Public agencies spending thousands to influence lawmakers, state officials
By Rick Brundrett The Nerve Last year, local municipalities, fire and other special purpose districts, public colleges and at least three state agencies collectively spent more than $1.4 million on lobbying the S.C. legislative and executive branches, State Ethics Commission records show. The total grows to at least $2.9 million if other state-created or state-owned agencies, organizations that cater to local governments or public...
Ferris wheel continues to spin to new heights
In the late 1800s, few may have imagined that a civil engineer specializing in bridges and other steel designs would help revolutionize not only the skyline of carnivals and fairs, but summertime entertainment as one knew it. George Washington Ferris, Jr., was not a household name before 1893, but he certainly was afterward. After the Eiffel Tower stretched into the sky for the 1889 World’s Fair, officials in Chicago, which would be...
Board follows public’s picks in naming 2 schools
By Bobby Bryant, Editor editor@newsandpress.net In a matter of minutes last week, the Darlington County school board nailed down the names for two new elementary schools being built in Hartsville and Lamar. The Hartsville school will be called Bay Road Elementary; the Lamar school, Lamar-Spaulding Elementary. Without debate, the board followed the wishes of the public – those names led the list when the community cast votes on naming...
Lamar Council hears historical marketing ideas
By Samantha Lyles slyles@newsandpress.net Lamar Town Council’s Feb. 10 regular meeting focused on how the community might use its history to enrich the present and ensure a brighter future for all residents. Brian Gandy, director of the Darlington County Historical Commission, spoke to council members and meeting guests about how heritage tourism can generate revenue, and spotlighting Lamar’s history can enrich the lives...
Pee Dee Electric Co-Operative wins ECSC President’s 2019 Safety Contest
The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina rate each of the 20 electric distribution co-ops on various levels of safety every year. Both outside crews and inside employees are judged in the ECSC President’s Safety Contest. Pee Dee Electric is the 2019 winner of the coveted award. PDEC had zero OSHA recordables for 2019.
Police seeking lottery ticket thief
The Darlington Police Department needs the public’s help in identifying a person who stole lottery tickets from 1501 S. Main St. (Quickway Gas Station) Feb. 7 at approximately 7:22 p.m. Contact the police department at 843-398-4026 if you have information.