- News
- Sports
- Lifestyles
- Obituaries
- Opinion
- Events
DCSD to host Listening Sessions
Darlington County School District (DCSD) is inviting families, staff, and community members to attend a series of Community Listening Sessions focused on the district’s 2024 Facilities Study and the future of its schools.
Victory Baptist Church honors First Responders
On Saturday, February 28, members of the Darlington community gathered at Victory Baptist Church, located at 633 W. Smith Ave., for a special First Responders Appreciation Day honoring the men and women who serve on the front lines each day.
Grant awarded to expand Veterans Court services
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office has been awarded a $148,750 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Veterans Treatment Court services within the circuit and establish a new Veterans Court in Darlington County.
The funding will support operations for both Chesterfield County Veterans Court and the newly established Darlington County Veterans Court, ensuring that veterans across the Fourth Circuit have greater access to specialized treatment-focused judicial programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans.
Chief Justice John W. Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court recently signed an administrative order formally establishing the Darlington County Veterans Treatment Court and appointing Judge Craig LaCross as the presiding judge.
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs that connect eligible veterans involved in the criminal justice system with treatment services, mentorship, and supervision designed to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health conditions, and service-related trauma.
“These courts recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and provide an opportunity to address the issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system,” said Fourth Circuit Solicitor Paul ‘Mike’ Burch. “Our goal is to help veterans receive the treatment and support they need while also strengthening public safety in our communities.”
Oliver Segars, Communications Coordinator for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said the expansion marks an important step in ensuring veterans throughout the circuit have access to these services.
“We are proud to see this program expand into Darlington County,” Segars said. “Our goal is to continue growing Veterans Court so that the men and women who served our country — including those here in Darlington County — have access to the support, treatment, and accountability that these programs provide.”
The Veterans Treatment Court model relies on collaboration between the judiciary, the Solicitor’s Office, defense attorneys, law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, treatment providers, and volunteer veteran mentors.
Officials say the new Darlington County Veterans Court will operate in coordination with the existing Chesterfield County program and will serve veterans across the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Fowler named DCHS Director
Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) is pleased to announce Autumn Fowler as Executive Director.
Lamar honors Mrs. Virgil’s 100 years
Lamar residents gathered on Friday, March 6, at the Lamar Senior Center to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of one of the community’s most cherished citizens.
Kalmia Wellness hosts ‘Food as Medicine’ workshop
Residents seeking relief from daily aches and persistent inflammation found practical guidance and scientific insight during a recent workshop hosted in downtown Hartsville.
GOPO Meet and Greet: Cody Simpson
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Grand Old Post Office (GOPO), 201 Pearl Street in Darlington, for a Meet and Greet and Barbeque Dinner in honor of W.R. “Cody” Simpson III, Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
Girl Scouts to hold fashion show
Creativity and courage will take center stage later this month as Girl Scouts from across the region prepare to present a dazzling Fashion Show showcasing months of hard work, imagination, and leadership.
Darlington native earns national recognition
A hometown connection is making waves far beyond the Pee Dee.
Star-studded lineup planned for Darlington Community Concert Series
The City of Darlington will host the Community Concert Series presented by Dedicated Community Bank, Duke Energy and Genesis Healthcare, Inc., April through Sept., 2026.
Raceway’s Speed & Feed BBQ Festival coming May 16!
After a long-awaited return, one of the most flavorful festivals in the Pee Dee is back. Darlington Raceway announced today that its popular Speed & Feed BBQ Festival will make its triumphant return on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Building and “shaping” Darlington Raceway
Over seventy-five years ago, a few men with different dreams unknowingly collaborated to create one of motorsports’ most legendary venues.
Boyd named LHS Varsity Football Coach
Tyler Boyd, a Lamar native, will take over as Lamar High School’s (LHS) head varsity football coach, the school announced during a press conference Friday afternoon.
Hamlin wins Goodyear 400!
A perfectly-executed overtime restart by Denny Hamlin following a clutch final pit stop by his Joe Gibbs Racing crew provided exactly the advantage the veteran needed to claim the trophy in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
Jones wins Darlington’s Saturday Race!
After diligently working through a 98-race winless streak over the last three NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Brandon Jones reminded his competitors — and his fans — Saturday that he’s still a race winner and a title contender.
Racing legend visits Darlington
Herb McCandless, affectionately known as “Mr. 4 Speed,” was in Darlington yesterday to have lunch with some of his old friends.
Biffle named Honorary Pace Car Driver for Goodyear 400
Darlington Raceway announced today that former NASCAR Cup Series star and two-time Cup Series winner at the Track Too Tough to Tame, Greg Biffle, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, April 6.
Local athlete named Pitcher of Week
Francis Marion University junior left-hander Alyssa Poston has been named the Division II Wilson/NFCA Pitcher of the Week for contests played Feb. 17-23.
Darlington Falcons host Lower Richland Diamond Hornets in Double Header
On Friday, the Lower Richland Diamond Hornets visited the Darlington Falcons for another varsity basketball double-header.
Trinity Titans lose to Wilson Hall Barons
The Titans took on their toughest region opponent this week in a nail-biting game against the Wilson Hall Barons.
DCSD to host Listening Sessions
Darlington County School District (DCSD) is inviting families, staff, and community members to attend a series of Community Listening Sessions focused on the district’s 2024 Facilities Study and the future of its schools.
Victory Baptist Church honors First Responders
On Saturday, February 28, members of the Darlington community gathered at Victory Baptist Church, located at 633 W. Smith Ave., for a special First Responders Appreciation Day honoring the men and women who serve on the front lines each day.
Fowler named DCHS Director
Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) is pleased to announce Autumn Fowler as Executive Director.
Lamar honors Mrs. Virgil’s 100 years
Lamar residents gathered on Friday, March 6, at the Lamar Senior Center to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of one of the community’s most cherished citizens.
Kalmia Wellness hosts ‘Food as Medicine’ workshop
Residents seeking relief from daily aches and persistent inflammation found practical guidance and scientific insight during a recent workshop hosted in downtown Hartsville.
Girl Scouts to hold fashion show
Creativity and courage will take center stage later this month as Girl Scouts from across the region prepare to present a dazzling Fashion Show showcasing months of hard work, imagination, and leadership.
Darlington native earns national recognition
A hometown connection is making waves far beyond the Pee Dee.
Star-studded lineup planned for Darlington Community Concert Series
The City of Darlington will host the Community Concert Series presented by Dedicated Community Bank, Duke Energy and Genesis Healthcare, Inc., April through Sept., 2026.
Beloved scion of newspaper family passes away
Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III, a devoted steward of community journalism and a member of one of Darlington’s most respected publishing families, passed away early Sunday morning, January 17.
CareSouth Carolina expanding Saturday pharmacy hours
CareSouth Carolina is expanding access to care with the introduction of Saturday hours at its CSC Community Pharmacy in Hartsville.
Beloved scion of newspaper family passes away
Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III, a devoted steward of community journalism and a member of one of Darlington’s most respected publishing families, passed away early Sunday morning, January 17.
Joann Anderson
Joann Anderson passed away at MUSC in Florence on August 28, 2023, from cardiac arrest.
Vernita Nicole Wingate
Vernita Nicole Wingate was born October 20, 1977 on Yokota Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan.
Taylor Madison Britt
Taylor Madison Britt, 16, of Darlington died Saturday, September 30, 2023.
OBITUARY: Emma Louise Coggeshall Donald
Emma Louise “Emmy Lou” Coggeshall Donald passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence.
Finley Ann Stith James
Finley Ann Stith James of Darlington, South Carolina passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023.
JoAnn Buie Stephens McKnight
JoAnn Buie Stephens McKnight,85, of Darlington went home to the Lord on Monday June 19, 2023.
Johnnie Scott Jeffords Jr.
Graveside services for Johnie Scott Jeffords Jr., were held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington at 10:30 a.m. directed by Belk Funeral Home.
Helen Wiggins Coker
Helen Wiggins Coker, age 76, passed away on June 12, 2023 at her residence.
Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith
Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith aged 85, passed away after a long illness on May 3, 2023, at King’s Grant Retirement Community in Martinsville, Virginia.
We can and certainly should do better in 2026
As 2026 dawns, many of us are pausing to take stock — not just of personal goals, but of the tone and direction of our public life.
MOURNING BILL SHEPARD: We will miss our beloved “Mill Village Boy”
This past weekend, we said goodbye to a beloved member of our community, Bill Shepard.
From Sacred Earth — Catawba Pottery
On a hot July Saturday I drove to the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina.
A near disaster in Darlington
“Gray skies, rain falling, a September Gale,” the people said. It happened every year at this time. Folks in the village were prepared.
Have fireflies left us?
Among sedges and along tree lines, across lawns and fields they’ll soon cease blinking.
Glancing at leaves
This time of year I catch myself glancing at leaves. On walks through woods and bike rides along trails, I see the occasional red leaf. I glance again and see a few more leaves turning crimson. Soon red outnumbers green. Autumn’s nigh.
LETTER TO EDITOR — Reader remembers Purple Heart vets
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the stories of the fine men who received the Purple Heart while protecting us during their military service.
LETTER TO EDITOR — Reader says “Stop the calls!”
Dear Editor,
This is a letter to Senators Graham and Scott and all of our representatives to Washington.
Learning along the Estuary
The children of Sandy Island board a school bus boat for an eight-minute journey across the Waccamaw River to the mainland.
The Miraculous Green Lizard
We call it a lizard, except it’s not. It’s an anole, and it can re-grow its tail, “regenerate” in the words of scientists.
Victory Baptist Church honors First Responders
On Saturday, February 28, members of the Darlington community gathered at Victory Baptist Church, located at 633 W. Smith Ave., for a special First Responders Appreciation Day honoring the men and women who serve on the front lines each day.
Grant awarded to expand Veterans Court services
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office has been awarded a $148,750 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Veterans Treatment Court services within the circuit and establish a new Veterans Court in Darlington County.
The funding will support operations for both Chesterfield County Veterans Court and the newly established Darlington County Veterans Court, ensuring that veterans across the Fourth Circuit have greater access to specialized treatment-focused judicial programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans.
Chief Justice John W. Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court recently signed an administrative order formally establishing the Darlington County Veterans Treatment Court and appointing Judge Craig LaCross as the presiding judge.
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs that connect eligible veterans involved in the criminal justice system with treatment services, mentorship, and supervision designed to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health conditions, and service-related trauma.
“These courts recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and provide an opportunity to address the issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system,” said Fourth Circuit Solicitor Paul ‘Mike’ Burch. “Our goal is to help veterans receive the treatment and support they need while also strengthening public safety in our communities.”
Oliver Segars, Communications Coordinator for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said the expansion marks an important step in ensuring veterans throughout the circuit have access to these services.
“We are proud to see this program expand into Darlington County,” Segars said. “Our goal is to continue growing Veterans Court so that the men and women who served our country — including those here in Darlington County — have access to the support, treatment, and accountability that these programs provide.”
The Veterans Treatment Court model relies on collaboration between the judiciary, the Solicitor’s Office, defense attorneys, law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, treatment providers, and volunteer veteran mentors.
Officials say the new Darlington County Veterans Court will operate in coordination with the existing Chesterfield County program and will serve veterans across the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
GOPO Meet and Greet: Cody Simpson
A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Grand Old Post Office (GOPO), 201 Pearl Street in Darlington, for a Meet and Greet and Barbeque Dinner in honor of W.R. “Cody” Simpson III, Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.
Girl Scouts to hold fashion show
Creativity and courage will take center stage later this month as Girl Scouts from across the region prepare to present a dazzling Fashion Show showcasing months of hard work, imagination, and leadership.
Star-studded lineup planned for Darlington Community Concert Series
The City of Darlington will host the Community Concert Series presented by Dedicated Community Bank, Duke Energy and Genesis Healthcare, Inc., April through Sept., 2026.
Crime Watch Network hosts Lunch and Learn meeting
The Darlington County Crime Watch Network hosted a Lunch & Learn Forum on Thursday, February 26, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 400 S. Main St., in Darlington.
CARPS SC opens Darlington office
The new CARPS SC site, located at 104 Jessamine Street in Darlington, officially opened its doors Last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce.
Beloved scion of newspaper family passes away
Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III, a devoted steward of community journalism and a member of one of Darlington’s most respected publishing families, passed away early Sunday morning, January 17.
Darlington Council rescinds termination, issues Notice of Intent
The Darlington City Council voted last week to place City Manager Lenessa Hawkins on paid administrative leave and to issue her a written Notice of Intent, reversing a termination action taken earlier this month to comply with contractual requirements.
Sirens to be tested Jan. 7
Duke Energy and county officials will test the outdoor warning sirens around the Robinson Nuclear Plant between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.