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OPINION: The Reedy River: A recovering urban river gets a helping hand
The South Carolina Upcountry beautifully blends natural and man-made attractions. That would please Frank Lloyd Wright who championed the philosophy that a building should grow from its site, use natural materials, and unify with the landscape.
CareSouth’s Teal seeing patients in Chesterfield
CareSouth Carolina is pleased to announce that Tracy J. Teal, LMSW, RN, BSN, MSC, FNP-C, will now be seeing patients at the organization’s Chesterfield office, transitioning from her previous location in Cheraw.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Reader praises Mavis Tire Service
Dear Editor,
When you need help in a hurry, you’re led to the right place!
Darlington Kiwanis Club holds Pancake Supper
The aroma of fresh pancakes and sizzling sausage filled Trinity United Methodist Church on Friday evening, October 30, as the Darlington Kiwanis Club welcomed a large crowd to its Annual Pancake & Sausage Supper, a cherished community tradition and one of the club’s key fundraisers of the year.
Duke Energy eases food insecurity with $500K
Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation are providing more than $500,000 to support nearly 70 South Carolina organizations during the monthlong “Powering Plates.
Hartsville Police investigation after shots fired on Marion Avenue
The Hartsville Police Department is investigating a shots fired incident that occurred Wednesday evening in the area of Marion Avenue and 8th Street.
Church Service Listings
Here is a list of some of the many church services being held in Darlington County.
What’s more important: Character or Reputation?
Our lives are filled with hectic schedules, but we’ve only been given a certain number of days to accomplish what God wants us to do. Since the beginning, our Creator has provided a probationary period to each person to determine whom they will worship.
Darlington County Veterans Affairs Office hosts 3rd Annual Toy Drive
The Darlington County Veteran’s Affairs Office is hosting its 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive throughout November and into mid-December.
DCHCM prepares Revolutionary War Exhibit, revamps Gallery
The Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum (DCHCM) is entering one of the most ambitious periods in its history, having just opened a sweeping Revolutionary War exhibit and preparing a major overhaul of its Grand Gallery, anchored by an extraordinary loan that Executive Director Brian E. Gandy calls “a major coup” for the Pee Dee region.
LHS celebrates Senior Night with royal flair
Under the stadium lights on Friday night, Oct. 16, Lamar High School (LHS) turned its Senior Night festivities into a celebration of school pride, honoring a new group of student leaders during the game against North Central.
Darlington rallies past Crestwood, snap skid with comeback win
One night after the sting of a lopsided loss to Aynor, the Darlington Lady Falcons answered in emphatic fashion Tuesday, storming back from an opening-set defeat to beat the Crestwood Knights 3-1 on Tuesday, October 13.
Lady Falcons prevail against Loris Lionesses
The sparse crowd was treated to two fine volleyball matches between the host Darlington Lady Falcons and the Lionesses from Loris. The Junior Varsity Lady Falcons won their match 2 sets to 1. They trailed for most of the first set but fought back to take a 21-20 lead. Loris responded with good floor play and capitalized on some Darlington communication issues allowing easily played volleys to hit the floor and trailed 23-21.
Darlington’s Malachi Cox wins SCJGA Players Series Championship on DCC Course
Malachi Cox saved his best golf for home. The 16-year-old Darlington native captured the South Carolina Junior Golf Association Boys 13-18 Players Series Championship at Darlington Country Club (DCC), winning by five strokes over a field of nearly 80 junior golfers.
Families Engagement Programs to host Golf Tournament
Representative Robert Williams and Families Engagement Programs, Inc. will host their 2026 Community Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 22, at Darlington Country Club, bringing together golfers, sponsors, businesses, and community partners in support of local families.
Falcons lose 2 OT Thriller to Wilson
When it comes to high school football there are blowouts and tight games. And then there is an evenly matched game that ends with two overtime possessions. Unfortunately, the Darlington Falcons ended up on the short side of a 33-30 thriller to the Wilson Tigers even though both teams scored in both extra periods.
Lady Red Foxes roll remain undefeated after dominant victory
The Hartsville Lady Red Foxes continued their impressive start to the volleyball season Thursday night, delivering another dominant performance as they swept the Georgetown Bulldogs, 3-0, to keep their undefeated record intact.
Lady Red Foxes roll to perfect 6-0 start
Hartsville sent a clear message on Tuesday night, August 20, dismantling the Spring Valley Vikings in straight sets to push their record to a flawless 6-0. The 3-0 sweep didn’t just extend the win streak — it delivered the most lopsided result the Lady Red Foxes have posted all season.
Governor McMaster to serve as Honorary Pace Car Rider for Cook Out Southern 500
Darlington Raceway announced today that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Rider for Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500. McMaster, a longtime supporter of NASCAR and Darlington Raceway, will participate in pre-race ceremonies before climbing in the passenger seat of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse that will lead the field to green for one of the sport’s crown jewel events and the opening race of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Chase.
Historic weekend at Darlington: Watson and Weiss claim Southern 500 Golf titles
History and heroics shared the spotlight this past weekend at Darlington Country Club, where the 62nd Southern 500 Golf Invitational crowned two champions and, for the first time in tournament history, welcomed a women’s division to the field.
CareSouth’s Teal seeing patients in Chesterfield
CareSouth Carolina is pleased to announce that Tracy J. Teal, LMSW, RN, BSN, MSC, FNP-C, will now be seeing patients at the organization’s Chesterfield office, transitioning from her previous location in Cheraw.
Duke Energy eases food insecurity with $500K
Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation are providing more than $500,000 to support nearly 70 South Carolina organizations during the monthlong “Powering Plates.
Darlington County Veterans Affairs Office hosts 3rd Annual Toy Drive
The Darlington County Veteran’s Affairs Office is hosting its 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive throughout November and into mid-December.
DCHCM prepares Revolutionary War Exhibit, revamps Gallery
The Darlington County Historical Commission and Museum (DCHCM) is entering one of the most ambitious periods in its history, having just opened a sweeping Revolutionary War exhibit and preparing a major overhaul of its Grand Gallery, anchored by an extraordinary loan that Executive Director Brian E. Gandy calls “a major coup” for the Pee Dee region.
Spotlight comes to Hartsville! CPRMC selected for ‘All Access with Andy Garcia’
A small town with a big story to tell is getting its moment in the national spotlight!
Darlington Fire Department hosts Taste of Christmas
The aroma of good local cooking, the sound of live music and the warmth of neighbors gathering filled First Baptist Church parking lot on Thursday, November 5, as the Darlington Fire Department hosted its annual Taste of Christmas, a cherished event that officially ushers in the holiday season for the city.
McLeod ranks among Nation’s Best for Cardiac Care
Two McLeod Health hospitals have earned national recognition from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) for their commitment to providing high-quality care for patients experiencing a heart attack.
A Life Worth Celebrating: Mrs. Ivy Elizabeth Stroud Adams turns 95!
A Halloween baby, a farm girl from Chesterfield County, a wife, a mother, a businesswoman, a woman of faith — and, to her daughters, a living example of kindness that does not hurt a soul if it can help it.
Coker donors unlock $50,000 in gifts
Coker University surpassed its goal of 500 donors during the 2026 Strike As One Homecoming Giving Campaign. The achievement unlocked a $20,000 challenge gift thanks to the 535 unique donors who gave more than $187,000 from Oct. 12-20.
Raceway Ford, Chevrolet donate vehicle to FDTC
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) students will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience with modern vehicle technology thanks to the donation of a 2025 Ford Escape from Raceway Ford & Chevrolet through Ford Motor Company’s Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program.
Darlington mourns passing of Chief Deputy Clifton Howle
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Michael August announced with profound sorrow the passing of Chief Deputy Clifton J. Howle, a respected leader whose three-decade career in service to South Carolina was matched only by the warmth he showed to everyone he met.
Sen. Lindsey Graham passes away at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican and one of the Senate’s most prominent voices on foreign policy, died Saturday night at age 71. His office confirmed his death from a “brief and sudden illness” early Sunday morning.
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.
OPINION: The Reedy River: A recovering urban river gets a helping hand
The South Carolina Upcountry beautifully blends natural and man-made attractions. That would please Frank Lloyd Wright who championed the philosophy that a building should grow from its site, use natural materials, and unify with the landscape.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Reader praises Mavis Tire Service
Dear Editor,
When you need help in a hurry, you’re led to the right place!
EDITORIAL: A Mandate is Not a Blank Check
Once again, Americans have done what they do every few years: handed the wheel to the other side and asked it to fix what previous drivers broke.
OPINION: Sanford Stadium’s Hallowed Ground
I’ve met a few legends: musicians, writers, athletes, actors, and a coach or three. Among the tops is Uga V. All Ugas have a following but Uga V outdid himself. He made Sports Illustrated’s 1997 cover as the nation’s best college mascot. He’s renowned for lunging at Auburn’s Robert Baker after a touchdown in 1996.
Places You can’t Forget
Thirteen years ago I wrote of highways with memorable names. I mentioned Whiskey Road and Easy Street in Aiken as one of the country’s more photographed road signs.
Into the Lebanon Silver Mine
8-22-2026—a day for numbers, a day to visit the Old West. From Denver’s mile-high air we took I-70 45 miles west to an elevation of 8,772 feet to board an 1884 steam train. We rode that corkscrewing train 406 feet up Republican Mountain over 3 miles of 3-foot-gauge track, crossing Devil’s Gate High Bridge 95 feet over Clear Creek along the way. At 9,178 feet we detrained to walk 600 feet into the Lebanon Silver Mine. In the dark, wet tunnel we stood beneath I-70 which runs to Utah 227 miles distant.
OPINION: Drinks With Buffalo Bill
I’ve drifted far from home … Dearly Departed they call this Denver bar. With good reason.
Writer remembers Class “A” Pass
Each August I think of my father’s service in Japan, specifically Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Recently I came across one of his base passes that had been hiding from me all these years. Dad was stationed in Yokohama.
Hartsville Mayor publishes open letter opposing City’s FDTC land transaction
As Mayor of the City of Hartsville, I have followed what I believe to be a mandate from the people to help Hartsville grow and prosper. Our 2025 Master Plan clearly states that housing is the main obstacle to the City’s growth. We have a rare opportunity to do something about it, but that opportunity is being blocked by a Special Interest Group with their own agenda being promoted by a powerful lobbyist. I need your help!
OPINION: The Country Store: The Soul of the South had Everything
“Where should I send you to know the Soul of the South? I’ll send you to the Mast General Store.” So wrote Charles Kuralt in a 1986 column.
Darlington Kiwanis Club holds Pancake Supper
The aroma of fresh pancakes and sizzling sausage filled Trinity United Methodist Church on Friday evening, October 30, as the Darlington Kiwanis Club welcomed a large crowd to its Annual Pancake & Sausage Supper, a cherished community tradition and one of the club’s key fundraisers of the year.
Church Service Listings
Here is a list of some of the many church services being held in Darlington County.
Darlington County Veterans Affairs Office hosts 3rd Annual Toy Drive
The Darlington County Veteran’s Affairs Office is hosting its 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Drive throughout November and into mid-December.
Darlington Fire Department hosts Taste of Christmas
The aroma of good local cooking, the sound of live music and the warmth of neighbors gathering filled First Baptist Church parking lot on Thursday, November 5, as the Darlington Fire Department hosted its annual Taste of Christmas, a cherished event that officially ushers in the holiday season for the city.
Darlington City Council rezones A Avenue after debate
After a debate that lasted most of an hour and touched on renters, racism, flooding and what kind of city Darlington wants to be in 30 years, the City Council voted Tuesday, Oct. 6, to rezone two A Avenue parcels from general commercial to high-density residential, clearing the way for a developer’s plan to build 16 duplexes.
Society Hill Council tables minutes, hears plea for EMS
The Society Hill Town Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, opened with a dispute over the written record of its last meeting and closed, nearly 100 minutes later, with residents pressing the council to act on ambulance response times they described as dangerously long. In between, the council worked through police reports, park projects, and a stormwater grant that has come in more than $8,000 short of the lowest bid.
‘Love Don’t Hurt’ Conference to be held
Legacy’s SC and House Of Refuge will host the 1st Annual Love Don’t Hurt Conference on Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing community members together for a free, public discussion on some of the most pressing issues facing local families.
Williamson honored with Memorial Tree
On the evening of Saturday, October 17, devoted tree lovers, family members and supporters of Williamson Park gathered beneath the open sky to plant a memorial tree in honor of Mr. Ben Williamson, beloved community member and arborist for whom the park is named.
SC GOP Bus Tour brings candidates to Hartsville
A large, enthusiastic crowd packed Wild Heart Brewing Company at 317 Railroad Avenue on Friday, October 23, to meet Republican candidates for top state offices. The candidates stopped in Hartsville as part of the Wilson-Reichenbach Bus Tour.
“The Major” comes home: Hartsville to host free premier of Major James Lide Coker film
History will meet the present on the big screen this fall as Hartsville hosts the premiere of The Major, a short film on the life of Major James Lide Coker, on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The screening takes place at Theater One at One Church, 118 E. Carolina Avenue. Admission is free.