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Area Breaking News

Laurens Lights Riverwalk through holidays

With twinkling scenes of ice skaters, Christmas trees in many colors, a Nativity scene and even jumping fish, Laurens Lights has been a staple of the city’s holiday decor since the Laurens Commission of Public Works began putting up the displays about 20 years ago. With Christmas coming Monday, there’s still time to enjoy a…

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Red Devils’ Johnson officially signs with Bearcats

By 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Zay Johnson had officially become a newly minted Clinton High graduate and a Cincinnati Bearcat. The standout defensive back took part in School District 56’s inaugural December graduation ceremony and then immediately signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at Cincinnati as family, faculty, coaches and friends looked on.…

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SCHSL realignment: Clinton headed to 2A, Raiders stay in 4A

In the South Carolina High School League’s plan for 2024-26 realignment, Clinton will move to Class 2A for the next two academic years while Laurens District High School will remain in a revamped Class 4A. Clinton has competed in Class 3A for at least the past two decades. Thornwell Charter School, which began varsity competition…

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Simple angel tree items help provide freedom from abuse

Laurens, South Carolina – While Christmas angel trees are typically for the purpose of providing gifts for children during the holidays, an angel tree located in the window of the Safe Home’s thrift store, Our Little Shop, includes gift requests for those who are escaping abuse. There are some cases when victims are able to…

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Local woman among those charged in human trafficking

A Laurens County woman is among five people charged in an ongoing investigation by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for sex trafficking involving minors at a Columbia hotel. Arrests have been ongoing since this spring for incidents which took place earlier this year. According to a SLED release received Thursday evening, four additional arrests have…

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Starting Thursday, Dec. 14, Santa visits, local retailer events and cinema fill Christmas season

Laurens County, South Carolina – Thornwell Charter students charmed audiences this past weekend with their four showings of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Now beginning Thursday, Dec. 14, these last 12 days before Christmas are filled with Santa sightings and shopping opportunities across the county. Santa magic will be strong in Clinton this Thursday, as…

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McGowan: ‘I’m coming home,’ will transfer to Gamecocks

Former Laurens and Vanderbit standout Jayden McGowan announced Wednesday via social media that he is transferring to South Carolina for the 2023 football season. “Sorry for the wait. I’m coming home,” McGowan posted on ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter. McGowan entered the NCAA transfer portal Friday and quickly received offers from the Gamecocks, Indiana and…

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Volunteers shop for LCSO’s ‘Christmas for Kids’ program

A team of “Christmas for Kids” volunteers went on its annual shopping excursion Monday, buying gifts for over 200 children and youth at Wal-Mart in Laurens. “Christmas for Kids” is organized each year by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and provides Christmas presents for people in need across the county. LCSO Public Information Officer Courtney…

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County set to find financing for ongoing projects

The Laurens County Council took a step toward funding the completion of two of the county’s major construction projects at a special called meeting Tuesday morning at the county’s Hillcrest offices. While no votes were taken, council members are expected to vote at its regular meeting Monday to authorize a $3.385 million payment to keep…

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Former Raider McGowan set to transfer, USC offers

Less than three days after announcing his intention to leave Vanderbilt via the NCAA’s transfer portal, former Laurens District High standout Jayden McGowan received offers from a pair of other Power 5 programs, including one very close to home. McGowan, a three-star recruit at LDHS two years ago, announced that he had entered the transfer…

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