Wedding & Event Venue in Greenwood, SC

Photo Courtesy: SC Lakes.info

LAKE GREENWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Two people are dead and two others injured after a boating accident on Lake Greenwood.

According to the SC Department of Natural Resources, officers responded to a boating collision involving two vessels.

An Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat carrying two others.

The operator of the Yamaha boat has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence (BUI).

SCDNR says the operator of the Yamaha, 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware III, was found to be under the influence following a field sobriety evaluation. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Photo Courtesy: Laurens County Detention Center

In a press release, SCDNR also says it wants to address the situation and what it calls false reports, saying,

“Preliminary findings indicate that an Alumacraft jon boat, carrying five individuals, was traveling on the water when it was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two occupants. Two passengers on board the Alumacraft were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger was ejected into the water but was quickly rescued by responding officers and sustained no serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was transported to the hospital and has since been released. The Alumacraft vessel had fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the incident.”

“We also want to address misinformation circulating regarding this incident. Contrary to false reports, our officers were not pursuing the Yamaha vessel at the time of the collision. Our officers were stationary on the water conducting proactive safety operations when they observed the Yamaha traveling without proper navigation lights. As officers prepared to initiate a vessel stop, the Yamaha collided with the Alumacraft. Blue lights had not been activated, and no pursuit had begun.

Our officers witnessed the collision and immediately rendered life-saving aid. They also took swift action to prevent the at-fault operator from fleeing the scene.”

According to SCDNR, the incident remains under investigation. The names of others involved has not yet been released.

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VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC are proud to announce a strategic partnership to launch Greenwood, S.C. as the pilot community for a groundbreaking initiative focused on municipal sustainability and resiliency planning. This forward-thinking collaboration brings together local leadership and state-level expertise to chart a path toward a more resilient, environmentally sustainable and economically vibrant future for Greenwood.

As a nonprofit committed to Greenwood’s future, VisionGreenwood has spent the last two decades investing in community and workforce development initiatives that support economic prosperity and quality of life. Their leadership and deep local ties make Greenwood the ideal launch point for this pilot. As the first municipality to participate in this pilot, Greenwood will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts, including the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University and various programs offered through state agencies such as the South Carolina Office of Resilience. Together, these partners will help guide the creation of a comprehensive sustainability roadmap tailored to Greenwood’s unique strengths and opportunities.

“Greenwood is the natural starting point for this important work,” said Dr. Cynthia Davis, Senior Vice President of Commerce for Sustain SC. “The community is known for its collaborative spirit and forward momentum. With the leadership of VisionGreenwood, this pilot will serve as a model for other communities across South Carolina looking to align sustainability with economic growth and community well-being.”

“This is a powerful opportunity to shape Greenwood’s future with intention,” said Kay Self, Executive Director of VisionGreenwood. “By working with Sustain SC and tapping into the expertise of partners like the Shi Institute and the SC Office of Resilience, we’re equipping our community with the tools it needs to thrive for generations to come.”

Dr. Andrew Predmore, Executive Director of the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, emphasized the importance of place-based planning: “Sustainability works best when it reflects the values and priorities of the local community. We’re proud to work alongside VisionGreenwood and Sustain SC to co-create a roadmap that prioritizes economic prosperity and resilience, while also protecting

Greenwood’s natural resources.”

The Greenwood pilot will officially launch this summer, with planning workshops and stakeholder engagement sessions rolling out over the coming months. Findings and best practices from Greenwood will help shape a scalable model for municipal sustainability and resiliency planning across the state.

For more information about the initiative or to get involved, please contact VisionGreenwood at kself@visiongreenwood.org or Dr. Cynthia Davis, SVP of Commerce for Sustain SC at Cynthiasustainsouthcarolina.org.

About Sustain SC

Sustain SC is an economic development-driven organization that connects the sustainability goals of businesses in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment and people.

About VisionGreenwood

VisionGreenwood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on Greenwood’s future, economic growth, and quality of life. Through strategic investments in community development and workforce initiatives, VisionGreenwood partners with local leaders to support long-term prosperity in the Greenwood region.

About The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities works at the intersection of socio-economic and ecological systems to tackle our most pressing sustainability challenges. The Institute places students and faculty at the heart of the work, making positive impacts through applied research, hands-on learning, and sustainability leadership training. The Institute builds on over a decade of proven success and national renown of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability to envision a world that meets the needs of all people within the means of the living planet.

About the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR)

The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is committed to enhancing the state’s ability to anticipate, absorb, recover, and thrive when presented with environmental changes and natural hazards by planning and coordinating statewide resilience, long-term disaster recovery, and hazard mitigation. In addition to serving 3,459 homes in our Disaster Recovery Program, SCOR has 81 active flood mitigation projects, including voluntary buyouts, stormwater infrastructure, and plans and studies, across the State. SCOR continues to implement and maintain the Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan, which provides a framework to guide investment in projects, programs, and policies to protect the people and property of South Carolina from the damage and destruction of extreme weather events.

GREENWOOD, S.C. (WSPA) – The Greenwood County School District 50 announced the three finalists for their superintendent position.

Here are the finalists:

Sherri Forest

Sherri Forest initially served as Chief Academic Officer and Executive Director to the Superintendent for Atlanta Public Schools. She received her degree in Special Education from Argosy University, and her Master of Education and Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida. Forest has previously served as as a School Effectiveness Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education, Director of Continuous Improvement and Program Director for School Support and Turnaround for Atlanta Public Schools. Forest also previously held the position of Regional Associate Executive Director for the Florida Department of Education Region IV.

Shane Goodwin

Shane Goodwin earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Arts in Teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, as well as a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Winthrop University. Goodwin is currently completing his Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Shenandoah University. He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Administration for the Frederick County Public Schools in Winchester, Virginia. Goodwin has served multiple school district in Virginia, including serving as Principal and Assistant Principal in Front Royal. Goodwin has also served as Principal of Ebinport Elementary and Sullivan Middle in Rock Hill.

Terrance Sanders

Terrance Sanders is a South Carolina native, and currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Superintendent for the the San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District in San Marcos, Texas. Sanders holds a Bachelor of Science from Clemson University, a Master’sdegree from Winthrop University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University ofSouthern Mississippi. Sanders has served in various roles in education, with more than 20 years of experience in the field.

The finalists will be visiting the district on May 29 to tour schools and meet with staff. A Community Meet and Greet is planned to be held at the Genesis Education Center at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to allow parents, staff, and community members an opportunity to meet with the finalists.

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A food enthusiast checks out a cheesecake vendor along Alliance Avenue in Greenwood Friday, on the second day of the main weekend of the South Carolina Festival of Flowers.

Crafts, topiaries and food trucks draw foot traffic to Uptown Greenwood during the second day of the main weekend for the 58th South Carolina Festival of Flowers.

Jan Waller, of Aiken, part of a multi-bus senior center tour, browsed artisan goods in pop-up tents Friday at Uptown Market. More than 25 booths are set up during two days, with vendors selling art, soaps, woodwork, jewelry and more.

Donaghy can be reached at 864-943-2518 or sdonaghy@indexjournal.com.

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$6.1M Broadband Expansion Brings Local Connectivity, New Services and Community Support to Greenwood

GREENWOOD, S.C., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast has completed an American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds grant expansion project, with a $6.1 million program subsidy, in Greenwood, South Carolina. The network expansion brings Internet, mobile and security services from Xfinity and Comcast Business to residents and businesses for the first time.

"Expanding broadband access in South Carolina is critical for supporting education, business growth and community development," said Jim Stritzinger, Director, SC Broadband Office with the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff. "We are excited about the advancements in connectivity to Greenwood, enabling more residents and businesses to thrive in the digital age."

To celebrate the launch, Comcast hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakelands Region, followed by a community block party. During the event, Comcast and local leaders surprised 50 high school students with free laptops, helping ensure more young people have the tools they need to succeed in a connected world.

In addition to the laptop giveaway, Comcast surprised the Boys & Girls Club with a $10,000 donation to support digital literacy courses that will be held on site. The company also announced the Club will become one of Comcast's newest Lift Zones, providing free WiFi and access to essential technology resources to help young people get online, complete schoolwork, develop digital skills, and prepare for the future.

The event marked another chapter in Comcast's ongoing partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakeland Region. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Comcast provided a $10,000 grant to support the club's recovery and restoration efforts – helping the organization continue serving youth and families during a critical time for the Greenwood community.

The laptop giveaway is part of Project UP, the company's $1 billion commitment to create digital opportunity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.

The celebration continued with a community block party including music by DJ Tim-E, snow cones from Kona Ice, food from On The Run BBQ food truck, face painting and a 360-photo booth. Xfinity representatives were on hand to share information about Internet Essentials, the nation's largest broadband adoption initiative for income-constrained families. Internet Essentials provides low-cost broadband service, digital literacy training and discounted computers.

"As we bring new services to Greenwood, we are proud to invest in the community's digital future," said Mike McArdle, Comcast Regional Senior Vice President. "From reliable broadband access to Lift Zones and laptop donations, our goal is to create meaningful opportunities that empower families and businesses."

A Network You Can Trust to be Reliable, Fast and SecureComcast's state-of-the-art network is built to enable residents and businesses to thrive in today's connected world. Greenwood joins the 64 million homes and businesses across the country to have access to a network that is trusted by essential community organizations like hospitals, schools, transportation systems and first responders. It delivers multi-gigabit Internet speeds with 99.9 percent reliability and security built from the ground up to keep customers safe from cyber threats.

"Comcast's expansion is a gamechanger for Greenwood. Reliable internet access fuels our economy, supports education and connects our community to resources that are essential in today's world," said Mayor Brandon Smith. "We are grateful for Comcast's commitment to Greenwood and excited for the opportunities this expansion brings."

Introducing Xfinity for Greenwood ResidentsComcast's residential services are marketed under the Xfinity and NOW brands and consumers in Greenwood can take advantage of Xfinity's and NOW's full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and home security. With multi-gigabit Internet speeds, powerful WiFi able to reach every corner of the home, and super-responsive connections with low lag available with its plan, customers have a great experience using their connected devices to stream their favorite sports and entertainment content, video chat with coworkers and friends, learn from home or simply surf the web.

Comcast Business to Power Businesses in GreenwoodFor local businesses, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their business goals. Industry analysts and associations have consistently recognized Comcast Business as a leader and innovator in flexible, scalable options as well as one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services.

What it Means for the Greenwood CommunityComcast's commitment to communities goes beyond building the network and aims to increase economic mobility for the local community and its residents. Over the past three years, Comcast has invested $1.3M in cash and in-kind donations into South Carolina nonprofits focused on helping people build digital skills, expanding Lift Zones, and funding connectivity and Internet adoption programs.

Comcast's presence in Greenwood will continue this summer as the company serves as the main stage sponsor for the city's popular Festival of Discovery in July.

About Comcast CorporationComcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Press Contacts:Portia Akinsportia_akins@comcast.com(470) 322-0332https://south.comcast.com/

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SOURCE Comcast

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