Estate Planning Attorney inUnion, SC

A South Carolina credit union is returning to one of the state’s poorest counties with a new branch to open by year’s end.

SRP Federal Credit Union of North Augusta, S.C. ($1.8 billion in assets, 194,166 members) announced March 3 that it has begun construction of a new branch in Allendale, 56 miles southeast of North Augusta and the seat of Allendale County.

Josh Rhoden, the credit union’s marketing and communications manager, said the previous Allendale branch was closed nine years ago because of market conditions.

“The decision to close our Allendale Branch was not made lightly,” Rhoden said.

“Since then, we have closely monitored the needs of the Allendale community and have seen a renewed demand for in-person banking services in the area.

“Based on this, we are excited to return with a new branch, designed to offer modern conveniences while maintaining the personalized service our members expect,” Rhoden said. “This decision reflects our long-term commitment to investing in the communities we serve and ensuring that our members have access to the financial tools and support they need.”

At a groundbreaking ceremony for the new branch, SRP President/CEO Eric Jenkins thanked government leaders for their help.

“Today, we are not just breaking ground on a new building,” Jenkins said. “We’re laying the foundation for stronger financial futures and enhanced opportunities for all members of this community.”

Currently, there are no credit union branches in the rural county and only one bank branch: Palmetto State Bank of neighboring Hampton County has had a branch in the county since 2007.

NCUA records showed SRP had 20 branches plus its headquarters across Georgia and South Carolina on Sept. 30, unchanged from a year earlier. This expansion will bring SRP’s total number of branches to 21.

Two other credit unions also announced plans for a new and a remodeled branch in South Carolina.

Founders Federal Credit Union of Lancaster, S.C. ($4.8 billion in assets, 271,061 members) announced Feb. 27 that it plans to open new branch this fall in York, just south of Charlotte. It followed a Feb. 19 announcement that it plans to open a new branch in May in Columbia, S.C., in the center of the state.

SAFE Federal Credit Union of Sumter, S.C. ($1.9 billion in assets, 145,254 members) announced Feb. 28 that it has begun construction on a new building to replace a branch in Sumter, 40 miles east of Columbia. The current 2,600-square-foot branch built in 1989 will be replaced by year’s end with a 4,800-square-foot facility with expanded member amenities and upgraded technology.

“Branch renovations are part of SAFE’s ongoing commitment to provide our members with the best banking experience possible,” President/CEO Michael Baker said. “This new facility’s improved access, modern technology, and more spacious design will offer extra convenience to members seeking branch services in the Sumter area.”

SAFE had 21 branches on Sept. 30, one more than a year earlier.

In other branch news:

“The Juneau Financial Center is a major milestone for the credit union in our state’s capital,” President/CEO Geoff Lundfelt said. “We are on an ever-evolving mission to make financial services as convenient as possible for Global members. This center provides modern amenities and access to more services in a centralized location.”

The credit union had 78 branches on Sept. 30, one more than a year earlier.

Contact Jim DuPlessis at [email protected].

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PACOLET, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A power management company is making the largest investment in Union County’s history. In February, Eaton announced its $340 million plans to grow operations in South Carolina.

County leaders say it’s a catalyst for growth and development.

Born and raised in Union County, Rebecca Rochester now runs the friends of the library recycled bookstore on Main.

“I can assure you union county residents read,” she said, shuffling through the bookshelves. “They bring the books that they have read and then they just get boxes of books to take out with them when they leave.”

Even though downtown now isn’t as busy as it once was, she keeps busy, and like many others is ready for more.

“We want to continue to have folk come and enjoy being on Main Street. We have merchants that are anxious for us to grow,” she said.

This new project might be the spark they’ve been waiting for.

“$340 million is a lot in the state of South Carolina, but it is Union County’s largest announcement to date,” said County Supervisor Phillip Russell.

Eaton will open its new electrical transformer facility off Highway 176, just outside Pacolet and Jonesville.

Russell says the 700 jobs coming with it are just what the county needs.

“It’s all about jobs. If people have jobs, they’ll buy houses. If people buy houses. The commercial entities will come, the retail establishments, the restaurants, those things will come,” he said.

Eaton’s new home was previously leased as a Disney plant, then a Belk distribution center. Russell says even though those companies have come and gone, Eaton has decided to buy the facility.

“Which means they’re going to be here. Not only that, the agreement that they signed is basically a 40-year agreement,” he explained.

Since losing the textile industry in the early 2000’s, Union has fallen behind other upstate counties when it comes to growth. But over the last few years they’ve welcomed some new businesses and hundreds of new homes.

“This announcement is only going to add to that we’ve already had,” Russell said.

But keeping the small-town character is top of mind.

“We know that that small town feel can still be part of a growing a progressive community, because that’s what I grew up with. So I know it’s possible,” said Rochester.

Site work on the Eaton facility starts in the next few weeks. it’s expected to open in early 2027.

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Home > Cases > Constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 > Constitutionality of Waqf Amendment Act | Day 2: No new appointments to Boards or Council till next hearing, Union assures SC

Constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025

Today, a Bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna with Justices P.V. Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan granted the Union government seven days to file its response in the challenges to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Court also modified the case title to In re: Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

Even as the Court stated that it would not grant an interim stay on the 2025 Act, it recorded the Union’s assurance that no new appointments would be made to the Waqf Council or any State Waqf Boards until the next hearing. It further directed that the status of properties recognised as waqf by user would not be altered in the meantime.

Yesterday, the Court had contemplated granting interim reliefs in the case, but had refrained from passing the orders. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, leading the arguments on the petitioners’ side, had contended that the 2025 amendments violated the constitutional right of religious minorities to manage their own affairs.

As soon as the Bench assembled, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta addressed the judges. He submitted that it was essential that the Court consider the historical evolution of the Waqf law since 1923 before contemplating an interim stay on the new Amendment Act.

“We will have to take you through history,” Mehta stated, and insisted that to answer the questions in the case, the Court will need assistance. He reiterated that the 2025 Amendment Act was passed after a lot of deliberation and consideration.

CJI Khanna stated that they would not stay the Act at this stage, but clarified that while the case is pending before the Court, the situation must not change in a way that the rights of the parties are impacted. He expressed concern that appointing new members to the Waqf Boards and Council, during the pendency of the case, could create complications.

Mehta promptly assured the Bench that no new members would be appointed to any Waqf Boards or Council until the next hearing. “My reading of the provision is that nothing can happen within a week even if the government wants it to,” he said. Mehta further informed the Bench that if any appointments were made during this time, they could be declared void.

The other big question in the case concerns the fate of waqf by user properties— those long used for religious or charitable purposes without formal deeds. The 2025 Act abolishes this recognition for future waqf properties.

Today, the Bench directed that no such properties would be “denotified” before the second hearing. This included those that were declared or registered. Mehta, reiterated his argument from yesterday that, according to the law, even a waqf by user had to be “registered” since 1923. The petitioners protested, stating that several old waqf by user properties lacked registration.

Currently, nearly 100 petitions have been filed in this case. To bring order to the chaos in the proceedings, the Court not only renamed the case, but also directed both sides to appoint nodal counsel responsible for compiling documents and filings.

Mehta informed the Court that Advocate Kanu Aggarwal would be the nodal counsel for the respondents. On the petitioners’ side, Advocate Vikas Jain was appointed.

The Bench also clarified that it would hear arguments from only five counsels for the petitioners. The Bench also said that the petition challenging the Waqf Act of 1995 and its 2013 amendments would be heard separately.

The case is scheduled to be heard next in the week, commencing from 5 May 2025.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union dominated in both possession and shots against an Orlando City side that seem determined to foul, delay, and otherwise frustrate their opponents. Despite the 21 shots that the Boys in Blue sent towards the Lions’ net, only 4 were on target and Philly was unable to break the deadlock. Although their defense largely held off Orlando’s few forays forward, Andre Blake needed to don the superman cape a handful of times to keep the Lions off the board. Let’s get into the ratings.

Player Ratings:

Andre Blake – 8

The Jamaican net-minder made 3 saves and all of them were at critical junctures in the match. His first stonewalled Marco Pašalić right before halftime. The next 2 saves came in the second half, during a brief period when Orlando took control of the game. It’s thanks to Blake that the Union got a point.

Nathan Harriel – 7

Deployed on the left side on Saturday, Harriel put in a good shift. His work-rate was high on both ends of the pitch. Defensively, he was great in the air and the ground, while being able to jumpstart attacks.

Jakob Glesnes – 6

Decent game from the Rocketman. Aside from one untimely slip (and he wasn’t the only player who touched earth on the night), he looked far more steady against Orlando than the week prior. Solid all around without being spectacular.Ian Glavinovic – 7

The young Argentine is building a strong case for his continued selection in the starting eleven. Glavinovic was confident in defense and poised when playing high up in Orlando’s half. Unfortunately, it appears he has suffered a meniscus tear that will require surgery – according to a story posted on his Instagram account. Hopefully, an official announcement from the Union will come soon.Frankie Westfield – 6

Another decent showing from the U-20 World Cup hopeful. His performances will give Carnell a bit of a conundrum once Kai Wagner is healthy again. Danley Jean-Jacques – 6

Lots of good defensive work from Danley. Did well linking the lines in attack. Can tell he wants that first goal, but his long shots will have to improve for that to happen.Jovan Lukić – 7

Man, Lukić was EVERYWHERE. He covered a ton of ground and showed more of his uncanny ability to retain possession. Shades of Darlington Nagbe. Almost scored yet another banger but didn’t quite have the long range strikes dialed in on the night. Daniel Gazdag – 6

The Hungarian midfielder did a lot of good things on the night – especially his off ball movement – but none of them got the Union a needed goal. If his cross to Damiani in the 14th minute was more accurate, maybe the Union get all 3 points. Had one or two heavy touches that lost possession.

Quinn Sullivan – 5

Has stepped up as the primary set-piece taker in Wagner’s absence. Had some deliveries into good areas, and worked some creative combinations on short corner kick routines. But, his usual spark was missing, especially his willingness to take players on on the dribble.

Bruno Damiani – 6

Had the two best chances for the Union but neither worked out. Did well to get on the end of Gazdag’s cross in the 47th minute but Gallese was equal to it. Led both sides in shots with 4. His hold up ability is well noted.

Tai Baribo – 4

Unfortunately, Baribo seems to have suffered without Kai Wagner. Of his 6 goals, Wagner has assisted 3 of them. Hopefully, the service he gets will improve with Kai’s return or a team adjustment, because it’s not a lack of effort or ability from Baribo, but he simply wasn’t able to affect much on the night.Substitutes:

Indiana Vassilev – 6

Brought a needed spark to the Union attack. Extra credit for trolling Schlegel.

Mikael Uhre – 5

While the nature of the game didn’t exactly suit his skill-set, Uhre helped link up attacks with his short passes. If his backheel to Cavan paid off, it would’ve been an unforgettable moment. Possibly should’ve won a penalty.

Alejandro Bedoya – 4

Rougher than usual showing for Bedoya, lost possession a few times.

Cavan Sullivan – 6

The young-er Sullivan looked dangerous in his 10 + minutes. More of that please.

Geiger Counter

Ismir Pekmic – 4

Seemed to miss some calls on the Union while giving Orlando the same fouls. Still, had much to think about as he felt the need to whistle for 27 fouls. Handed out 9 yellow cards, 5 to Orlando. Orlando came into this game with the intent of disrupting the Union’s flow as much as possible and they succeeded in that endeavor. Might have missed a PK call for the Union early into stoppage time.

Player of the Match – Andre Blake

His first save on Pašalić and second on Muriel were some classic #SavesByDre material. Without him the Union lose this game.

What’s Next

With the draw, the Union sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. Next weekend Philly will travel to Citi Field and its “funhouse mirror-like” dimensions to face off with NYCFC. The Citizens have had a rough start to 2025 and it will be interesting how if small field will play into the Union’s play style.

South Jersey native. Proud founding member of the Philadelphia Union. Can be found playing pickup at Penn Park or in Heyday Athletic leagues. Ray Gaddis-esque defender on the field. Communications Director for the Ocean City Nor'easters.