The Times Square Ball features engineering work from employees of the Lyman plant.    SEW-Eurodrive photo  

Spartanburg County engineering helps power Times Square Ball Drop 

By Bobby Dailey Jr. for The Spartan Weekly News

Millions of people around the world turned their attention to a glowing sphere high above Times Square as 2025 came to an end. The New York City New Year’s Eve Ball Drop is a global celebration, but behind the spectacle is a precisely engineered system that must work flawlessly—without a second chance.

The Ball Drop has evolved dramatically since its debut in 1907. For its first 87 years, the Ball was raised and lowered manually using ropes and a stopwatch. That approach was adequate for a much smaller structure. Today’s Ball weighs nearly six tons and relies on advanced motion-control technology to ensure a smooth, reliable descent.

SEW-Eurodrive, a global industrial automation company with a significant U.S. presence in Lyman, plays a key behind-the-scenes role in supporting the engineering that makes the event possible. While viewers see a brilliant light display and count down to midnight, engineers see the precision mechanics that keep the Ball moving safely and on time.

The 2026 Ball introduced new challenges. A refreshed exterior and next-generation LED technology allow for richer colors, smoother animations and more complex visual patterns. Those enhancements increase both the weight of the Ball and the demands placed on the lifting system responsible for raising it into position and lowering it during the final 60 seconds of the year.

That motion is controlled by a powerful winch system located beneath the mast platform. The system uses a compact, two-line configuration with opposing wire ropes to maintain balance and smooth operation. At its core is a heavy-duty SEW-Eurodrive gearmotor designed to support the full load while delivering steady, predictable movement throughout the ascent and descent.

The gearmotor combines planetary and helical-bevel gearing with an AC motor, encoder, brake and regenerative variable frequency drive. Together, these components provide precise speed control and allow energy generated during the Ball’s descent to be returned to the electrical grid.

The drive system also includes a low-speed shaft that allows for a second brake to be mounted opposite the gearbox, to meet increasing safety and performance requirements, The added braking capability increases redundancy—an essential feature for a live event watched by millions and timed to the second.

Much of the engineering expertise behind systems like this is supported by SEW-Eurodrive’s operations in Lyman, where manufacturing, assembly and technical services contribute to complex motion-control applications used across industries. The same principles applied in large-scale industrial settings help ensure reliability for one of the world’s most visible public events.

Although the Ball operates only a few times each year, routine maintenance is critical. SEW-Eurodrive service technicians perform regular inspections, conduct test cycles, change and analyze oil, and verify the condition of internal components. Thanks to the system’s low duty cycle and robust design, wear is minimal, but proactive servicing helps ensure long-term reliability.

The New Year’s Eve Ball is more than a once-a-year celebration, it’s a year-round landmark seen by millions of visitors to Times Square. When midnight arrives and the Ball completes its descent, the moment reflects not only a shared global tradition, but also the quiet work of engineers and technicians — including some in Spartanburg County — who make sure everything runs exactly as planned. 

Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical brings electrifying true-crime tale to the Spartanburg stage 

By Melissa Rhine for The Spartan Weekly News

Spartanburg audiences are invited to step back into the roaring 1930s when Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical takes the stage this month at Spartanburg Little Theatre.

The production will run Jan. 9–18, 2026, at the Chapman Cultural Center, located at 200 E. St. John St. Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Based on the true story of notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, the musical explores their rise from small-town nobodies to American legends during the Great Depression. Blending blues, gospel, and rock-and-roll influences, the show tells a story of ambition, fame, love, and the dangerous cost of chasing it all.

According to show information, Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical contains strong language and depictions of violence, including gun violence. Audience members should also be aware that the production may include haze, flashing lights, and loud gunshot sound effects. All attendees must have a ticket, and children under age 5 are not admitted, including infants.

Tickets are available for purchase online through the Chapman Cultural Center ticketing platform. Prices vary by seating location, and patrons are encouraged to purchase early, as opening-weekend performances are expected to draw strong crowds. Tickets can also be purchased through links shared on Spartanburg Little Theatre’s website and social media pages.

The production features a talented local cast, including Cooper Wolfe as Clyde Barrow and Cheyenne Rivenbark as Bonnie Parker. Supporting roles include Jacob Seay as Buck Barrow, Miranda Harrison as Blanche Barrow, Brandon Ledford as Ted Hinton, and Ashley Johnson in dual roles as Cumie Barrow and Gov. Ferguson. Several performers are making their Spar-tanburg Little Theatre debuts, adding fresh energy to the production.

Founded in 1929, Spartanburg Little Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in South Carolina. For nearly a century, SLT has provided high-quality theatrical productions while serving as a creative home for actors, directors, designers, and volunteers of all ages. The organization remains committed to enriching Spartanburg’s arts scene through live performance, education, and community engagement.

With its bold score, dramatic storytelling, and compelling cast, Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for local audiences. Theatre representatives encourage audiences to “experience the legendary story live on stage” rather than only through history books.

For showtimes, ticket information, and content advisories, visit the Chapman Cultural Center’s website or follow Spartan-burg Little Theatre on social media for updates. 

SME Education Foundation recognizes Spartanburg-area students at manufacturing summit  

Edited by Bobby Dailey Jr. from information provided by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers

The SME Education Foundation announced the winning teams from its Bright Minds Student Summit held during the Manufacturing Technology Series (MT Series) SOUTHEAST, which took place Oct. 21–23 in Greenville.

Among the top performers were students from Daniel Morgan Technology Center in Spartanburg and Greer High School, highlighting the strength of manufacturing education programs in the Upstate.

The Bright Minds Student Summit is held alongside SME’s national manufacturing events and is designed to introduce students and educators to modern, high-tech manufacturing careers. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, exposure to advanced technologies and direct interaction with industry professionals.

“The Bright Minds Student Summit gives students more than just an introduction to manufacturing — it gives them direction,” said Rob Luce, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “By connecting young people with real technologies and professionals, we’re helping them see how their interests can evolve into meaningful, high-impact careers.”

Local educators said the recognition reflects growing opportunities for students in Spartanburg County, where advanced manufacturing continues to play a major role in the regional economy. Programs such as Daniel Morgan Technology Center provide students with technical skills aligned with workforce needs in South Carolina’s manufacturing sector.

The Manufacturing Technology Series SOUTHEAST draws manufacturers, educators and students from across the region to explore emerging technologies and workforce development strategies.

The summit also underscored the demand for skilled workers in South Carolina, where manufacturers continue to invest in automation, precision machining and advanced production. Organizers said events like Bright Minds help build a pipeline of local talent prepared to support the region’s long-term economic growth. 

Bruce Suddeth, director of building and landscape services, was named to the South Carolina Sports Field Management Association’s Hall of Fame. He joined an inaugural group of inductees that included the chapter’s original board members. Pictured from left to right: Bruce Viehman, Suddeth, Dr. Trent Hale, Dr. Bert McCarty, Alan Wilson and Mike Burgess. USC Upstate photo 

USC Upstate’s Bruce Suddeth inducted into SC Sports Field Management Hall of Fame

Edited by Bobby Dailey Jr., from information provided by USC Upstate

Bruce Suddeth of USC Upstate has been inducted into the South Carolina Sports Field Management Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his long-standing contributions to athletic field management and his service to the professional organization.

Suddeth, director of building and landscape services at USC Upstate, was inducted this month alongside five other members. The honor recognizes individuals who have made significant service contributions to the association and to South Caro-lina’s sports field industry. Suddeth is part of the inaugural group of inductees who also served as original board members of the chapter.

Suddeth joined USC Upstate in 2002, around the time the SCSFMA chapter was formed. He has served the organization as a past chapter president and has held the role of secretary for the past 17 years.

Under Suddeth’s leadership, USC Upstate’s athletic fields have earned multiple National Field of the Year awards in baseball, softball and soccer, according to Steven Hardy, vice chancellor for finance and administration. Hardy said Suddeth has also played a key role in the growth of the state association, which includes members from colleges, high schools, parks and recreation departments, and professional and minor league facilities.

“I am proud to recognize Bruce Suddeth for his extraordinary leadership and service,” Hardy said. “His induction into the SCSFMA Hall of Fame reflects decades of tireless commitment to the institution and his profession.”

Hardy also cited Suddeth’s work supporting campus initiatives related to landscaping, Tree Campus USA, Arbor Day and other environmental programs, as well as his efforts to build strong relationships across the Upstate community.

Before joining USC Upstate, Suddeth worked at Milliken, where his career concluded in sports field products. At the university, he oversees nine staff members responsible for the main campus and directs a five-person crew dedicated to athletic fields and nearby common areas.

Suddeth said maintaining natural grass fields is a year-round responsibility focused on athlete safety and field performance.

“The priority is safety on the fields, so athletes don’t get hurt,” he said. “You want them to be as smooth and play as they should.”

The SCSFMA typically holds several meetings each year to provide education and professional development for its members, including presentations from industry experts. Suddeth said the relationships formed through the association are among its most valuable benefits.

“In the end, it’s having that camaraderie with everybody and building those relationships that are probably more valuable than growing grass,” he said.

Suddeth said his work with the association, USC Upstate Athletics, and students and families reinforces the importance of his role.“It’s not flashy,” he said. “We just do our job.” 

Greenidge Generation sells Spartanburg property for $18 million, with potential earnout

By Bobby Dailey, Jr. for The Spartan Weekly News

Greenidge Generation Holdings Inc. has completed the sale of its 152-acre property in Spartanburg County for $18 million in cash, with the potential for up to $18 million more in additional payments tied to future power capacity.

The company announced Dec. 11 that the property was sold to an affiliate of The Lightstone Group and LightHouse Data Centers. The cash payment was made at closing and is subject to upward adjustment, according to the company.

Under the terms of the deal, Greenidge is also eligible to receive earnout payments based on additional power capacity delivered to the site before 2031. Those payments are calculated at $180,000 per megawatt for capacity above the 60 megawatts previously secured by Greenidge for delivery by September 2026.

Chief Executive Officer Jordan Kovler said the transaction reflects the company’s strategy of acquiring undervalued power assets, increasing their capacity and selling them at an advantageous time. He said the same approach is being used at the company’s Mississippi expansion site, where 40 megawatts of power are expected to be available by March 2027.

Kovler said the sale provides immediate liquidity while preserving future upside and supports efforts to diversify revenue and strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

Over the past year, Greenidge has reduced the principal balance of its 2026 senior debt to about $37.8 million through a series of tender and exchange offers. The company said it has raised approximately $22.1 million in cash through the sale of non-core assets, including about $17.9 million in net proceeds from the Spartanburg transaction.

As of Nov. 30, Greenidge reported cash and bitcoin holdings of about $9.8 million. The company said its pro forma net debt has declined to approximately $12.4 million, down from $52.9 million at the start of the year.