121 new cases statewide, 2 more deaths reported Two cases of COVID-19 in Laurens County in as many days have been confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). DHEC made the confirmations late Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s announcement was among 121 new cases of the novel coronavirus confirmed across the state.…

The first case of COVID-19 in Laurens County has been confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). DHEC made the confirmation of at least one case of the novel coronavirus in the county to local officials, County Director of Emergency Services Joey Avery said Saturday morning. The identity of the…

Just days after being sworn is as Laurens County Coroner, Vickie Cheek filed for re-election. Cheek, who was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to fill the unexpired term of Nick Nichols, is seeking her first full term. Nichols passed away in December. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job,” said…

Members of the Laurens County Council met by telephone Tuesday and declared a state of emergency for Laurens County in reaction to the threat of the novel coronavirus. The cities of Laurens and Clinton had made similar moves in order to gain potential access to relief funds from the state and U.S. governments. County Attorney…

The YMCA locations in Laurens and Greenwood and Laurens counties closed their doors Friday due to the threat of COVID-19. The YMCA’s in Laurens, Gray Court and Greenwood and operate under the Lakelands Region YMCA of South Carolina. Clinton’s YMCA operates independently. “Trust me, the decision to close our facilities was not an easy choice,…

The Laurens County Council voted during and emergency meeting Wednesday to pay any county employees who miss work due to illness or childcare issues over the next two weeks. The absences must be approved by the employee’s direct supervisor and County Administrator Jon Caime. “It’s the right thing to do,” said Council Chairman David Pitts, who…

ZF Transmissions’ Gray Court plant will close down Friday and remain closed through March 30, the company announced Thursday. ZF North American Head of Communications Tony Sapienza released the following statement: “We have been preparing for the potential outcome that we would have to pause both individual product lines or even entire plants in order…

The Big South Conference announced on Wednesday evening that it is canceling all regular-season competition, conference championships and athletics activities that are required or that include coach involvement, through the remainder of the 2019-20 season due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The decision was made by the league’s Council of Chief Executive…

Presbyterian College announced on Wednesday changes to its schedule and operations in response the COVID-19 pandemic. • Spring Break for the campus of the College of Arts and Sciences has been extended through Sunday, March 22. • No classes for undergraduate students will be held on campus from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20. •…

By Judith Brown, Staff writer Laurens, South Carolina – After meetings this week with the Laurens County Emergency Management team and city staff, City of Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn declared a state of emergency in the city of Laurens due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Senn also announced that Main Street Laurens and city-sponsored events will…