Inman pleads guilty

Trial of Jerry Buck Inman, who has confessed to the murder of former Clemson University student Tiffany Marie Souers, begins in Pickens County in August. However, the sentencing trial is suspended after an expert witness refuses to testify following questioning by 13th Circuit Solicitor Bob Araial regarding her qualifications in South Carolina as a social worker

Smoking Banned

Clemson City Council formally approves smoking ban that went into effect July 1. The ordinance prohibits smoking in any city-owned building and in any city-owned or leased vehicle, but does allow smoking in designated hotel rooms. However, no more than 25 percent of those rooms may be designated for such purposes.

Last Picture Show

Astro Triple Theatre closes its doors in August following 37 years of operation, including a discount movie theatre in recent years. Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy and Clemson University theatrical students have joined forces in an attempt to obtain the building and a “Save the Astro” Rally was held in November.

New Businesses Arrive

Clemson experiences more economic development through such projects as the opening of new Dunkin’ Donuts and Bojangles and construction of new Walgreens. More economic development projects are slated to take place during the next year.

Play Ball!

Dixie Youth Baseball Tournament is held at Nettles Park for the first time. Approximately 12 teams, including a host team from the Central-Clemson area, competed for the state title with the winner advancing to the Dixie Youth World Series.

Taking on Illegals

Illegal immigration not only was a hot button issue nationally but Clemson City Council member Margaret Thompson argued on several occasions that the city should also take steps locally to ensure that business owners had proper documentation for workers. While Pickens County Council has taken steps, including the implementation of the e-Verification system, Clemson City Council has taken no action at this time

Council Re-Elected

Following the November election in which incumbent Mayor Larry Abernathy and city council members J.C. Cook and Elouise James won re-election after running unopposed (Jim Oswalt won the other vacant council seat following Margaret Thompson’s decision not to seek re-election), longtime council member Nancy Bennett resigned effective Dec. 31. Bennett served for more than 13 years on council, initially winning election to fill an unexpired term, and a special election will take place in the coming weeks to fill her seat

Lowe's Prevails

Lowe’s will be coming to Clemson after all, as Clemson City Council in early December approved second and final reading of a zoning amendment paving the way for construction of a Lowe’s Home Center at the intersection of Issaqueena Trail and U.S. Highway 123. The Home Improvement Center that totals 137,916 square feet raised the ire of nearby residents that argued council should honor a 2002 covenant that established a 100,000-square-foot limit on the 18-acre site.