The inaugural Hub City Hunt will take place on Saturday, January 3, with the intent to be a recurring monthly tradition. Hub City Hunt graphic 

Hub City Hunt launches monthly scavenger hunt - and $500 prize - in downtown Spartanburg

By Melissa Rhine, Spartan Weekly News writer

A new citywide challenge is launching in Spartanburg this January, inviting locals to explore downtown in a fast-paced scavenger hunt with a $500 cash prize on the line.

The inaugural Hub City Hunt will take place Saturday, Jan. 3, marking the first event in what organizers plan to be a recurring monthly tradition designed to spotlight Spartanburg landmarks, businesses and public spaces.

The concept was created by Spartanburg native Alec Renner, who said the idea grew from a desire to see more engaging, community-driven events happening in the city he calls home.

“We were inspired to start Hub City Hunt because we want to see more events and things of interest happening in Spartanburg,” Renner said. “I was born and raised here, my wife is a doctor in the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, and now we have two kids who are going to grow up here — so we have a lot of investment and interest in seeing the community do good things.”

The hunt officially begins at 10 a.m., when the first clue is released on Instagram. Participants must follow the clues, identify a local landmark, find a hidden token and post a photo from the location tagging the Hub City Hunt account. The first valid entry wins the $500 prize.

Renner said keeping the hunt simple and accessible was intentional, allowing anyone to participate without registration fees or complicated rules.

Hunts will take place on the first Saturday of each month, a schedule Renner hopes gives residents something exciting to anticipate.

“We feel like having it once per month will hopefully give people something to look forward to,” he said. “Something exciting to start each month off strong.”

Beyond the competition, Renner hopes the hunt encourages participants to explore parts of the city they may not regularly visit.

“We’re hoping it allows locals to find more businesses or areas of interest around the city,” he said. “And we’re hopeful that leads to increased foot traffic around town.”

While anyone can play, prizes are awarded locally, and minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are reminded to respect private property, remain in public spaces and avoid unsafe behavior while searching for the token.

As the first hunt approaches, Renner said anticipation has been building.

“I’m most excited to see what kind of interest we’ve picked up over the last few months and how many people will show up and participate,” he said.

Hub City Hunt is free to play, with no purchase necessary. Participants must follow the official Instagram account for clues and updates, and winners must submit proof from the location and provide valid identification.

More information, official rules and updates are available online at hubcityhunt.com and on Instagram.

Rescued dog inspires children’s book with a message of kindness

Compiled from infor-mation provided by Wofford News Services

Spartanburg, S.C. — A rescued dog with an international past is the inspiration behind a new children’s book by author Martin, whose debut title follows the journey of her beloved pet from China to the United States.

“Gorgeous Georges,” self-published in October, is available in paperback, hardcover and e-book formats through Amazon. The book takes its name from the affectionate nickname Martin gave her Shih Tzu-Lhasa Apso mix, George, who was rescued through Bunny’s Buddies, an international animal rescue organization.

Martin originally planned to adopt a golden retriever, but her lifestyle at the time — apartment living and a full-time office job — made a large, high-energy dog impractical. Instead, rescue coordinators suggested George.

“They sent me his photo and said, ‘This is the dog we have,’” Martin said. “I told them I trusted their judgment. It turned out to be the perfect fit.”

In the book, George’s story begins with the loss of his elderly owner in China, followed by a stay in a shelter before he is selected for adoption in America. The story follows his emotional journey as he travels to the United States and slowly adjusts to life in a new home, making friends along the way.

Martin and her mother traveled from Raleigh, North Carolina, to New York City to meet George when he arrived in the U.S. Though nervous, George quickly began settling into his new life.

Now living in the Charlotte area, Martin remains deeply involved in dog fostering and rescue work, bringing additional animals into the home temporarily. That experience has helped shape future story ideas.

“I’d love to continue writing from George’s point of view and include some of his foster friends,” Martin said. “There was one named Bunny who had to wear pajamas — kids would love that.”

Writing a children’s book had long been a personal goal, but it was a conversation with her husband, Matt, that prompted her to act.

“He told me to stop talking about it and actually do it,” Martin said. “I sat down that night and the story just came together.”

Illustrations for the book were created by Rachel Woodhouse, a family friend and artist who previously painted a portrait of George. Though Woodhouse was juggling new motherhood at the time, she ultimately agreed to take on the project.

“She brought the story to life,” Martin said. “The illustrations are exactly what I hoped for.”

Beyond telling George’s story, the book encourages children to show compassion toward animals. It includes discussion questions, fun facts and a “kindness challenge” that offers age-appropriate ways to support animal shelters, such as donating blankets, spending time with shelter dogs or encouraging adoption.

Martin hopes the message resonates with young readers in communities like Spartanburg, where animal rescue groups rely heavily on public support.

“If kids learn empathy early, it can make a real difference,” she said. “Even small acts of kindness can change a life — just like it did for George.” 

GSP President and CEO Dave Edwards awarded Order of the Palmetto  

Dave Edwards, president and chief executive officer of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, has received South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto.

The award is given to individuals whose service has made a lasting impact on the state. Edwards was recognized for his leadership at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, where he helped expand air service, strengthen the Upstate economy and elevate the airport’s role as an international cargo hub.

The airport’s growth has been closely tied to Spartanburg’s emergence as a major manufacturing and logistics center. GSP plays a critical role in supporting Spartanburg County’s automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries by providing global connectivity for goods, suppliers and workforce travel, reinforcing the county’s position as a key economic driver in South Carolina.

During Edwards’ tenure, the airport has played a growing role in South Carolina’s transportation network and statewide commerce. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport generates an estimated $4.6 billion in annual economic output, supports more than 24,000 jobs, provides $1.1 billion in labor income and contributes nearly $88.9 million in state tax revenue each year.

Under Edwards’ leadership, the airport reached record passenger levels, surpassing 3 million travelers in a 12-month period for the first time in its history.

Edwards joined the airport district in 2009 and will retire Jan. 9, 2026, concluding a 38-year career in the aviation industry. His tenure included major terminal upgrades, cargo and airfield expansion, roadway and parking improvements, and long-term strategic planning that positioned the airport for continued growth.

“It has been an honor to serve the state of South Carolina and to lead an airport that connects families, supports jobs and drives economic progress,” Edwards said. “I am confident Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport will continue to create value for South Carolina for many years to come.”

Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions has launched a $100,000 scholarship initiative to help Spartanburg County teenagers with decision-making and life skills. 

RiseUP 100 scholarship challenge to offer 100 teens free training aimed at preventing violence 

Information compiled and edited by Bobby Dailey Jr. for The Spartan Weekly News

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — In response to a rise in youth violence across Spartanburg County, Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions has launched a $100,000 scholarship initiative designed to equip local teenagers with decision-making and life skills rooted in faith and family engagement.

The RiseUP 100 Scholar-ship Challenge will provide 100 full scholarships — valued at $1,000 each — for teens ages 13 to 18 to participate in the organization’s 10-week “Winning with Christ 2.0” program. The scholarships cover tuition, educational materials and participation in a parent-teen kickoff retreat intended to strengthen communication at home.

CFADD founder and president Apostle Tommy E. Quick said the initiative focuses on prevention through positive development rather than reacting after harm occurs.

“We refuse to stand by while our young people fall victim to destructive choices that rob them of their God-given potential,” Quick said. “This is about investing in solutions. When we equip teens with sound decision-making skills and strengthen family bonds, we can impact entire communities.”

The program arrives as local leaders seek strategies to address violence affecting young people. Organizers say research consistently shows that strong family relationships, clear moral frameworks and positive peer connections are key protective factors for adolescents.

The curriculum is divided into two phases. The first five weeks focus on foundation-building topics such as identity and purpose, a structured decision-making model, navigating peer influence, setting healthy boundaries — including digital behavior — and developing emotional awareness. The remaining weeks emphasize practical application, including conflict resolution, substance-risk avoidance, goal setting, leadership development and community service planning. The program concludes with a family celebration and commissioning event.

In addition to teen instruction, RiseUP 100 includes three parallel workshops for parents, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on family-wide involvement.  Organizers say engaging parents as partners increases the likelihood that lessons learned will be reinforced at home.

The program will be delivered through CFADD’s Family Life Success Center and includes partnerships with local educational institutions, allowing participants to earn potential academic credit. Community leaders, educators and law enforcement officials have expressed support for the effort, citing the need for proactive youth programming.

Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort. Eligible students must be in grades 9-12, live in or attend school in affected areas of Spartanburg County, and complete an application that includes a brief “Why I Choose to Rise Up” essay or video, a community endorsement letter, and a commitment pledge from both the student and a parent or guardian.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a selection panel, with decisions typically made within 10 business days. Organizers say character and commitment will weigh more heavily than academic performance.

Space is limited, and officials encourage families to apply promptly.

More information and applications are available at www.cfadd.org/Riseup. CFADD can also be reached at (855) 752-3233 or at its office at 1425 John B. White Blvd., Spartanburg.

Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions is a faith-based organization dedicated to empowering families with the tools and resources needed to make wise, life-giving decisions. 

Through education, community partnerships, and direct family support, CFADD works to prevent destructive choices and promote positive youth development throughout Spartanburg County and beyond. 

Founded on the belief that strong families build strong communities, CFADD offers a range of programs and services designed to address the root causes of destructive decision-making while building protective factors that promote resilience and positive outcomes for children and families. 

Prisma Health Maternity Hospitals earn national recognition, offering options for Spartanburg families 

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Expectant parents in the Spartanburg area will have access to nationally recognized maternity care after U.S. News & World Report named eight Prisma Health hospitals in South Carolina as “High Performing” for maternity care in its 2026 Best Hospitals rankings.

The designation is the highest honor awarded in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study, now in its fifth year. The recognition highlights hospitals that meet rigorous standards for patient safety, outcomes and evidence-based practices in labor and delivery.

Among the Prisma Health facilities receiving the honor are hospitals in nearby Greenville and Greer, which serve many Spartanburg County residents, including Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, Prisma Health Greer Memorial Hospital and Prisma Health Patewood Hospital. Other recognized facilities include Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, Baptist Parkridge Hospital and Richland Hospital in the Midlands, along with Tuomey Hospital in Sumter and Oconee Memorial Hospital in the Upstate.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity hospitals in 2021, focusing on facilities that provide labor and delivery services and voluntarily submit detailed data for review. For the 2026 rankings, about 900 hospitals nationwide participated. Evaluations considered factors such as cesarean section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe and unexpected newborn complications, exclusive breast milk feeding rates and the use of birthing-friendly practices.

The ratings are designed to help families, in consultation with their health care providers, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity care.

Dr. Kacey Eichelberger, executive medical director of Prisma Health’s women’s and children’s care divisions, said the recognition reflects the system’s commitment to quality and compassion.

“We are incredibly proud to have all eight of our birthing hospitals in South Carolina recognized,” Eichelberger said. “This achievement speaks to the dedication of our care teams and our focus on delivering evidence-based, compassionate care that gives every mother and baby the best possible start.”

U.S. News officials said hospitals earning the designation consistently outperform others on critical safety and quality measures.

“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders,” said Jennifer Winston, a health data scientist with U.S. News & World Report. “This recognition signals to expectant parents that these hospitals are meeting high standards for safety and outcomes.”

For Spartanburg-area families who often seek specialty and maternity services throughout the Upstate, the recognition provides reassurance that nearby Prisma Health hospitals are among the top performers in the nation for maternity care.