council District 3 will have the opportunity on July 15 to learn more about the candidates on the Republican side of the race. The Spartanburg County Republican Party will host a candidates' forum at the Spartanburg School District 3 Community Auditorium on the campus of Broome High School. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. It is a ticketed event, though tickets can be acquired free of charge through the party. Six candidates are vying for the Republican nomination to replace David Britt, who served on the council since 1991. He resigned in May to take a position with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. District 3 encompasses much of the eastern portion of Spartanburg County. Here's a glimpse at who's running for the GOP nomination: Paul Abbott is a retired magistrate. In a video posted to his campaign Facebook page, he said he wants to hear voters' concerns 'about growth, about the road condition, about government transparency.' Abbott is a peach grower and has served on the South Carolina Peach Council. Bryan Alverson challenged Britt in 2024. He describes himself as a 'bold conservative' who will take aim at tax incentives to lure companies to the county while promoting private property rights and government transparency. In a video on his campaign Facebook page, Alverson charged that county leaders are not taking responsibility for roads and bridges in the county. The video is shot at a 'bridge out' sign on Cannons' Campground Road, which has been closed for more than a year for repairs to the bridge over Peter's Creek. 'I promise you that I will work my best to do something about properly allocating the funds to fix roads and bridges in Spartanburg County District 3 as your county councilman.' The South Carolina Department of Transportation is conducting the work to replace the bridge on Cannons Campground Road. Tim Burrell's Facebook page says he will bring change to the county. He wrote, 'Development has decimated local wildlife habitats and erased precious green spaces, replacing them with overcrowded housing … We have the power to choose a more environmentally conscious, sustainable and fulfilling path.' On his Facebook page, Caylus Goodson said he wants to balance economic growth with other community needs. 'We must ensure that Spartanburg remains competitive in attracting new businesses while also prioritizing an improved quality of life for all our residents,' he said. 'This means continued investment in our infrastructure, supporting local entrepreneurs, enhancing educational opportunities, and creating vibrant, safe communities where families can flourish.' Jason Lynch is the general counsel for OTO Development, which is part of the Spartanburg-based Johnson Group. His campaign website touts his plans to cut government waste, promote quality of life, provide funds for law enforcement and other first responders, and support responsible economic growth. Lynch's website adds: 'Spartanburg is on a roll—and I'm stepping up to help keep it that way.' Stephen Mathis challenged Britt for the District 3 seat in 2016. On Facebook, he said he's running for council 'because I believe it's time for no-nonsense leadership – leadership that stands for conservative growth and puts Spartanburg first.' In a video on the Facebook page, he said that at his farm, 'the home that I love, I feel like I'm in the eye of a hurricane – the roar of developments and traffic just constantly getting louder and louder.' More: Spartanburg county, city council members to resign, accept state positions Spartanburg County Republican Party chairman Frank Tiller said he's excited about the group running for the GOP nomination. 'It's a very diverse group – people from all walks of life – and that's a good thing for Spartanburg,' he said. The GOP primary will be held on Aug. 5. A special election will take place on Nov. 4. The winner of the Republican nomination will face Democrat Kathryn Harvey, a Spartanburg native and businesswoman, and Sarah Gonzalez, of the Forward Party. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Forum will feature Republican candidates for open county council seat
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg County sheriff: What to know
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright on allegations of misconduct. SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich confirmed that agents began investigating Wright's conduct in September 2024. More information will be forthcoming, she said. Attorney General Alan Wilson shared a letter he wrote on June 12 to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office saying Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer; use of official position for financial gain; obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit; and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. More: Interim sheriff says 'Operation Rolling Thunder' to be phased out; Wright's son resigns More: Decision to slash sheriff's salary assailed by county council critics, 'lack of foresight' Former Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Amos Durham could be facing a charge of breach of trust with fraudulent intent, according to the letter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Wright took a leave of absence on April 1 and resigned May 23 amid controversy, including allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright hiring his son. Durham stepped down from his role as chaplain on May 5. Wright was the sheriff for more than 21 years. He was first elected sheriff in November 2004. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg Sheriff Chuck Wright
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NAACP of Spartanburg County hosting forum for candidates running to replace Chuck Wright
Candidates for county sheriff will meet to discuss their platforms at an upcoming NAACP event. The Spartanburg County NAACP will host a Sheriff's Forum on July 15. The event will take place at the CC Woodson Community Center, 210 Bomar Ave., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will host candidates running for sheriff in Spartanburg County. Former Spartanburg County Councilman and NAACP County president, Michael Brown, will be the moderator for the event. Visitors will need tickets to enter. The tickets are free. Click here for tickets. Candidates are running to replace the previous sheriff, Chuck Wright, who resigned on May 23, following allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright's hiring of his son. On June 12, Attorney General Alan Wilson wrote a letter to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office saying Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer; use of official position for financial gain; obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit; and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division later confirmed an investigation into Wright. More: SLED confirms investigation into former Spartanburg County sheriff: What to know More: Former Spartanburg County sheriff, chaplain could face charges following SLED investigation More: Decision to slash sheriff's salary assailed by county council critics, 'lack of foresight' According to the NAACP, the following candidates have accepted an invitation to the forum. Adam Crisp Nick Duncan Rusty Clevenger Andy Clark Randy Hollifield Joseph Pilato Ric Stephens Bill Rhyne Robert J. Cheeks This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Spartanburg County NAACP forum to host sheriff candidates, what to know
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
Former Spartanburg County sheriff, chaplain could face charges following SLED investigation
Former Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright and the department's former chaplain are under investigation and may be facing multiple charges. According to a letter sent from Attorney General Alan Wilson to the Seventh Circuit Solicitor's Office, Wright could soon be charged with misconduct of a public officer, use of official position for financial gain, obtaining certain drugs, devices, preparations, or compounds by fraud or deceit, and breach of trust with fraudulent intent. Chaplain Amos Durham could be facing a charge of breach of trust with fraudulent intent. More: Interim sheriff says 'Operation Rolling Thunder' to be phased out; Wright's son resigns More: After 20 years, Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright resigns, interim leader named In a letter written on June 12 from Wilson's office, it outlined four potential charges investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division against Wright and one against Durham. The Spartanburg County Solicitor's Office asked to transfer Wright's possible prosecution due to conflicts of interest. According to the documents, the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, serving Anderson and Oconee counties, will handle the potential prosecution of the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. Wright resigned from the Sheriff's Office on May 23 amid controversy, including allegations of improper use of a county credit card, as well as an ethics investigation involving Wright's hiring of his son. Wright took a leave of absence on April 1, with reports being that he had checked into rehab. Durham stepped down from his role as chaplain on May 5. Wright was the sheriff for more than 21 years. He was first elected sheriff in November 2004. This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Ex Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright, chaplain could face charges
