Ware Shoals Announces Police Department Move and New Animal Shelter

News Summary

Ware Shoals is experiencing significant changes as the town council announces the relocation of the police department and the establishment of a new animal shelter. The police department will move to the old mill personal building, while the former police station will transform into an animal shelter in partnership with local organizations. Additionally, a new police officer has been hired, enhancing community safety efforts. These developments reflect the town’s commitment to improving local services and addressing community needs.

Exciting Developments in Ware Shoals: New Animal Shelter and Police Department Relocation!

Good day, folks of Ware Shoals! The sun is just starting to peek through the clouds, promising a beautiful afternoon with temperatures reaching around 60°F – perfect weather to soak in the exciting news coming from our town council meeting!

The Big Move: Police Department Relocating

As part of ongoing renovations, the Ware Shoals council has been brainstorming ways to improve our local services, and they might have hit the nail on the head with their latest decision. Council members are discussing plans to relocate the police department to the Ware Shoals Old Mill Personal Building due to the old HVAC system essentially throwing in the towel. Repair costs for the police department’s HVAC have been estimated at around 16,000 dollars. Instead of investing so much into an outdated system, a fresh start sounds like the right approach!

Mayor Bryan Ross mentioned that once the renovations are complete—expected to wrap up within a year—the police department, along with town hall, will be making a cozy move to Katherine Hall. Exciting times ahead for our town’s officials!

Our Museum is Moving Too!

With discussions swirling, Councilman Powell brought up another interesting point regarding the museum. It turns out we need more room for those precious museum items! In a strategic move to attract more visitors, the council decided to relocate the museum right into town hall. Just think of the possibilities and the lovely history lessons that can be shared!

Welcoming a New Face: Police Officer Hired

In more upbeat news, the council voted unanimously to welcome Samantha Priest as our new police officer, who will begin her duties on February 3. Having fresh talent on the team is sure to bring new energy to our police force. We can’t wait to see the great work she will accomplish in our community!

Revamping the Old Police Station

But wait, there’s more! The former police station, once an active hub for law enforcement, is set for a new life as an animal shelter. With the Boy Scouts of America moving out, the council seized the opportunity to tackle an all-too-familiar issue: strays in our town. With a solid partnership forming between Back Step Strays and the Greenwood County Humane Society, our new animal shelter is designed to help not just the furry residents but their owners too.

This partnership is not just about rescuing pets; it’s about providing resources to pet owners and creating preventive measures for stray situations. It’s heartwarming to see Ware Shoals stepping up to care for our four-legged friends!

Community Safety Update

In recent safety reports, the Ware Shoals Police Department launched a search at the Irvin Pitts Memorial Park. They responded to reports of an older woman who went underwater, but unfortunately, the search has been temporarily suspended. We hope that everyone stays safe as these incidents remind us of the need to keep a watchful eye on our loved ones.

A Few Cautions on Crime

On a more serious note, the town faced some challenging news concerning crime. A local woman, Shelley Cobb Strickland, aged 54, has been charged with embezzling over $400,000 from Ware Shoals First Baptist Church. This price tag came from using the church funds for personal expenses, raising eyebrows and concerns among the community. Investigations continue as there may be potential thefts from other churches.

Adding to the worries, Charles Eugene Bryson, a Ware Shoals resident with a notable criminal past, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison after pleading guilty to several burglaries. Investigators linked him to four residential break-ins through video evidence, serving as a crucial reminder for all of us to ensure the safety and security of our homes.

Despite these gloomy updates, it’s wonderful to see our community working hard to improve local services while keeping an eye on public safety. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in Ware Shoals, and let’s continue supporting one another as we grow!

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina: Crews Search After Potential Drowning Reported in Ware Shoals
• Index Journal: Ware Shoals Church Reports $400K Missing, Woman Arrested
• Fox Carolina: Woman Accused of Stealing $404K from Church
• GoLaurens: Ware Shoals Man Sentenced to 23 Years on Residential Burglaries
• Wikipedia: Crime in the United States