Area News
Horne, Jones declare to run for District 14 seat
Republican County Councilman Stewart Jones announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives in a social media post Monday, becoming the first to publicly declare for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mike Pitts (R-Laurens). Ware Shoals businessman Scott Horne, also a Republican, announced his candidacy Tuesday morning, also on social media. Pitts announced…
Read MoreSpecial election to fill District 14 seat set for April 23
The resignation of Rep. Mike Pitts from the S.C. House of Representatives creates a void for District 14 that will be filled by voters in a special election scheduled for April 23, 2019. Pitts, who ran unopposed for a ninth consecutive term in November’s General Election, announced his resignation Sunday afternoon, citing health concerns. He…
Read MoreLeaders: Pitts will be missed at state house
Other leaders from across Laurens County say District 14 Rep. Mike Pitts will be missed when he officially leaves office on Jan. 3, 2019. Pitts, 63, announced his resignation after 15 years in the state house Sunday afternoon, citing health concerns. He suffered a heart attack while on a hunting trip in Montana this past…
Read MoreWoman arrested on burglary, drug charges
A Donalds woman was arrested Sunday evening in Ware Shoals after her vehicle got stuck in the back yard of a home she was allegedly burglarizing. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office charged Angela Gunnells, 47, with third-degree burglary, petit larceny and possession of methamphetamine. According to the LCSO, Capt. Chris Martin arrived on the…
Read MoreState District 14 Rep. Mike Pitts announces retirement
District 14 South Carolina Rep. Mike Pitts of Laurens has announced his retirement from the state legislature, citing advice from his physicians following an October heart attack and ensuing surgery. Pitts, who was re-elected to office after running unopposed in November’s General Election, sent a release to news media mid-afternoon Sunday, and offered it as a Facebook…
Read MoreNo school Monday for districts, LA, and delay for City of Clinton
Schools in Laurens County School District 56 and District 55 will be closed Monday due to potential of more sleet and ice from Winter Storm Diego. Laurens Academy also announced its decision to be closed Monday. Mid-afternoon Sunday, Superintendents David O’Shields from District 56 and Dr. Stephen Peters from District 55 held a conference call with Newberry County School District…
Read MoreMail subscribers to receive Advertiser a day later
Due to the closing of all federal offices, including the United States Post Office, Wednesday for a National Day of Mourning in honor of President George H.W. Bush, subscribers who receive the Laurens County Advertiser by mail will receive their newspapers on Thursday.
Read MoreLCSO tracks down man convicted of drug trafficking
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has located a man convicted by a jury this week on drug charges. Jeffrey Ronald Taylor was found guilty in his absence during 8th Circuit General Sessions Court of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Taylor did not…
Read MoreToddler found safe after wandering from home
A toddler who went missing Thursday in the Fountain Inn area of Laurens County was found safe after a short search, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office reported. The child was found at the edge of a neighbor’s yard. The neighbor located the child after hearing LCSO deputies calling for the child. The neighbor looked outside…
Read MoreChristmas celebrations this week prior to Saturday parades
Christmas parades across the county are set for Saturday, Dec. 1, but the Christmas season begins even sooner as Main Street organizations in Clinton and Laurens hold their tree lighting ceremonies and highlight their downtown retail businesses. Main Street Clinton will begin its celebration of “A Family Christmas” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29,, with its…
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