Whataburger® celebrated the opening of its first restaurant in South Carolina at 3647 Boiling Springs Road in Boiling Springs on July 15. 

Whataburger® opens first South Carolina restaurant in Boiling Springs

Whataburger held the grand opening of its first South Carolina restaurant on July 15. Located in Boiling Springs at 3647 Boiling Springs Road, the new Whataburger will serve up ‘Goodness 24/7’. 

In 1950, Whataburger began offering the now iconic five-inch burger from a humble storefront in Corpus Christi, Texas. The homegrown restaurant has expanded 74 years later to more than 1,030 locations across its 15-state footprint. The Boiling Springs location is Whata-burger’s first restaurant in the state of South Carolina and marks the company’s entry into its 16th state, which the company has dubbed “Sweet 16.” It's a pretty big deal — just like its Burger! 

“Bringing Whataburger to South Carolina is a dream come true for me. As a native son, I’ve always known that our state’s rich culture and warm hospitality would be the perfect match for Whataburger’s tradition of bold flavors and extraordinary service,” Whataburger President and CEO Ed Nelson says. “Opening our doors here feels like a homecoming, and I’m thrilled to share the Whataburger experience with my fellow South Carolinians.”  

Two additional locations are set to open across Spartanburg County in the fall, one at 1941 East Main Street, Spartanburg, 29307 and another at 1510 W.O. Ezell Blvd., Spartanburg, 29301.

To celebrate South Caro-lina’s first Whataburger, the Boiling Springs location ofered gift baskets — including free Whatabur-ger for a Year — to the first four Guests in its drive-thru lane on July 15. It will also offered gift packs to the next 350 guests and hosted a party in the parking lot for everyone from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainment at the grand opening party included Whataburger-themed games with prizes, a face-painting station, photo booth, and a Kona shaved ice truck. The location was initially only  open for drive-thru service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dining room service, Whataburger app delivery, curbside and third-party app delivery service will be added in the coming weeks.  

For more information about Whataburger, please visit www.whataburger.com. 

Dorman High School longtime Girl’s Volleyball Coach Paula Kirkland inducted into NFHS Hall of Fame 

Information courtesy of the South Carolina High School League

Dorman High School’s longtime girls’ volleyball head coach, Paula Kirkland, was inducted into the National Federation of State High School Asso-ciations (NFHS) National High School Hall of Fame.

Kirkland’s Hall of Fame Selection was announced in March of this year with the official induction taking place during the 105th NFHS Summer Meeting held in Boston, Mass. on July 1. Kirkland was one-of-11 honorees inducted during the ceremony in Boston.

“I was shocked when I learned of my selection and I had no idea I was even on their ballot,” said Kirkland who has completed 43 seasons as girls volleyball coach at Dorman High School in Roebuck. “I had to read the email twice and then I got the phone call from the NFHS.” Kirkland continued, “All of the wins and titles are the direct result of their contributions. In addition, our program has had the opportunity to flourish because of the unwavering support from Dorman High School and School District Six. I am blessed beyond belief and honored to my core. I am pleased to represent Dorman and the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL).”

“Coach Kirkland is definitely deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Jerome Singleton, Commissioner of the SCHSL. “We are extremely proud of Coach Kirkland and all she’s done as a coach in the SCHSL.”

In November 2024, Kirkland won her 15th SCHSL State Volleyball Championship. She became the volleyball coach at Dorman – her alma mater – in 1980 and won her first state title in 1990. She won three consecutive titles from 1990 to 1992 and won back-to-back-to-back championships from 1995 to 1997, followed by four titles in five years from 2000 to 2004. 

Julio Del Jesus ’25, left, and Clayton Hixon ’26, right, receive guidance from the Hon. Timothy Madden ’85.

This summer, two Wofford students have picked up where they left off last summer

Information courtesy of Wofford News Services

Clayton Hixon ’26, a government major from Jackson, Georgia, and Julio Del Jesus ’25, a government major from Kissimmee, Florida, are back in the courthouse with the Hon. Timothy Madden ’85, continuing their legal internship with the 13th Judicial Circuit in Greenville, South Carolina.

Last summer’s internship enabled Hixon and Del Jesus to learn various components of law and how they interconnect. This year, they are making connections by visiting courthouses across the state, learning about different specialties in law, meeting with lawyers and networking in the legal community.

Madden, a family court judge, has also taken the students to visit the Uni-versity of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law, where he completed his Juris Doctor degree.

“Judge Madden always goes out of his way to put us in a position to meet new people and give us connections for the future,” Hixon says. “My biggest challenge has been putting myself out there. This summer, I’ve gained more confidence in that area, which will serve me well in my future legal career.”

“Judge Madden makes sure we never leave a new courthouse as strangers,” Del Jesus agrees.

Madden believes he has a duty and an obligation to give back to his alma mater. But it’s more than that, he says. Providing Wofford students with internships is one way he stays plugged in as an active alumnus and member of the college’s board of trustees.

The students and their mentor say they’ve benefitted from working together. Madden says the experience continues to reaffirm his pride in Wofford and highlights the value of a liberal arts education.

“It is no surprise, but the feedback I have received from everyone who has met our students has been nothing but glowing praise,” he says. 

Max Stewart was recenty appointed as new CEO of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. 

GADC appoints Max Stewart as new CEO

Greenville — The Greenville Area Development Corporation (GADC) recently announced the appointment of Max Stewart as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 16, 2024. Stewart brings more than two decades of experience in economic development and non-profit leadership, making him an ideal fit to lead GADC in its mission to foster economic growth and development in Green-ville County.

“Max Stewart is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving economic success. His strategic insight and extensive experience in both public and private sectors will be invaluable as we continue to enhance Greenville County’s economic landscape,” said Marshall Franklin, Chairman of the GADC Board of Directors. “We are confident that Max’s leadership will bring significant growth and innovation to our community.”

Stewart joins GADC from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, where he served as Vice President of Economic Development. During his tenure, Stewart led numerous initiatives that resulted in substantial economic gains for the Bradenton area, located on Florida’s West Coast. He successfully transitioned the organization into a digital marketing strategy, significantly increased the lead pipeline, and secured projects including a landmark project that brought in more than $250 million in capital investment and created 450 jobs — the largest single project in Manatee County’s history.

Reflecting on his new role, Stewart commented, “I am honored to join GADC and look forward to leveraging my experience to benefit Greenville County. My focus will be on fostering strong partnerships, driving innovative strategies, and ensuring sustainable growth. Greenville County is a vibrant community with immense potential, and I am excited to contribute to its continued prosperity.”

In his previous roles, Stewart demonstrated exceptional leadership in economic development. At the Bradenton Area EDC and Enterprise Florida, he facilitated international trade relations, organized high-impact trade missions, and supported a number of expansion projects. His strategic approach and dedication have consistently resulted in significant economic growth and job creation.

Stewart holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. He has been actively involved in numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Economic Development Council and the International Trade Alliance.

Stewart also shared his personal excitement about relocating to Greenville County, saying, “My wife, children, and I are eagerly looking forward to making Greenville County our new home. We are excited about becoming part of this dynamic community and contributing to its growth and success.”

South Carolina’s Tax Free Weekend kicks off on Friday, August 2

The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) reminds shoppers that computers, clothes, school supplies, and a variety of other school-year essentials can be purchased without paying Sales Tax during South Carolina's annual 72-hour Tax Free Weekend, starting August 2.

"As inflation continues to drain many wallets, this year's Tax Free Weekend offers some relief for weary families," said SCDOR Director Hartley Powell. “Every shopper saves money during this tax holiday, particularly on back-to-school essentials."​

Here’s what you need to know about Tax Free Weekend:

• The 2024 Tax Free Weekend, also called the Sales Tax Holiday, is Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4. 

• Eligible items can be purchased online and in-store without paying the state's 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes during the weekend. 

• Tax-free items include computers, printers, diapers, earbuds and headphones, purses, printers, shoes, and certain bed and bath items. Eligible items can be new or used and are eligible regardless of price. 

• Items that are not exempt from Sales Tax during Tax Free Weekend include digital cameras, smartphones, jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear, wallets, watches, and furniture.

Information for Retailers:

• All retailers who sell eligible items participate in the Tax Free Weekend and cannot collect sales tax from their customers on eligible purchases.

• Retailers can find graphics, sample posts for social media, and retailer-specific FAQs at dor.sc.gov/retailer-toolkit. 

• Sales of eligible tax-free items during Tax Free Weekend should be reported and taken as a deduction on your August Sales Tax return (which is due in September).

• The easiest way to file and pay Sales Tax and manage all of your South Carolina tax accounts is using our free online tax portal, MyDORWAY.

• For tips on filing your Sales Tax return on MyDORWAY, check out the video tutorial.

For more information

• For a detailed list of tax-free items, shopping lists, and FAQs, go to dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweek end.

• If you feel like you were charged sales tax on an exempt item during Tax Free Weekend, requesting a refund from the retailer should be your first step.

• If it's helpful, refer them to Revenue Ruling 19-4 . Retailers with questions about Tax Free Weekend can contact the SCDOR at SalesTax@dor.sc.gov.