Hartsville Council celebrates women, community service
Every female in the Hartsville City Council Chambers gathered at the front of the room as Mayor Dan Askins III proclaimed March as Women’s History Month during the council meeting on Tuesday, March 10. PHOTO BY STEPHAN DREW
By Stephan Drew, Editor
The Hartsville City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 10, featured a series of proclamations recognizing community service organizations, national observances, and individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the Hartsville community.
Mayor Dan Askins III presented several proclamations during the meeting. One honored Bishop J.D. Blue and the congregation of Second Baptist Church for hosting a Warming Shelter during the recent period of bitter cold, snow, and ice storms. The shelter provided a safe and welcoming refuge for residents seeking relief from the harsh winter conditions.
Another proclamation recognized the American Red Cross for its continued humanitarian efforts and support for residents throughout the community.
Council members also recognized several national observances, including Disabilities Awareness Month and Girl Scouts Week, which is celebrated March 8–14.
In addition, the council issued a proclamation in recognition of Women’s History Month. To commemorate the occasion, all women present in the Council Chambers were invited to gather at the front of the room for a group photo and a moment of celebration.
Councilmember Teresa Mack, the only female member of the Hartsville City Council, shared her personal experiences as a Girl Scout and encouraged those in attendance to work hard and believe in their ability to accomplish great things.
The proclamations served as a reminder of Hartsville’s spirit of service, leadership, and community pride.
The council also heard a presentation from Allie Segars and Kirby Billingsley of Rubicon Addiction and Family Counseling Services. The pair discussed the organization’s outreach efforts and the services it provides to families in the community.
Segars explained that Rubicon’s mission is to “educate, have conversations, and serve the community.” Representatives from the organization regularly visit local schools to talk with students about the dangers of substance abuse and to help them develop healthy ways to cope with stress and peer pressure.
Segars and Billingsley also spoke about new technology and the evolving ways individuals disguise addictive products, including vaping devices designed to resemble toys, gadgets, and other everyday items. They noted that slang terms related to drugs continue to change as well. Segars explained that the well-known reference “420” is now often associated with terms such as “Zaza” or “Wedding Cake,” among others.
During the Citizens Comments portion of the meeting, Kim Northcutt, who said she lives outside the city limits, expressed concerns about plans for the proposed construction of a new Hartsville High School near Kelleytown Stadium. Northcutt raised questions about potential increases in traffic, child safety concerns related to traffic flow, and possible parking complications during sporting events.
Northcutt also noted that a new gymnasium was recently completed at Hartsville High School and that artificial turf was installed on the school’s soccer practice field. She questioned whether those recent investments would be wasted if the high school were relocated to another site. Additionally, she asked about plans for a roundabout that she said had been expected to be constructed near the current high school in 2024.
In other business, Hartsville City Manager Daniel Moore thanked members of the Hartsville Fire Department for their meritorious service in responding to several recent fires. Moore also praised Assistant Fire Chief Les Baker for his leadership and hard work, noting that Baker recently coordinated operations during three firefighting incidents occurring at the same time.
Mayor Askins also expressed appreciation to the Hartsville Police Department for its recent efforts and dedication in serving the community.
Following a public hearing, council approved Ordinance 4052, which permanently closes and abandons Village Street. The action is part of the City of Hartsville’s partnership with Connelly Development to redevelop the former Lincoln Village property into affordable housing. Closing the street will allow the redevelopment project to move forward and accommodate future development plans.
Council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 4503, which renews the city’s lease of property located at 149 West Carolina Avenue to the Darlington County Humane Society for its Retail Therapy store. The ordinance will move forward to a second reading.
The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 4504 as well, which renews a one-year lease of approximately 3.4 acres located behind The Residences on Fourteenth apartments. The property will continue to be leased to the Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville for use as a community garden. The measure will also proceed to a second reading.
In addition, council approved the first reading of Ordinance 4505, which amends the Hartsville City Code by replacing certain sections with the City of Hartsville’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The city’s recent Master Plan identified the need to update zoning codes and land subdivision regulations. After an extensive review and revision process, the Hartsville Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the updated ordinance.
The ordinance will now move forward to a second reading before final approval.