Chris Lavender

Most of the trails damaged by Helene in Spartanburg County have reopened. The Cottonwood and River Birch trails sustained significant damage from flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has processed more than 300,000 applications and dispersed $140 million in aid to SC residents affected by Helene.

Residents in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure and other Helene-battered communities in North Carolina face a lengthy recovery with steep costs. Yet hope persists.

Work continues to remove Helene storm debris piled curbside on many Spartanburg roads. More than 7,000 tons of debris has already been removed from city roads.

Rock and Brews for Hope: A Benefit Concert and Beer Festival to support Helene relieve efforts will be Nov. 3 at Rockers Brewing Co. in downtown Spartanburg.

Clint Black, Lonestar and Queensryche are among Spartanburg's live performances in November. Plus, local artists play at The Fretwell, FR8yard and elsewhere.

A new park is being planned in Pacolet and could open in 2025. The park could include a stage, walking trails and lighting. The final design is being developed.

Union County will soon allow beer and wine sales to occur on Sundays after voters agreed to the change.

A $6.5 million mixed-use development called Pacific Place in Lyman's downtown is scheduled to begin construction in early 2025. The project includes apartments.

Spartanburg Community College plans to invest $50 million in its Cherokee County campus expansion in Gaffney. It includes the Fatz property near The Peachoid.