Personal Injury Attorney in Anderson, SC

ANDERSON, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A 17-year-old girl is fighting for her life after she was hit head-on by a drunk driver just days before Thanksgiving.

On November 23, Ariel Terhune was driving back from a friends' house, on SC-81 near Wren School Road. Troopers with South Carolina Highway Patrol, reported an erratic, drunk driver, came into her lane, slamming into her car.

The Wren High School senior has since undergone five different surgeries for her multiple injuries she sustained during the crash. Some of her injures include: both arms broken, a hip, five broken ribs, a collapse lung and a severe traumatic brain injury.

Tabitha Terhune, Ariel’s mother, said in a statement she was working at Greenville Memorial at the time of the crash. She got the devastating call about her daughter, and waited as EMS brought her in through the ER bay on a stretcher. She said she can not put into words what those moments felt like.

“My daughters' broken bones will heal, however her brain may not. She is unresponsive and on a ventilator to keep her breathing...She is one of the kindest and smartest people that I know,” said Tabitha. ”Her infectious laugh and bubbly personality may never return. Her bright future was ripped from her in a split second. My worst nightmare happened that night. That might be the last time I ever hear her tell me she loved me.”

Accused driver, Stephanie Jackson is charged with felony DUI resulting in great bodily harm.

The family’s attorney, Jason Porter went before an Anderson County judge Tuesday asking he deny bond. Jackson’s bond was set at $300,000. She remains in the Anderson County Detention Center. Jackson is expected back in court come 2025.

Attorney Porter tells Fox Carolina, " [Ariel] is a very smart young lady, with her whole life ahead of her. She’s planning to become an engineer. The sky is the limit for someone like Ariel. This is a grim situation as they are going through it day-by-day. We just pray that Ariel can have a good recovery and ultimately find her way on the other side of this. Continue to lead the life that she was suppose to live if that drunk driver had not hit her that night."

He goes on to ask the community please pray for her recovery journey. If you would like to donate to her GoFund Me, click here.

Copyright 2024 WHNS. All rights reserved.

A year ago, the South Carolina football coaches — Shane Beamer and nearly every assistant — took private jets to Orangeburg for the Class 4A state title game. They were there, mainly, to see the state’s top prospect, South Florence defensive lineman Amare Adams.

As the fourth quarter started, Adams’ South Florence squad was up a dozen on Westside High, out of Anderson. Beamer stood behind one end zone, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains behind the other and all the assistants scattered around the field.

And suddenly, this Westside quarterback rocking a satin bonnet under his helmet started making things happen.

Cutter Woods — who threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior — led Westside on an 83-yard touchdown drive, scrambling and dodging sacks seemingly every other play. A few minutes later, Westside got the ball back needing a touchdown to win the state championship.

After another stress-inducing drive that included fourth-down conversions and Woods running for his life to pick up first downs, Westside found the end zone. On fourth-and-2, Woods hit receiver Jimmar “Tank” Boston for a 17-yard touchdown and the Rams won their first state title since 1969.

Ramon Robinson, Woods’ longtime quarterback trainer, stood in the end zone with Loggains.

“Coach was like, ‘I like him, man. I just have to see what the staff thinks,’ ” Robinson told The State.

In April, without a scholarship offer from South Carolina, Woods committed to Wake Forest. But later that summer, Loggains began to talk with Woods more. Westside then participated in a South Carolina 7-on-7 team camp and Woods played great. A few days later, he got a call informing him he had an offer with the Gamecocks.

Woods soon after flipped his commitment to South Carolina. On Wednesday, he because the only quarterback the Gamecocks added during the Class of 2025’s early signing day.

“I’m kind of stepping into a good situation (at South Carolina),” Woods told The State. “But I’m just excited to get down there and just work. I’m just going to work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.”

Woods has connections. Robinson is also the longtime trainer of South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, and the current Gamecocks QB talked with the future Gamecocks QB throughout the recruiting process.

“(I) kind of got his take on it,” Woods said. “And obviously he had nothing but praise.”

After what Sellers has done over the second half of the season — leading the Gamecocks to six straight wins, becoming the hero against Clemson and cementing himself as one of the best quarterbacks in America — perhaps it’s smart that the Gamecocks are looking for its next quarterback in a similar circle.

Though Sellers has an inch and 30 pounds on Woods, there are plenty of similarities. Both are from South Carolina. Both are trained by Robinson. Both are state champions — Sellers winning as a senior with South Florence; Woods holding up the trophy last season and leading Westside on a repeat quest this year.

Both have stellar arm talent and the ability to lead a winning offense. But Woods’ quest to climb to Sellers’ level has revolved around his mobility. Heck, Robinson said, that was a big reason the Gamecocks were slow to offer him.

Part of that comes down to the weight room, building a stronger lower body so that when SEC linebackers have you wrapped up, you can slip out of a sack like Sellers does so often each game. The other component is speed, and Woods has been working with a speed coach to become quicker.

But the true similarity between Sellers and Woods is their demeanor. Both are quiet, respectful kids who act as the antithesis of the stereotypical star recruit. No pomp. No flash. No attention drawing.

For instance, Woods only took one official visit — to South Carolina.

“I do not like going on visits,” Woods said. “Obviously it’s a blessing to be recruited, but it’s not something I enjoy.”

“The similarities are, neither one of them are caught up in the social media stuff,” Robinson added of Woods and Sellers. “They couldn’t care less about it. If it wasn’t for NIL, I don’t think LaNorris would be posting anything. And Cutter is the same way.”

While Woods might not have the God-given frame and speed that Sellers used to dominate in high school, he has the same unique ability to just make plays. Sure, his rushing stats won’t blow you away, but if Woods needs to take off on third down, he’s gonna find a way to get to the marker.

“And he can do it all with his arm,” Robinson said. “When you look at Cutter, you know he has a college arm.”

Perhaps in a few years, when Sellers has graduated or been drafted, Woods will get to prove that.

This story was originally published December 2, 2024, 7:00 AM.

Tropical Storm Helene hit the Upstate over a month ago, leaving lingering debris, such as fallen trees and branches, scattered around Anderson County. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing, but many communities still face the aftermath.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and AshBritt crews have been tirelessly cleaning up debris. Their efforts include clearing interstate and primary routes such as I-85, Hwy 81, US 29, and secondary and state-maintained neighborhood roads. According to Anderson County, significant progress has been made in eliminating over 10 percent of the debris, or 52,460 cubic yards, from the roadways as of Oct. 26.

Ingram Palacios, project manager for Rancho Tree Services, said his crews had completed all work related to removing hazardous hanging limbs and leaning trees in the Belton, Honea Path, Pendleton, Piedmont, and West Pelzer areas. He emphasized this removal was vital for residents' safety and preventing further damage during future storms.

Crews are now focused on cleaning up debris in residential neighborhoods, where piles of branches and foliage are still visible. This operation phase prioritizes removing debris from the sides of the streets where the county has instructed residents to place their materials.

Debris crews deployed to residential areas

Large debris dump trucks have been deployed throughout Anderson County to assist with cleanup. These trucks will collect trees and branches that residents have pushed to the side of the road. To ensure efficiency, teams have divided the county into sections and will make frequent pickups at homes, gradually reducing debris and restoring order to the affected areas.

Palacios noted that unidentified debris is often uncovered as crews progress or additional hazards that require immediate attention are identified. This ongoing cycle of discovery and response adds complexity to the cleanup operation and requires coordination.

Despite these hurdles, the teams remain committed to restoring the affected areas. Palacios said that crews work in three passes to ensure thoroughness and efficiency.

"Despite these efforts, debris cleanup in certain areas remains incomplete," Palacios said.

Belton clean-up stands at 55%, while Honea Path East and West are at 50%. Meanwhile, Anderson County has reached 55% completion, he said. The progress is attributed to the sheer volume of debris and limited resources available, but teams are working extended hours to expedite the process.

Palacios clarified that the lower percentages are not due to his team's lack of accomplishments but because they have just begun working in those areas. After completing their initial assignments, his team is being redeployed to other locations, doubling their efforts in certain areas.

Outline of the debris clean-up process

Here is an outline of the three steps involved in cleanup.

Once the initial work is finished, Palacios said that the crews will begin addressing other affected areas that need assistance.

Debris transported to dump sites

These large debris pickup trucks transport collected materials to designated dumpsites and landfills in Anderson County.

Crews dropped debris off at Broadway Lake Road DMS, a staging yard where they will chip and reuse all debris and wood.

"This will decrease the amount of waste sent to the landfill and offer an environmentally friendly and reusable resource for the community," Anderson County Town Administrator Rusty Burns said.

"Here at the Broadway Lake Road dumpsite, we're piling up all the debris picked up from every city, including Anderson, Belton, and the surrounding area," said Jose Morales, site superintendent at Broadway Lake Road DMS.

This site serves as a central hub for processing and recycling the collected materials.

"Our goal is to help clean up the city and ensure that these materials are processed efficiently," Morales said. "We may need another month or longer to guarantee that everything is thoroughly cleaned up. We're making sure that all the debris is cleared from the streets and taken care of properly."

When will the debris cleanup be finished?

Despite significant progress in debris removal, much work must be done to fully recover from Tropical Storm Helene. The timeline for completing the cleanup remains uncertain as crews continue to work to clear remaining debris and ensure all areas are thoroughly addressed.

Palacios expressed confidence that the tree work side of the project would be finished by Thanksgiving. Crews have been working to stay on schedule and restore the county's landscape.

"We are committed to completing tree removal and trimming work efficiently so residents can enjoy a safe and clean environment for the upcoming holiday season," he said.

Palacios said his team will take a break and leave on November 22 to enjoy a week with their families. They will return on December 2, ready to resume work, and may continue until Christmas break.

"We're prioritizing the main roads and routes that experience the heaviest traffic, ensuring they are cleared first to facilitate safe travel," Palacios explained. "We're also focusing on the area around schools to make sure they are accessible and safe for students and staff."

Palacios also mentioned neighborhoods.

"We understand that families gather in certain areas for Thanksgiving," he said. "Our focus is on neighborhoods with a higher density of homes and potentially more traffic. During these gatherings, people often park on the sides of the streets to visit their relatives. Our primary focus right now is on areas where neighbors are just a few houses apart. While we are not overlooking other areas, we are prioritizing those where the need is most significant."

"By December, we hope to start migrating to the next city and town that needs us," Palacios said.

Photographer Ken Ruinard contributed to this article

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com

Greenville, South Carolina has been getting quite a bit of buzz lately—and for good reason. Its emerging food scene, array of museums, and walkable downtown are just a few of the reasons it was named the South's Best City on the Rise in 2022. But travel 45 minutes southeast towards the South Carolina-Georgia border, and you'll find another town more than worth a weekend away. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Anderson is a small town with big energy that you need to add to your Southern travel bucket list today.

Once known as the Electric City thanks to its pioneering use of hydroelectric power, Anderson has retained every bit of that spark more than 100 years later. Its location near the Blue Ridge Mountains and one of the Southeast's largest recreation lakes means there's no shortage of outdoor recreation to explore, from freshwater fishing and boating to hiking and biking.

When you're ready to slow your roll, a leisurely stroll around Anderson's historic district shops and restaurants is a great option. Then, you can round out your trip by hunting down all the local treats of the Piedmont region, from handmade truffles and homegrown honey to craft whiskey and farm-fresh goat cheese. Here are eight things you must do on a visit to the Friendliest City in South Carolina.

Do A Tour And Tasting At Palmetto Distillery

The fun started more than a decade ago when brothers Trey and Bryan Boggs opened South Carolina's first legal moonshine distillery in Anderson. Since then, they've grown the collection of spirits at Palmetto Distillery to include not only award-winning flavored moonshines (Try the Pina Colada, Peach, or Salted Caramel), but also a line of craft whiskeys and ready-to-drink cocktails. Tours are free (no reservations required) and typically end with a choose-your-own-adventure tasting where you can decided between a traditional tasting (9 flavors for $10 with a $5 credit for whatever you decide to take home), flight ($5), or single sample ($1).

palmettodistillery.com; 200 W Benson St, Anderson, SC 29624; 864-226-9917

Spend A Day On Lake Hartwell

Ask any Anderson local where their favorite place to spend a day is and they'll likely reply with Lake Hartwell. The 56,000-acre lake is one of the biggest recreation lakes in the Southeast and is well-known for its world-class fishing. Catch catfish, bream, crappie, and bass from the 100-foot fishing pier at Sadlers Creek State Park, or book a trip with one of many local fishing guides who are guaranteed to have you reeling in trophy bass in no time. If fishing isn't your fancy, head to Big Water Marina and take your pick of watercrafts. They've got everything from kayaks, paddle boards, and hydrobikes to pontoon boats.

Immerse Yourself In the Arts At The Anderson Arts Center

Art enthusiasts should plan to spend ample time at downtown's Anderson Arts Center. The massive complex is a hub for the visual and performing arts. The complex features several rotating exhibitions, as well as the Bay 3 Artisan Gallery, a cooperative gallery of local artists who represent a variety of different mediums. If you'd like to get a little more hands-on, sign up for a workshop or class hosted regularly at the center. The center is also home to The Market Theatre Company, a community theater group that pulls off an impressive year-round schedule of musicals, plays, and productions for the public.

andersonarts.org; 110 Federal St #6, Anderson, SC 29625; 864-222-2787

Explore The Historic District

One of Anderson's crowning jewels is its bustling 16-block Historic District. Allot a few hours to explore this area and see where your whims take you. History buffs will want to look out for Anderson County Courthouse, the P&N Railroad Depot, the Anderson County Museum, and a 1764 Revolutionary War cannon called Old Reformer. Modern mavens will love the eclectic mix of locally owned specialty shops, boutiques, breweries, and restaurants. Just off Main Street, pay a visit to Carolina Wren Park, a hub for community activity including open-air concerts, block parties, movie screenings, and other outdoor events. Don't forget a sweet treat at CocoBon Chocolatier, an artisan truffle and chocolate shop that's been a local favorite since opening in 2007.

Stay At The Bleckley Inn

When visiting Anderson, there's no better home base than The Bleckley Inn. The city's only boutique hotel, the Bleckley offers 22 well-appointed rooms in the heart of downtown. The renovated historic building features dramatic 10-foot ceilings, original heart pine flooring, and classic Southern décor. For the full experience, book reservations at the hotel's Restaurant 151, a Southern American eatery with a special emphasis on South Carolina-grown ingredients and produce.

bleckleyinn.com; 151 E Church St, Anderson, SC 29624; 864-225-7203

Visit Split Creek Goat Farm

At its heart, Anderson is a rural community. For a foray into the farm fresh, a visit to Split Creek Goat Farm is a must. The goat dairy is home to 350 goats who provide the milk for Split Creek's nationally acclaimed, award-winning goat cheese, fudge, and yogurt. The farm shop is open every day except Sunday, but if you'd like to take a self-guided tour of the operations be sure to visit between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday or Saturday. In addition to finding Split Creek's legendary products, you can also find produce and food from other South Carolina businesses.

splitcreek.com; 3806 Centerville Rd, Anderson, SC 29625; 864-287-3921

Get Delicious Eats At A Local Restaurant

No vacation—and especially no Southern vacation—is complete without a meal to write home about. In Anderson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill is the place to go for an upscale evening out. With its white tablecloths and elegant architecture, you'd never know the building opened as a hardware store in the late 1800s. Dinner options range from Lowcountry classics like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Sullivan's Hush Puppies to Italian-inspired Short Rib Bolognese and Black Truffle Ravioli. For top-notch cooking in more casual digs, head to Mama Penn's for a Southern-certified meat 'n' three experience and Creekside Bar-be-que for slow-smoked ribs, brisket, and pork using recipes passed down for generations.

Go Brewery Hopping

Make a toast to a trip well spent with a pint at one of Anderson's hip craft breweries. Carolina Bauerhaus uses local yeasts, regional hops, and seasonal fruit to create an ever-rotating menu of small-batch beers, ciders, and wines. Be on the lookout for seasonal brews like the Bradford, a sour ale brewed with Bradford watermelons. Complete your downtown brewery tour at Magnetic South, a brewery on downtown's Main Street that opened in September 2021. The brewpub encourages visitors to stay for a while with a large taproom featuring arcade games, a pool table, and plenty of room to relax over a pint and specialty cast-iron pizza.

Sierra, an off-price retailer of the TJ Maxx Family of Brands that sells a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, and outdoor gear, opened this weekend in Anderson.

The company recently announced it had expanded its reach by leasing the 22,398-square-foot space previously occupied by Bed Bath and Beyond at 146 Station Drive in the Anderson Station shopping center.

The company offers high-quality items at discounted prices, making it a popular choice for budget-friendly shoppers. The retailer specializes in outdoor gear and activewear for hiking, camping, fishing, cycling, snow and water sports, and golf. Online shoppers can also find buying guides for their activity of choice.

The Anderson location marks Sierra's second store in the state. In September, Sierra opened a store at 1117 Woodruff Road in Greenville.

Sierra hosted a grand opening on Saturday.

“We are thrilled to be opening a new store in Anderson and bringing Sierra’s off-price shopping experience to local residents,” said Caitlin Kobelski, vice president and Sierra marketing director. “With cold weather and the holidays approaching, shoppers can get everything they need to get moving this winter as well as a wide selection of holiday gifts to choose from at everyday low prices.

Sierra Anderson's location is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additionally, the company is hiring full-time and part-time store associate positions at the Anderson location. Interested applicants can visit jobs.tjx.com to learn more.

Sierra: LOT Project $10,000 donation

To celebrate its arrival in the Anderson community, Sierra has made a $10,000 donation to the non-profit organization LOT Project, located at 302 W. Market St. in Anderson County. The LOT Project aims to address homelessness by providing essential resources and support to community members experiencing hardship.

The LOT Project uses community-building initiatives such as Louies, Artisan Gardens, Village Homes, and West Market Makers to foster a sense of belonging, uplift individuals, combat homelessness, and help individuals regain stability. This donation will support the organization’s mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness by providing resources and assistance to help them secure stable housing and improve their overall well-being.

"We are so honored to be a recipient of this incredibly generous donation from Sierra," said Bethany Milby, Services Director for The LOT Project. "It is such a blessing to partner with them, and we are so excited to welcome them to the Anderson community."

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.