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Darlington 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.
Darlington County Council adopts new Solar Standards
The Darlington County Council gave final approval Thursday, Oct. 8, to a rewrite of the county’s solar energy standards, capping a night dominated by testimony over the proposed Strike Solar development. Neighbors argued that an industrial facility does not belong in the middle of their community. The project’s landowners countered that the county is changing the rules mid-game.
MRMC Specialist discusses Radiation Treatment Advancements
One of the biggest advances in radiation oncology for breast cancer has been the radiation team’s ability to give highly effective treatment in a much more focused and convenient way.
DCSD announces 2026-2027 Teacher, Staff of Year
Darlington County School District (DCSD) announced its 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year and District Support Staff of the Year during a banquet and awards ceremony Tuesday evening inside Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology’s Conference Center.
‘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.
BACKYARD STARGAZER: Beaver Moon, Super Moon in November
In November early risers are rewarded with a series of spectacular lunar and planetary gatherings.
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.
Phyllis Caples retires after decades at News & Press
If you’ve picked up the phone and called the Darlington News & Press over the past few years, there’s a very good chance you’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Phyllis Caples.
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.
Darlington 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.
MRMC Specialist discusses Radiation Treatment Advancements
One of the biggest advances in radiation oncology for breast cancer has been the radiation team’s ability to give highly effective treatment in a much more focused and convenient way.
DCSD announces 2026-2027 Teacher, Staff of Year
Darlington County School District (DCSD) announced its 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year and District Support Staff of the Year during a banquet and awards ceremony Tuesday evening inside Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology’s Conference Center.
‘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.
BACKYARD STARGAZER: Beaver Moon, Super Moon in November
In November early risers are rewarded with a series of spectacular lunar and planetary gatherings.
Phyllis Caples retires after decades at News & Press
If you’ve picked up the phone and called the Darlington News & Press over the past few years, there’s a very good chance you’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Phyllis Caples.
“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.
LETTER TO EDITOR: Breakfast before Headlines
Dear Editor,
I appreciated your October 6 reporting on Bethel A.M.E. Church serving breakfast through the Community Connections soup kitchen in Darlington.
DCSD announces 2026-27 District Teacher and Support Staff of the Year
Darlington County School District (DCSD) announced its 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year and District Support Staff of the Year during a banquet and awards ceremony Tuesday evening inside Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology’s Conference Center.
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.
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.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Longtime DCHS volunteer urges change in Pet Care policies
I just read Anna Dewitt’s letter in my News and Press. Thank you, Anna, for speaking up. I have volunteered for the Humane Society for 19 years and have not spoken publicly about our pet overpopulation problem for a while.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Reader supports Solar Energy
We are celebrating the 250th Anniversary, the SemiQuincentennial of this country’s Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers and ancestors fought for our Freedom that we as a nation can live free, prosper in the pursuit of happiness, own property and abide by the laws of the land: Federal, State, County, and Local government.
Puttin’ Out The Fire: Sometimes It’s Healthier Not to
“As night deepened all he could see was the shifting line of fire, like some malfunction in the wiring of the world.” —William Gay, Provinces Of Night. “In the draws the smoke coming off the ground like mist and the thin black trees burning on the slopes like heathen candles.” —Cormac McCarthy, The Road
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Who should decide the future of family farms?
Dear Editor, For generations, farmers have diversified to survive. They...
Darlington 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.
Hundreds gather to honor Chief Deputy Clifton Howle
With red and blue lights pulsing and sirens wailing in tribute, hundreds around Darlington County said goodbye on Wednesday, October 21, to one of its most beloved members, Deputy Chief Clifton Howle.
Butler hosts African American Museum for GHCC’s Chamber Connections
The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) sponsored another successful “Chamber Connections” gathering to the Butler Heritage Foundation, 1103 South Sixth Street, on Tuesday, October 20. This time, the program belonged to the Darlington African American Museum, whose board members presented the story of a cultural institution now moving from vision to construction.
Segars receives Order of Palmetto for decades of historic preservation
Hartsville preservationist William “Bill” Lawton Segars was recently honored at Francis Marion Symposium for mapping hundreds of historic sites and bringing the state’s Revolutionary War story to the roadside.
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.
