2024: A Year in Review
Darlington County experienced a remarkable year in 2024, filled with community achievements, tragedy and loss, cultural celebrations, and heartfelt tributes. From honoring centenarian residents and local veterans to hosting vibrant festivals and pivotal city council meetings, the heart of Darlington County has shone brightly through its commitment to heritage, service, and progress. With events ranging from the Butler Heritage Arts Festival, the opening of a new $4 million Museum and a new $15 million Courthouse, to the Castalian Club’s 100th anniversary, Darlington’s citizens have celebrated milestones while addressing the needs of the community. This year has solidified Darlington County’s reputation as a town that honors its past while embracing the promise of its future. Here is just a peek at some of those events that happened last year:
JANUARY:
Darlington City Council congratulated and honored Mrs. Anceline Williamson for reaching her 100th birthday. Former Darlington Raceway President Kerry Tharp retires and hands the reins to new President Josh Harris. Hartsville Police found missing teenager Aaliyah Haven McClain safe and sound. Racing legend Cale Yarborough passed away at the age of 84. Events all around Darlington County celebrated the achievements and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Darius Dickey, accused of murder at Mac’s Lounge, was found guilty. City of Darlington sues four companies over a failed $2.7 million water drainage system. Chianti’s Wings severely damaged by fire.
FEBRUARY:
Darlington County Legislative Delegation discusses future of Darlington County, highlighting $260 million countywide investment. Debbie Cheek joins FDTC as V.P. of Finance and Administration. SC Gov. McMaster increases funding for Mental Health counselors. Darlington City Manager John Payne announces his resignation and plans to leave in March or April. Hartsville City Council toured numerous sites around the city in need of improvement, discussing the allocation of ARPA funds for these projects. AMI Kids Sandhills win numerous awards in the Winter Challenge Scholastic Competition in Florida.
MARCH:
Darlington County School District breaks ground for new elementary school on N. Governor Williams Hwy. Local hero and pilot Rocky Gannon turned 99. SC Gov. Henry McMaster signs Constitutional Carry law, allowing open carry across the state, except where specifically prohibited. City of Darlington unveils its Renaissance Master Plan to mixed reviews from citizens. Darlington Middle School opens Environmental Awareness Center on campus. Marlboro Development Team purchases the 163-acrea I-20 Industrial Park. Darlington County School District’s Administrative Building undergoes extensive repairs/renovations.
APRIL:
Bill Taylor chosen as Interim City Manager for Darlington until a permanent candidate is chosen. Walking in the Overflow Women’s Conference sees packed crowd during event. CareSouth announces Jessica Green as newest provider in Hartsville office. City of Darlington hires Hunter Thomas as Public/Community Affairs Director. Ruth’s Drive-In in Hartsville closes.
MAY:
City of Darlington holds first Open Town Hall to listen to citizens’ comments and hold an open discussion about grievances. Darlington County Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting discusses increased THC gummy use by youngsters. Coker University hosts SC Supreme Court. Brad Keselowski wins Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. Darlington County Museum opens. Local teacher Gilbert Burgess arrested for inappropriate conduct with a minor. Jesse Washington found guilty and receives 20 year sentence for attempted murder. Local legend and veteran pilot Rocky Gannon passes away. Well-respected local agriculturist Alvin Dewitt passes away.
JUNE:
Darlington County receives $8.2 million for Chestnut Street drainage repairs. Darlington County Sheriff James Hudson warns all parents to be vigilant after local 3-year-old drowns. Society Hill Town Council proves “lively”.
JULY:
Mercy Medical/Darlington Free Medical Clinic honors founders who began it 30 years ago. PDRTA celebrates 50 years of service. McLeod Regional Medical Center recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Darlington Rescue Squad closing after 68 years. Darlington receives $124,000 FEMA grant. Charles “Charlie” Westfield Coker passes away. Darlington student and athlete Frankie L. Johnson Jr. tragically passes away. Genesis Healthcare, Inc., offers Mobile Healthcare Units. Crystal Odom battles to reclaim dog and gets it back. Beth O’Laire named as McLeod Health VP of Human Resources. Duke Endowment gives $875,000 to McLeod Health Foundation. Duke Energy gives Darlington County Sheriff’s Office $20,000.
AUGUST:
Darlington opens Indoor Farmers Market. Judge/Mayor Michael Shea Holt Sr. passes away. Flooding NOT a problem in Darlington after heavy rains. City of Darlington helps City of Florence with 300,000 gallons of water per day during Florence’s week-long water shortage. Darlington man Steven Samual given life sentence in stepmother’s murder. Darlington City Clerk Gloria Pridgen named Interim City Manager. DCGOP hosts Summer Social. Hartsville’s Center Theater holds open house to huge crowds.
SEPTEMBER:
Raceway Museum honors Cale Yarborough. Dr. Cliff Wilson, DMD, retires leaving practice with Dr. Zack Newton, DMD. Darlington City Council upheld the license revocation for 4 Vape and Tobacco store on Pearl Street. Mayor, councilmembers walk out of meeting. Police Report filed against Darlington City Councilmember. Darlington man, Darius Ings, is free after nearly 3 years in jail. Rep. Robert Williams cautions Society Hill Town Council about their actions. Fatal shooting near Public Square in Darlington. James Green named new Darlingotn Postmaster.
OCTOBER:
City of Hartsville addresses crime. McLeod Regional Medical Center opens new Cardiovascular ICU. Society Hill hosts Municipal Dinner. House on W. Smith Avenue burns. Darlington man, Terrelle Bailey, convicted of 2020 killing. Hartsville Police Chief announces “Zero Tolerance” for crime. Beloved friend and writer Bill Shepard (Mill Village Boy) passes away. Announcement of African-American Museum 2025 opening on Pearl Street in Darlington. City of Darlington receives $1M check for Ballfields Complex. Councilmember under SLED investigation. Byerly Park receives $225K for improvements/upgrades. Four inmates escaped from Chesterfield County Detention Center were apprehended.
NOVEMBER:
HOPE Fund Benefit raises over $154K for Cancer patients. James Daniel “J.D.” Chaplin defeats incumbent Gerald Malloy to become SC Senator for District 29. Michael August defeats incumbent James Hudson Jr. to become Darlington County Sheriff. Deputy Solicitor Mike Burch defeats prosecutor Monty Bell to become 4th Circuit Solicitor. Hartsville Fire Dept. Chief and other employee terminated. Senatorial results contested, recount done and District 29 seat finalized and declared for J.D. Chaplin. Society Hill Town Council votes to rescind acceptance of $50K grant for park improvements. City of Darlington installs 80,000 Christmas lights in Wells Park on Main St. DCSD holds “topping off” ceremony at new school construction site.
DECEMBER:
McColl Mayor dies in crash. Duke Energy gives over $300K to SC groups. Darlington names Lenessa Hawkins new City Manager. Veteran DCSD Board member Charles Goven sworn in as SCSBA President. DCSD chooses “Black Creek Elementary School” as name for new school. Suspect charged in homicide of missing woman. Boundary dispute meeting held. Power:Ed gives $25K to Jr. Achievment. DCHS moves to new location.
