electrician in Jefferson, SC

Guest Column

I, Christopher "CeeJ" Jefferson am a representation of what new leadership looks like, what it talks like, what it is passionate about, and what it means to a growing city.

Let’s face it, the world has changed.

It has become faster and more evolved. Small towns have become becoming economic vehicles with new developments and innovative approaches to long time hindrances of equity and mobility.

To some, the thought of that is refreshing and it feels like exactly where they are heading. To others it can be intimidating and feel like the world is leaving them behind as it expands into unfamiliar territory. That leaves us with the most important question we must ask ourselves. Who leads this effort of the inevitable change? and can they guide this city through the new, while holding on to the values and foundations that made this city what it is?

The clear answer is a candidate that that understands the most valuable asset a city has to offer, its people. My mother was very young when she had me, so I learned my early values from my grandmother. I learned how to communicate with respect. I learned that communication with one person is completely different to another. As a leader, when the people can have a grasp on the pertinent information then we all become privy to input and serve as a part of the execution. Proverbs 4:7 says, “with all thy getting, get understanding”. That concept is crucial to me because how can I lead a city that I have no understanding of the struggles, or the plight of the people in it?

I understand what it’s like to live in a place that you don’t feel included in. To work at a job that you don’t feel valued at. To rent a home that you can barely afford and must make weighted decisions on food or shelter. Elders talk to me and explain how the places they used to know are dying out and they don’t know how their wants and needs are valued. I too want to walk with my kids in a bustling downtown and still feel safe with designated areas. I went to college and found myself searching for an opportunity that I could thrive in without suppressing my creativity. I am a small business owner who must learn to master the ebbs and flows of ownership with limited resources or accessibility to more.

I say those things because If I am elected, my promise is that YOU will sit in this seat. A candidate can make sound decisions because good acumen will always sit across these seats. The difference is who is willing to do it with you.

On Nov. 2, we can adhere to more of the same with this city or seize the moment and vote for the new. I am Christopher "CeeJ" Jefferson and I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 2 for City Council District 4. Thank you.

- Christopher "Ceej" Jefferson is a candidate for Spartanburg City Council District 4.

Meet three young Midlands entrepreneurs who are running successful small businesses.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The United States is at a 40-year low in new business startups, according to the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce.

It is one of the reasons the non-profit organization says the community needs to encourage kids and teens who want to start their own business.

"They're going to be beefing up the economy in the future," said Frank Knapp, the president of the S.C. Small Business Chamber of Commerce.

"We need to make it easier on them to start businesses because they are the ones who are going to be growing those businesses," said Knapp. "If they're online, they're going to grow them into a store, they're going to brick and mortar, they're going be hiring people."

He says the road to entrepreneurship is not always easy explaining, "But running a business takes time, it takes effort, and you have to be willing to invest your time and whatever resources you might have into making that business a success."

The Midlands is full of kids and teens who have invested their time, talents and money to start businesses.

News 19 interviewed three young Midlands entrepreneurs who are running successful small businesses.

Credit: WLTX

Braylin King is creating all-natural treats for man's best friend through his business Bray Bites Natural Animal Treats.

King started making dog treats to diversify his pet dog Rocky's diet. "I saw my dog Rocky...he was on the ground hungry for something different than his regular dog food," King explained.

They were a hit with Rocky and his neighbor's dog, so he decided to sell them to make a little extra money.

King says he uses the money from the business to buy ingredients and things like Pokemon cards as well as gifts for his family and pets.

The fourth-grader says he has big plans for his business. He plans to open his own shop by the time he is 15-years-old. Looking toward the future he said, "I'll have loyal customers and clients."

King hopes to follow in his parents footsteps. "My dad is a boss and I really want to be a boss like him."

King's mom is also a business owner and helps him bake treats. "She has her own shop and I want to have a shop like her," he said.

Moving forward, he is looking at expanding his business by offering treats for other animals.

Credit: WLTX

Tyra Jefferson is spicing up dishes around the state with her business, Tyra's Big World of Flavor.

"I've had my business for about six years now," said Jefferson. "I started when I was 11 after I was on Food Network Star Kids and Kids Barbecue Championship," she explained. "But I didn't want to just stop at Food Network."

Jefferson is a caterer, personal chef, cooking demonstrator, seasoning developer, motivational speaker, author and she makes logo.

Even with a stacked resume, she still feels like she has just scratched the surface of what she is capable of. "There's still more I can do, it's only up from here," Jefferson said.

Her mom, who is her sous chef and accountant, also serves as a source of inspiration. "I can definitely say that my mom is the reason that I keep going with my business," said Jefferson.

"I also just want to become successful to the point where I could, you know, help my mom get her own house, so she won't have to worry about scraping anything together to help me achieve my goals," Jefferson said.

Her goals include expanding her business and eventually hiring employees. "As my business gets bigger, I'm probably going to think about hiring some teens," she said. Jefferson said it will also give her the opportunity to help teens who want to learn more about cooking.

Currently, Jefferson is preparing for a trip to Florida. She was selected to attend the Disney Dreamers Academy. "I'm really excited to learn more about leadership and it's a good marketing opportunity."

Credit: WLTX

For 16-year-old Ava Beyer, the mission of her business is clear: spread joy and make meaningful connections.

"I like seeing people's smile on their face when they get to open their package and wear their earrings," Beyer said. It's one of the reason she is so intentional about the packaging of her products.

Beyer started her business, Joyful Creations, during the height of the pandemic to stay busy.

It quickly grew in popularity and now she is shipping her products around the globe.

Beyers sells everything from jewelry to cups and stickers.

She says she spends at least two hours a day on her business. Beyer balances the responsibilities of being a business owner with school, serving with her church's children's ministry, attending her small group and maintaining a social life.

Regardless of her busy schedule, she makes it a priority to build genuine relationships with her customers. "I like to make friendships and relationships out of it and get to know people as I'm selling earrings," she said. "So one of the reasons I do pop-ups or markets is because I get to meet people."

Beyer also invests her money in the community. Earlier this month, she donated 30% of the money made from orders to help fund some high school students' trip to Young Life Camp. "Partnering with people is a really fun thing I love to do," she said.

Ava credits her dad and sister for showing her the ropes when it comes to running a successful business." My dad is an entrepreneur, when he was about my age, he started a lawn care business," Beyer explained. "And that has continued to grow. He does Yellow Dog Lawn Care. And then my older sister Emma Grace has carried on our family coffee shop."

When asked about the future of her Joyful Creations, Beyer says she wants to continue to spread joy and take this business as far as it will go.

Fourth Quarter All A Honor Roll

Second grade: Braydon Aldridge, Jayse Arant, Alexander Bourn, Bowen Carpenter, Ashton Carroll, Karsyn Champagne, Ayonna Ferguson, Braylan Funderburk, Kaleigh Hayes, Jazaria Holland, Brynlee Johnson, Thomas Johnson, MaHarleigh Jordan, Jana Jowers, Jaxton King, Lauren Leeks, Riley Lloyd, Kody Maddox, Zachary Marler, Eden McCain, Ava Myers, Chance Nitti, Jessi Penny, Nathan Rivers, Philip Robinson, Seth Rollings, Susannah Rollings, Chloe Sanders, Lailah Sholtes, Levi Smith, Captain Usher

SPARTANBURG – Mrs. Lois Hendrix Lauffer Brewer, 98, of Spartanburg, SC, formerly of Pageland, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 at her home in the arms of her daughters.

Mrs. Brewer was born on Feb. 11, 1925 in Pageland, South Carolina to the late Palmer Hendrix and Ethel Evans Hendrix. She was retired from Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia. In 1957, her and her late husband, Billy moved to Alaska. Two years later, her late husband, Billy marched in the parade and she cheered as Alaska became the 49th state. She was passionate about spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved all sports and gardening. Lois was an avid Carolina Panthers fan. She loved to travel and was always looking for a new adventure. Later in life, she discovered a hidden talent of water colors and acrylic paint.

Gospel in the Park

The Pageland Watermelon Festival is sponsoring a Gospel in the Park Sunday, July 9, at Moore’s Park from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Music will be provided by the Caraway Family Singers, Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church of Jefferson, Terry and Betty Helms, the Mungo Family Singers, and Salem United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Donald McManus, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, delivered his patriotic sermon Sunday dressed in his colonial costume as he has done for the last 47 years.

Rev. McManus, known by his parishioners as “Dr. Mack,” said he has preached in the same handmade costume since back in 1976 when the nation celebrated its 200th anniversary. He was preaching in North Carolina at the time. The churches in the area dressed in 18th century costumes to celebrate the event. He said someone in the congregation made the costume for him.

The town of Ruby held its annual Fourth of July celebration Saturday, July 1. Participants enjoyed delicious foods and drinks. Many of them waved red, white and blue flags as a parade of decorated vehicles and local fire trucks passed by. There was music by Darren Deese. A highlight of the event was the fireworks show that night.

CHARLESTON S.C. (WCIV) — Wonderful things can happen when a community comes together.

Lowcountry non-profit, Metanoia SC, is listening to the people who live in North Charleston's Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood.

Over the past 20 years, Metanoia has been implementing programs to meet residents' needs to generate positive changes.

RELATED: The 'Pink House': A beam of light in a West Ashley Community

Shawn Saulsberry is the Board Chair of Metanoia.

"It's a huge responsibility because Metanoia is literally serving the area that I grew up in," Saulsberry said.

Saulsberry remembers growing up in what's known as "Charleston Heights," or the "Heights" in North Charleston.

The community played an important part in his childhood.

"I didn't have the organization that we have today, but somehow I ran across those metanoia-type people who saw me, and they invested in me."

His grandfather taught him the importance of entrepreneurship.

"My grandfather taught us to work hard at an early age. He would let us rent the lawnmower from him, and we would go and cut grass in the community, and we would get to keep the profits," Saulsberry said.

Now, as a Senior Manager at the accounting firm Ernst & Young, Saulsberry uses his background of a strong work ethic to encourage the youth in the neighborhood.

Metanoia serves as a youth leadership pipeline.

"I'm not the smartest or the brightest, but I do know how to work hard, and I also know how to have endurance and not stop and just encourage them. If you do those things eventually, you're gonna find what you love. You're gonna find what you want to do in life, and it's gonna work well for you," said Saulsberry.

Metanoia was launched in 2002 by a coalition of churches across South Carolina.

By definition, Metanoia certainly works well with the community it serves.

"It means to make a positive transformation, kind of take upon a positive change of direction," explained Metanoia CEO Reverend Bill Stanfield.

Rev. Stanfield and his wife Evelyn live in the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood with their two teenage sons.

Before Metanoia's founding, the couple spent one year getting to know their neighbors and listening to their concerns.

"We really do believe people closest to communities know the solutions to their own problems," said Stanfield.

Stanfield saw this as an opportunity to build on the positive community members saw in their neighborhood.

And Metanoia did just that.

In addition to building leaders, it's the non-profit's mission to also establish quality housing within Chicora-Cherokee.

"We build new homes for some home buyers. We also build new homes for affordable rental, all within the community where prices are going up, and people are finding it hard to afford a place to live," said Stanfield.

The organization also invests in neighborhood assets. They support black businesses on Reynolds Avenue and have a partnership with a local manufacturing company to create jobs in the community.

"There's a systematic way of listening to the community and understanding what the community needs and then coming alongside the needs of the community and becoming an advocate for what the community wants to do," said Saulsberry.

If you'd like to nominate an individual or organization for a prestigious 'Jefferson Award, email your nomination to ABC News 4's Tessa Spencer.

Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson won the quarterback battle, outdueling South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, but it was a dominating offensive line that lifted the Razorbacks to a 44-30 victory over the Gamecocks on Saturday afternoon at Razorback Stadium in the SEC opener for both teams.

The No. 16 Razorbacks (2-0, 1-0) won the line of scrimmage and also got outstanding defensive play led by linebackers Drew Sanders, the Alabama transfer, and veteran Bumper Pool, to turn back the upset-minded Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1).

Rattler rallied South Carolina from an early 21-3 deficit. His 62-yard touchdown pass to Antwane Wells, Jr. got the Gamecocks to within 21-16 midway through the 3rd quarter.

But Jefferson answered with a 2-yard touchdown run on the 1st play of the 4th quarter, completing another long and methodical drive. This one covered 59 yards in 14 plays. Moments later, a costly turnover put the ball back in Jefferson’s hands and the Razorbacks’ leader came through once again, firing a 23-yard touchdown pass to Warren Thompson to extend the lead to 35-16.

Rattler was picked off in the end zone by Dwight McGlothern and the Razorbacks bled the clock on the strength of its offensive line. It was the LSU transfer’s 2nd interception in 2 games for Arkansas.

The Razorbacks established their dominance early at the line of scrimmage, scoring touchdowns on their first 3 possessions with demoralizing drives of 13, 12 and 12 plays covering 63, 75, and 61 yards respectively, to take a commanding 21-3 lead.

Rocket Sanders completed the first 2 marches with touchdown runs of 1 and 11 yards. He led the Hogs with 156 yards rushing.

In 11 plays of Arkansas’ opening possession, Jefferson or Sanders ran behind a forceful offensive line, covering 43 yards. The Razorbacks were a little more balanced on the 2nd drive with Jefferson completing all 6 pass attempts, for 49 yards, setting up Sanders’ 2nd scoring run.

The Gamecocks were able to answer in between the first 2 Arkansas scores with a field goal, catching the pursuing Razorbacks defense with a couple of big-play screen passes. A 43-yarder from Rattler to MarShawn Lloyd put South Carolina in range for a 28-yard field goal from Mitch Jeter.

Loyd got South Carolina in the end zone late in the 2nd quarter, capping an 11-play, 70-yard drive on a 7-yard run, but the PAT kick attempt failed and Arkansas took a 21-9 lead into halftime.

Arkansas’ victory stopped a 3-game losing streak to South Carolina and the Razorbacks improved to 6-2 all-time against the Gamecocks in games played in Fayetteville.