This silent, strange spring
By Tom Poland Spring’s springing. I put my hummingbird feeders up for soon the feathered jets will arrive. My azaleas burst into living color as Disney phrased it, and hardwoods’ newly minted leaves look so green they’re fluorescent. The cypress I planted long ago sports tender bright green needles. Yes, spring’s here but there’s no joy in Mudville, nor any town for that matter. A silent strange spring we have. Most folks have nowhere...
Family violence and COVID-19
As our country continues to fight the pandemic known as COVID-19, families everywhere are making adjustments to assimilate work and education into their households. Isolation and containment cannot be avoided; these measures are necessary in keeping our elderly and those with underlying health conditions safe and for reducing the spread of the virus. However, even those not at a serious health risk are now facing overwhelming...
Hartsville man held in shooting
A Hartsville man has been charged in a shooting on West Old Camden Road, according to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office. Darlington County sheriff’s investigators have charged Zachary Keith Wilks, 18, with attempted murder, criminal conspiracy and discharging a firearm into a dwelling. Investigators allege Wilks attempted to kill a person by discharging a firearm into the home where the victim was living. Also, investigators...
Schedule for school district’s free meals
The Darlington County School District (DCSD) has changed their “grab-and-go” food program for students to twice a week, while still providing a full week’s worth of nutritional breakfast and lunch meals. The meals are available for pickup at locations across the county while county schools are closed because of the coronavirus threat. Any child 18 or younger can get drive-through, “grab-and-go” meal bags at more than 30 locations on...
Amanda Jean McKay Bland
DARLINGTON – Amanda Jean McKay Bland, 73, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Due to state regulations regarding COVID-19, the family will hold a private graveside service at Grove Hill Cemetery, directed by Belk Funeral Home. Born Dec. 21, 1946, Jean was the daughter of the late Curtis McKay and Irene Griggs McKay. She graduated from St. John’s High School in 1965, and then worked in purchasing for NUCOR Steel from 1970 until 1986....