Area News
Smith Chevrolet sold as automotive landscape changes
As the final remnants of shuttered Baldwin Automotive are being sold via online auction, Smith Chevrolet is changing hands after more than 70 years in Laurens. Smith Chevrolet, which opened its doors in 1947 as a Pontiac dealership, has been run by the Smith family ever since. That is expected to change Wednesday when the…
Read MoreCounty COVID-19 cases passes 100, testing sites announced
As voters in Laurens County went to the polls for several local Primary Elections, cases of COVID-19 across the state continued to climb, surpassing 15,000 on Tuesday. DHEC has increased testing sites, including one in Laurens Thursday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at E.B. Morse Elementary in Laurens. (See below for current…
Read MoreReynolds tops GOP field; Rankin stuns in Dist. 2
Don Reynolds defeated three Republican challengers to win a second term as Laurens County Sheriff, while a veteran County Councilman was upset in Tuesday’s Primary Election. Reynolds captured 52.2% of the unofficial tally with 6,073 votes to avoid a runoff for the GOP nomination. He defeated former sheriff Ricky Chastain (2,513 votes), former chief deputy…
Read MorePrisma Health, DHEC, communities offer more free COVID-19 testing sites
In a Monday, June 8 press release, Prisma Health announced near-daily COVID-19 community testing events throughout South Carolina during June 8-13, including a free Laurens testing site on Thursday, June 11. Other sites this week include Cayce, Columbia, Greenville, Manning, Mauldin and Sumter. The community testing, done in partnership with the S.C. Department of Health…
Read MoreLPD investigating Sunday night shooting
The Laurens Police Department is investigating a second shooting incident that has occurred over the past three days in Laurens after two people were wounded Sunday night at a Spring Street apartment complex. According to Laurens Police Chief Chrissie Lattimore, two people were hit by gunfire at a small gathering at the apartments. One victim was…
Read MoreParent company SEG seeks ‘transaction’ options for unsold BI-LO stores
Laurens County, South Carolina – It was announced on Wednesday that North Carolina-based Food Lion is purchasing 62 BI-LO Stores or Harvey’s Supermarkets from its parent company, Southeastern Grocers (SEG). On Friday, a spokesman from SEG said the company doesn’t plan store closings in Clinton, Laurens and other locations at this point but hopes that BI-LO can be…
Read MoreLaurens grad party turns violent, 4 shot
Four people were injured late Thursday night when an apparent graduation party turned violent on Holland Hill Road in Laurens. According to Laurens Police Chief Chrissie Lattimore, the victims were transported to area hospitals and one male victim remains in critical but stable condition at a local hospital. Lattimore said multiple assailants arrived at the…
Read MorePeaceful protest in Laurens as residents speak for justice
Laurens, South Carolina – At least 75 Laurens County residents gathered on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse Square early Monday evening, June 1, as the president of the Laurens County Branch of the NAACP spoke at a “Peaceful Rally” to honor George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police officer was filmed…
Read MoreDHEC reports 68th case in county, 4th death
The total number of COVID-19 cases increased by more than 200 for the fourth straight day across South Carolina, bringing the overall total of confirmed cases in the state to 12,415. The South Carolina Department Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported 285 more confirmed cases and one additional death due to COVID-19. The statewide death…
Read MorePhase 1: SCHSL paves way for sports to return
Local high school athletic teams have the green light to resume practices and workouts. Sort of. The South Carolina High School League released a three-phase plan for schools to resume athletic activities as early as Thursday, June 4 with safety precautions designed to protect students and staff from COVID-19. “We’ve had an initial discussion with…
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