Junk Removal in Greenville, SC

Add Macy's to the growing list of retailers paring down their locations.

Previously, Macy's announced it would be closing 50 of its stores by the end of the fiscal year in February.

However, a look at the department store's third quarter earnings report indicates it will close more stores by the end of the year.

"We now expect to close roughly 65 locations this year," said Macy's CEO Tony Spring in the earnings call. "In line with our typical cadence, closures will occur post holiday."

Here's what to know about the closings and Macy's stores in South Carolina.

How many stores will close by 2026?

In February, Macy's said it will shut down 150 "unproductive stores" by 2026, accounting for roughly 30% of all locations, per a USA TODAY story. During this period, Macy's will invest in 350 "go-forward stores." It will also embark on what the retail chain calls "A Bold New Chapter."

“A Bold New Chapter serves as a strong call to action. It challenges the status quo to create a more modern Macy’s, Inc," Spring said in a February statement. "We are making the necessary moves to reinvigorate relationships with our customers through improved shopping experiences, relevant assortments and compelling value."

What will happen to Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury?

Macy's may be shuttering some of its stores, but the company still plans on pushing Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury forward, which will expand by 45 stores altogether. Within the next three years, consumers can expect to see 15 new Bloomingdale's stores. There will also be 30 new Bluemercury stores, with 30 of the stores undergoing remodeling. So far this year, five Bluemercury stores have been remodeled and nine locations have opened, according to the Macy's third quarter earnings report.

Will Macy's stores in SC close?

Macy's has not announced what stores it plans to close down yet, but there are two stores in S.C. that remain open:

? Macy's Haywood Mall: 700 Haywood Road Ste. 308, Greenville

? Macy's Columbia Mall: 7201 Notch Road Ste. D1400, Columbia

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.

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S.C. Transportation Department crews were still working to remove large amounts of debris after Tropical Storm Helene struck Upstate South Carolina.

When South Carolinians think about infrastructure, they often picture highways, bridges and roads. However, much of the infrastructure vital to the state's resilience and safety is unseen, protecting our communities and environment from the impact of natural disasters. While transportation infrastructure is certainly essential, the state’s less visible environmental infrastructure, such as stormwater systems, dams and water treatment facilities, is equally critical to the state’s well-being.

The havoc wreaked by Hurricane Helene demonstrates that South Carolina's environmental infrastructure has become our first line of defense in extreme weather. Without resilient, well-maintained infrastructure, the impact of extreme weather could be even more devastating. From flood protection to clean drinking water, South Carolina’s unseen infrastructure deserves greater attention and investment.

Rising water levels are an undeniable concern, but much of the damage caused by floods can be mitigated with effective stormwater infrastructure. Systems designed to handle large quantities of rainfall can alleviate flooding, protect homes and businesses, and ensure pollutants are not washed into rivers and lakes. In rural areas, where drainage systems may be less advanced, the threat of environmental damage and personal loss is even greater. South Carolina’s robust wastewater management infrastructure also plays a crucial role during severe weather by ensuring that overburdened water systems do not overflow, spilling untreated waste into communities and natural habitats.

Preemptive measures, such as routine maintenance and improvements to water management systems, can save lives and protect the environment in the event of extreme weather. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and state and local authorities, supported by a statewide network of engineers, implement and facilitate these measures to ensure successful operations in all conditions.

South Carolina is home to nearly 2,300 state-regulated dams, some of which have the potential to cause catastrophic damage if they fail. Dams serve a crucial function in flood control and water storage, but they can also be liabilities during heavy storms. The Department of Environmental Services and other state entities have taken steps to improve dam safety, but these structures require constant monitoring, upkeep and improvement, especially as the threat of extreme weather increases.

While efforts such as breach warnings may seem like standard protocol, they represent the tireless work of engineers and environmental experts who continuously safeguard the state from disaster. When we invest in the safety and maintenance of our dams through people and programs, we invest in the protection of lives, homes and entire communities downstream.

Another often-overlooked facet of South Carolina’s infrastructure is our water systems. Public water systems and private wells are vulnerable to contamination during severe weather, potentially leading to health crises. In rural areas, where residents rely heavily on private wells for drinking water, this threat is especially pressing.

When storms strike and waters rise, local authorities, working with the Department of Environmental Services and other state agnencies, must act quickly to assess damage and provide safe drinking water solutions. By offering water testing and emergency response, South Carolina can prevent waterborne illnesses and ensure that communities are not left struggling in the aftermath of a disaster.

South Carolina’s weather events can reveal both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure. Proactive efforts by state and local officials, including warnings and inspections, play a critical role in reducing the impact of storms. However, these also highlight areas where more investment is needed to ensure long-term resilience.

With extreme weather becoming more frequent, South Carolina’s ability to manage these challenges hinges on how well we maintain and upgrade our infrastructure. Our collective future depends on infrastructure investments and the professionals who make infrastructure work for South Carolina.

As we look ahead, South Carolina must prioritize the infrastructure that keeps us safe, both on the surface and below. The road to resilience runs through our state’s commitment to protecting and enhancing every aspect of our infrastructure.

John Collum is a vice president in the Columbia office of the engineering consultant Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson.

Greenville, SC (December 17, 2024) – A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Woodruff Road in Greenville claimed the life of 31-year-old Wesley Landon Guarino, of Mauldin. The incident occurred on Monday night, December 15, near Vaughn Road, around 10:00 PM. According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Guarino was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash involved three vehicles. South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) responded to the 1900 block of Woodruff Road near Pizza Inn, where they found Guarino’s Nissan had crossed the center line and collided head-on with a Kia Forte. The Kia Forte was attempting to make a left turn onto Vaughn Road at the time of the crash. The impact caused the Kia Forte to strike a Kia SUV that was traveling in the opposite direction on Woodruff Road.

Both drivers of the Kia Forte and the Kia SUV were injured and taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed. Guarino was the only fatality in the crash.

A forensic exam is scheduled to be performed on Tuesday to determine the exact cause of death. The incident remains under investigation by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Wesley Landon Guarino during this challenging time. We also wish for the swift recovery of the injured individuals.

Fatal and Multi-Vehicle Collisions in South Carolina

Fatal accidents, especially those involving multiple vehicles, are a significant concern on South Carolina’s busy roadways. The tragic crash on Woodruff Road highlights the dangers of high-speed intersections and the importance of maintaining proper lane discipline, particularly when approaching busy areas like Vaughn Road.

South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. In the meantime, drivers are reminded to stay alert, follow traffic laws, and drive cautiously, especially in areas with high traffic flow or complex intersections.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and navigate the next steps following such a tragedy.

Local Accident Reports will continue to provide updates on accidents in Greenville and surrounding areas. Stay informed and drive safely.

South Carolina flags will be flying at half-staff Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Here's what to know about Gov. Henry McMaster's half-staff flag order.

Why are flags at half-staff in South Carolina?

McMaster ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Dec. 18 in honor of John M. Spratt Jr.

According to a news release from the state, Spratt had an "extraordinary legacy and lifetime of service to the State of South Carolina and the United States of America, including as a member of the United States House of Representatives."

How long will flags be at half-staff?

S.C. flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sundown on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Where will flags be flown at half-staff?

McMaster ordered that flags be flown at half-staff atop state Capitol and also requested that the flags over state buildings and buildings of the political subdivisions of S.C. similarly be flown at half-staff.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things:

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that on ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.

Iris Seaton, Carolinas Connect, contributed.

Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and a trending news editor for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com.

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. —

Upstate and South Carolina officials say debris pickup from Helene will continue into the new year.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation and Anderson County leaders have asked people to move their storm debris to the curb by the end of Monday to help facilitate cleanup.

Meanwhile, Greenville County is asking people to move their debris to the curb by Dec. 30 as crews prepare to make their final pass on county-maintained roads.

"We've already collected 80% of what we think is out there, so the last part should be a little simpler," Greenville County spokesperson Bob Mihalic said. "A lot of folks have large stumps, and if your large stump has been removed from the ground, it requires a different type of machinery, so your large stump will be picked up on the last pass."

Greenville County officials said crews will begin their final pass in January, which could last into February.

SCDOT officials said more than 2.3 million cubic yards of debris have been picked up on state-maintained roads across the Palmetto State.

"We're making really good progress. We have a way to go," SCDOT spokesperson Hannah Robinson said. "We've also done 103,000 leaners and hangers, which are trees that are leaning or hanging into the road that need to be removed before any kind of other storm may happen or before they are an issue for the public."

Greenville County officials said crews have picked up more than 500,000 cubic yards on its roads since Helene. Mihalic said that is equivalent to around 235 football fields of debris.

A portion of that debris can be found at a temporary debris drop-off site at a former elementary school along Waddell Road. On Monday, trucks could be seen offloading logs, tree trunks and other debris onto large piles.

"Pretty much from dawn to dusk, I hear the backed-up horns," said Danny Thomas, who lives across from the site. "This thing's filled up in, I'd say, approximately two weeks."

However, on roads such as State Park Road, debris remains along the side of the roads.

"Well, they did come, you know, when it first started, and then, I had some more debris that I had to get up, and they haven't been back," said Jerry Smith, who lives off State Park Road.

As the last pass nears, Mihalic said crews will be on the lookout for more debris.

"We are going to get to you," Mihalic said. "If we haven't gotten to you and you're on a county road, we will get to you."

Mihalic said people can notify the county of any roadside debris by emailing debris@greenvillecounty.org.

SCDOT officials said people can call 855-GO-SCDOT with any questions or concerns regarding debris cleanup.

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