Talk of the Town – January 2025

From the Mayor’s Desk

Dear TR Friends,

Happy New Year! We have so much to celebrate from 2024 as a city, so please take time to read our 2024 TR City Recap. We are also looking forward to all good things for TR in 2025!

We have lots of city initiatives that will come your way in the next few weeks, so make sure you pay attention to our Travelers Rest Connect App notifications. And our TR Farmers Market Winter Popup is an upcoming highlight!

Lastly, you’ll start to see a 60 second Mayors recap video from myself at the end each month’s Council meeting. Videos are a nice way to absorb some of the happenings in TR, and I’m excited to share them with you via our YouTube channel.

Hope everyone enjoyed the recent snow and look forward to the cold weather this month!

Mayor Brandy

2024 Year in Review

As we kick off 2025, we’re excited to share the progress the City of Travelers Rest has made over the past year! We’ve seen tremendous strides in key areas that make our community stronger and more resilient.

Public Safety
Economic Development
Arts & Culture
Recreation & Parks
Transportation & Connectivity

Take a look at the recap of City Council’s success in advancing these strategic priorities. The future is looking bright!

Connected and Keeping Our Residents Safe

During the January 10th winter storm, Police Chief Benjamin Ford, Fire Chief James McMakin, and Public Works Director Phillip Tate established a command center, closely monitoring weather and road conditions across Travelers Rest.

Each department increased staffing and readied essential equipment to ensure the City was fully prepared to handle any emergencies.

As new updates came in, our teams promptly responded and kept residents informed.

We are proud to have a dedicated team of City employees who work tirelessly and selflessly to protect and serve our community.

TR Chamber Luncheon Highlights

On Tuesday, January 14th, local business owners and community leaders came together for a meeting hosted by the Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce.

The event welcomed members of the TR Merchants group, the Rotary Club, and other key stakeholders.

More than 50 attendees enjoyed lunch while Travelers Rest City Administrator Shannon Herman delivered a presentation highlighting the City’s recent accomplishments, current challenges, and future plans for economic growth.

To learn more, get involved, or join the TR Chamber, visit GreaterTRChamber.com

Meet School Resource Officer, Jon Alsip

Years Serving TR: 15 years

Jon began his career with the Travelers Rest Police Department February 2, 2010, spending six years serving on patrol.

For the past nine years he has served Travelers Rest High School students as the School Resource Officer (SRO). In this role, Jon has worked tirelessly to protect students and staff while mentoring countless students, helping to guide and support them on their life journeys.

Most Memorable Moment on the Job: The day I was sworn in as a TRPD officer.

Important Product Safety Recalls: Fire and Burn Hazards

Since early December 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued 10 recalls involving products that pose significant fire or burn hazards.

The recalled items include:

So far, the commission has received 244 reports of issues such as overheating, melting, smoke, electrical short circuits, and fires. These incidents have resulted in 13 injuries and 55 cases of property damage. Consumers are urged to stop using the affected products immediately and follow CPSC’s guidelines for obtaining a refund, repair, or replacement by clicking the link for each product above.

Public Works Department Update

The Public Works Team has had a busy few weeks! They recently completed the removal of Christmas decorations and partnered with the police and fire departments during the recent snow event to ensure community safety.

They are currently working with an Eagle Scout on a project to build five new planters which will become part of the “Adopt a Planter” program, a new beautification initiative the City plans to launch this Spring.

Later this month, crews will begin refreshing the town’s landscaping with new mulch and other materials, including updates at the parks.

2025 Solid Waste Collection Schedules

Stay on top of your waste and recycling collection schedule with our newly created calendars! We’ve carefully compiled all the collection dates for Zones 1 and 2 to make planning easier for everyone.

Not sure which zone you’re in? You can find your zone by checking out the Zone Maps HERE.

If you’d like a printable copy to put on your refrigerator click the link next to your ZONE.

ZONE 1 Schedule

ZONE 2 Schedule

If you would like to start Recycling Services visit Ever Green Environmental.

Build your Business and a Healthy, Active Community through

SPONSORSHIPS!

Don’t miss out—2025 sponsorships are going fast! Click here to explore exciting sponsorship opportunities and learn how you can get involved. Ready to reserve your spot or need more details? Contact Beth Sicignano, Events and Programs, at 864-834-8740 or email beth@travelersrestsc.com today!

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

Red Cross Blood Drive Happening Tomorrow in Trailblazer Park

We’re hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, January 17, 2025 in Trailblazer Park.

Now more than ever, the American Red Cross needs the help of blood donors. Donating blood saves lives by providing a vital resource for patients in need of blood transfusions due to accidents, surgeries, cancer treatments, blood disorders, and other medical emergencies.

Your donation can directly help people who require blood to survive.

You can schedule an appointment to donate by clicking the link HERE.