Area News
County’s first 2021 rabies exposure north of Clinton
The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) confirmed that a raccoon found near Highway 56 North in Clinton, SC between Countryside Circle and Springdale Drive has tested positive for rabies. One person was exposed and has been referred to their healthcare provider. Two weeks ago DHEC announced a rabid raccoon in Greenwood County, and…
Read MoreNew business to pay homage to legacy of Historic Square
Laurens will soon have a tap room, and brothers Wade and Wes Meetze have let the historic downtown building dictate both the style and the name of their planned tap room, Palmetto Brothers Dispensary. The tap room is set to open in early May at 115 W. Public Square in what for many years was…
Read MoreClinton man, 64, charged with attempted murder
A Clinton man had been charged with two counts of attempted murder by Clinton Police following an incident on Peachtree Street Friday morning. William Robert Bates, 64, of Clinton was arrested following a brief investigation by Clinton Police. Bates is accused of firing several gunshots into a residence on Peachtree Street while several people were…
Read MoreSelf President-CEO set to retire in December
Self Regional Healthcare President and CEO Jim Pfeiffer will retire before the end of the year, according to an announcement from the Greenwood-based hospital system this past week. According to the announcement from Self Regional Board Chair David A. Tompkins, Pfeiffer’s retirement will be effective Dec. 21, 2021. “Since 2008, under Mr. Pfeiffer’s leadership, Self…
Read MoreFriday Night Live goes live, 2nd free Moving on Main Saturday
April 2, 2021 Laurens, S.C. – After canceling most of its large-scale public events last year, Main Street Laurens’ first two forays into resuming larger events downtown have been very successful, according to Main Street Director Jonathan Irick. The Finally Friday two weeks ago brought in more people than some of the businesses and restaurants…
Read MoreSuspended over past felonies, SC councilman used taxpayer funds
By Avery G. Wilks and Travis Jenkins [email protected] [email protected] EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was produced in collaboration with The News & Reporter of Chester, an Uncovered partner. “Uncovered” is creating a series of investigative articles to look at how the lack of watchdog journalism in communities, combined with weak ethics laws, is a perfect storm…
Read MoreS.C. moving to Phase 2 in vaccine plan
South Carolina is moving to Phase 2 of its COVID-19 vaccination plan, meaning all residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine, starting today. “Our priority with the vaccine has been to save the lives of those at the greatest risk of dying. By staying the course and resisting distractions, we’ve expanded South Carolinians’…
Read MoreCouncil votes 4-3 to terminate Caime’s contract
The Laurens County Council emerged Tuesday night from executive session and voted 4-3 to terminate the contract of County Administrator Jon Caime. Caime, who began work as administrator in April of 2016, has been on paid leave since March 9 for unspecified reasons. Council Chairman Brown Patterson was among those who voted to dismiss Caime,…
Read MoreGreenwood County rabies report fourth Upstate case since February
March 26, 2021 Greenwood, S.C. – As the warmer spring weather promotes more time outside, South Carolina DHEC is warning South Carolinians to be especially cautious of wild animals which might be carrying the rabies virus. On Thursday DHEC received confirmation that a raccoon in Greenwood County had tested positive with rabies after it had exposed…
Read MoreThursday afternoon storms take down trees, cause outages
March 25, 2021 Laurens, S.C. – A strong and quick moving thunderstorm, part of a tornado warning for the area, caused downed trees and power outages. Crews from Laurens Commission of Public Works and Laurens Electric Cooperative are currently out working to restore power. “We had 180 out around Wattsville and Church Street,” said John…
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