What nickname did Spartanburg earn in the early 20th century because of its booming textile industry?

A. The Hub City
B. The Textile Titan
C. The Upstate Anchor
D. The Cotton Capital

News

In the last five years, Spartanburg County has seen a staggering 50,000 vehicle crashes, with over 1,000 resulting in serious injury or death.

In response, the county has launched the ambitious Spartanburg County Safety Action Plan, a data-driven strategy with a bold goal: to completely eliminate severe traffic fatalities and injuries.

This new approach was developed using feedback from nearly 1,500 residents who identified roads they felt were most unsafe.

A major step forward came with a $16 million federal grant, which will fund critical safety improvements on high-priority corridors like Asheville Highway and North Pine Street.

Projects will include road diets, enhanced crosswalks, and better traffic signal timing.

The urgency of this mission is underscored by several recent fatal accidents, reminding everyone that these changes are a matter of life and death for our community.

A cornerstone of Downtown Spartanburg is poised for a dramatic rebirth following a unanimous City Council vote this week.

The long-vacant Montgomery Ward building at 111 E. Main St. will be transformed into an $18 million mixed-use development featuring ground-floor retail and 22-26 modern apartments.

Construction on the ambitious project is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

In the same consequential meeting, the council also gave final approval to a municipal hate crimes ordinance.

Spartanburg is now the 23rd municipality in South Carolina to enact such protections, which add an extra charge for crimes motivated by bias.

Finally, a settlement was reached to save the downtown clock tower.

The agreement ensures the historic structure will be carefully disassembled and reconstructed at a new site, preserving its original clock, bell, and plaque for future generations.

Governor Henry McMaster has signed a sweeping executive order targeting "junk food" purchases made with public benefits in South Carolina.

The new policy restricts SNAP recipients from using EBT cards to buy items officials deem to have low nutritional value, such as candy, some energy drinks, and sugary beverages.

The stated goal is to ensure taxpayer dollars support nutritious meals.

However, the rollout sparked immediate local confusion, particularly over sweet tea, which is banned if it contains five or more grams of added sugar.

While the governor defended the policy as a common-sense measure, advocacy groups like the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center have fiercely opposed the new rules.

Critics argue the order is based on a flawed assumption that low-income families are incapable of making sound decisions without government intervention.

For now, local families face a new and complex landscape at the grocery store checkout.

Why did the Spartanburg chicken join a band?

Because it had the drumsticks!

What started as a passion project for two brothers has blossomed into a community cornerstone in Inman.

Holliday Brewing has expanded from a small Drayton Mills taproom into a massive 9,000-square-foot destination on Prospect Street, drawing visitors from across Spartanburg County.

The brewery is celebrated for its award-winning craft beers, particularly its hoppy IPAs, and a full food menu featuring smash burgers and wings.

Don't miss the famous Pretzel Bites with beer cheese, a local favorite.

More than just a place to eat and drink, it’s a true local hub with a welcoming patio and private event rooms.

The weekly calendar is packed with events like Thursday trivia, Friday Music Bingo, and live music every Saturday, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

As Inman continues to grow, Holliday Brewing has cemented itself as a premier local attraction for families and friends.

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• ✨ Don't miss out! On October 23rd, join us at the Spartanburg Regional Foundation's Hangar A Party located at the Downtown Memorial Airport from 6 PM to 10 PM. It's bound to be a night filled with excitement and community spirit! 🎉
• 🎃 Join the festivities on October 25th for Well-O-Ween at ReGenesis Health Care Northside which runs from 10 AM to 1 PM. Get ready for some spooky fun and feel-good wellness activities! 🕸️
• 🩰 For all the culture enthusiasts, mark your calendars for October 18th. Experience the enchanting ballet performance of "Coppelia" at the Chapman Cultural Center. With shows at 3 PM and 7 PM, it's sure to be a magical event. 🌟
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A. The Hub City — Spartanburg earned this nickname because it was once a major railroad hub connecting multiple textile towns throughout the Southeast.

Recipe of the Week: Caramel Apple Pork Chops

A fall classic with an Upstate twist — it combines sweet caramelized apples with savory pork chops, perfect for a cozy dinner after a Spartanburg fall festival.

Ingredients

• 4 thick-cut pork chops

• 2 tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.

2. In a skillet, sear chops on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Add apple slices and cook until tender and caramelized (about 5–6 minutes).

5. Spoon apples and sauce over pork chops before serving.

📝 Optional local touch: Use apples from Nivens Apple Farm or Strawberry Hill USA — both Spartanburg favorites!

As we wrap up this week’s edition of The Spartan Signal, we’re reminded that community isn’t built by headlines alone — it’s built by people who care, show up, and share. From the restaurants that serve our favorite comfort foods to the volunteers who make local events possible, Spartanburg keeps proving that small actions create big impact.

If you enjoyed this week’s stories, pass them along to a friend or neighbor — it’s how our signal gets stronger. 💡
Have an event, story idea, or local business you’d like featured? Email us at newsletter@thespartansignal.com — we’d love to hear from you.

Until next week, stay safe, stay connected, and keep shining that Spartan spirit. 💙