Good morning, Spartanburg.

A recent survey by The Post and Courier shows Spartanburg residents are split on moving the Morgan Square clock tower, with 47 (of 95 respondents) supporting its relocation to another prominent site and 44 wanting it to remain.

City officials have not yet approved the $17 million redesign that will remove the tower from West Main Street, and construction is set to start in early summer.

Police in Spartanburg investigated five arson incidents that happened on Sunday during a six‑hour span at 630 Brawley Street at 4:52 a.m., 814 Howard Street at 5:00 a.m., 275 Farley Street at 9:45 a.m., 350 Pierpont Avenue at 10:34 a.m. and 260 Arch Street at 10:40 a.m.—and they arrested Marcus Lee Miller on Monday—charging him with arson for the 275 Farley Street incident and burglary for the 350 Pierpont Avenue case while the connection between the events remains unconfirmed.

Christopher Taylor, 38 from Mauldin, pleaded guilty to charges from nearly 40 burglaries in 11 counties—and will be sentenced to 30 years in prison in Greenville County on Thursday morning after a crime spree that began in July 2021 and ended with his arrest in June 2022.

Hub City Bookshop will host a poetry reading and book signing on April 10 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Spartanburg writer John Lane and former Wyoming poet laureate David Romtvedt; the event will feature readings and book signings by both authors.

A recent LendingTree study shows that the national cost to raise a small child has risen to $29,419 a year—up 35.7% since 2023.

In South Carolina, families spend $17,699, which is 16.1% of the average income, placing the state among the lowest cost areas for child-raising.

Spartanburg leaders pushed back on remarks by White House trade advisor Peter Navarro that criticized BMW’s operations in the area—saying his view does not reflect the benefits the plant has provided.

County Council Vice Chair David Britt, who helped bring BMW to the region in the early 90s, invited the White House to tour Plant Spartanburg to see the impact firsthand.

Hospitality operators have banded together through the Responsible Hospitality Reform Alliance and are urging legislators to pass liquor liability reforms before May 8 to keep rising insurance costs from forcing restaurants to close.

House Bill 3497, which passed the House and is pending a Senate vote — and Senate Bill 244, now in the House Judiciary Committee — aim to require server training and create a mitigation program.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Concert

8:00-9:30 PM — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience a night of folk music with a celebrated band known for classics like 'Mr. Bojangles'.

Greer Farmers Market

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Greer City Park — Free entry — Explore local produce and handmade goods at this beloved monthly market.

Jeezy Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices range from $52 to $266 — Experience a night of hip-hop vibes with Jeezy at Spartanburg's iconic venue.

Squirrel Level Road Concert

6-9 p.m. — Fretwell — Free entry — Enjoy acoustic folk tunes and harmonies from local favorites Squirrel Level Road.

South Carolina Upstate Continuum Of Care Training Event 2025

2-6:30 p.m. — 250 E Main St — Free entry — Enhance your skills and connect with community professionals in a focused training on Continuum of Care strategies.

Blue Highway Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — Chapman Cultural Center — Check event page for pricing — Celebrate 29 years of award-winning bluegrass music with the iconic band Blue Highway.

1st Annual Disability Awareness Walk & Roll

10 AM – 1 PM — Barnet Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate inclusivity with a fun-filled walk, music, food trucks, and family activities.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Upgrade available for $30 — Experience the iconic partnership of Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo in a thrilling musical performance.

Houndmouth Live in Spartanburg

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Houndmouth, a must-see band blending alternative blues with rock vibes.

Shen Yun

6-8 p.m. — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium — Upgrade available for $30 — Experience a masterful blend of music and dance from ancient China with Shen Yun.