S.C. Clay Conference Marks a Record-Breaking Year
Newberry, S.C.—The eight annual South Carolina Clay Conference held this February was reported as a record-breaking year. The Director of Programming, Marquerite Palmer, described this year’s event to City Council as the most successful conference so far.
National Attendance and Sales Records
The conference boasted 91 registered attendees originating from states including Alabama, California, Iowa, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and districts across South Carolina. Furthermore, Palmer mentioned a waiting list of prospective attendees. The pottery sale coinciding with the conference welcomed 636 visitors who purchased 512 items. The sales reached a stunning total of $17,000, surpassing the previous record by over $5,000. The 25 percent commission retained from the sales will be directed toward scholarships and other needs for the 2025 clay conference.
Newberry Recreation Complex Expansion
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Director Collin Shealy shared a conceptual layout of expansion plans for the Newberry Recreation Complex. The proposal includes skate park improvements, splash pad expansion with a new restroom/office building, a revamped baseball field, a bleacher shade structure, a new nature walk, and parking facilities. The plans are part of the Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum and are set to move forward by the third quarter of this year.
Community Growth and Celebration
Mayor Foster Senn shed light on the city’s recent achievements including the utilities department’s mutual aid recognition, highlights from the Great American Cleanup on March 30, and Newberry’s ranking among the Top 10 Best Towns by Southern Living Magazine. The Mayor also announced proclamations marking May as Building Safety Month and Drinking Water Week, and acknowledged April 18 as Lineman Appreciation Day.
Historical Property Rehabilitation and New Initiatives
The City Council approved a petition for special assessment for historical property rehabilitation concerning a parcel located at 1100 Main Street. The strategy enables property owners to circumvent local property tax payments for up to 20 years on increased values resulting from eligible renovations. Mayor Senn also announced the city’s initiative towards becoming a Certified Local Government (CLG), a distinction recognized by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service. It provides eligibility for historic preservation grants and furthers Newberry’s commitment to protecting its rich historical entities.
Other Developments and Future Outlook
Interim City Manager Ed Driggers informed the council about the ongoing annual budget process and the continuation of review on personnel policies and procedures. In the spirit of community growth and celebration, the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution plans to honor those who lost their lives in the Revolutionary War with a memorial in the city’s Memorial Park. The City Council will hold its next regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7 p.m.
