Area News
Two CHS students among seniors honored at SC STEM Signing Day
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina’s future engineers, scientists, and innovators took center stage on May 1 as 91 high school seniors were celebrated at the 10th Annual South Carolina STEM Signing Day. Among the seniors were Jackeline Alcudia and Richard Santiago, both from Clinton High School. Modeled after collegiate sport signing days, the event recognizes…
Read MorePoll Workers Needed Statewide for June 9 Primary Election
COLUMBIA, S.C. (May 5, 2026) – The South Carolina Election Commission (SEC), working alongside county election offices, is urging residents across the state to serve as poll workers for the June 9 Statewide Primary, as several counties are currently experiencing poll worker shortages. Poll workers are essential to a successful Election Day and play a…
Read MoreOfficials release joint statements concerning Lake Greenwood
Greenwood County, the Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) and the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) said they are working together to address public concerns surrounding drinking water in Lake Greenwood. Officials from all three government entities issued a joint press release Thursday. Lake Greenwood serves as a water supply source for Greenwood…
Read MoreBicyclist dies from injuries after Highway 221 crash
UPDATE: Victim identified by Laurens County Coroner’s Office. A bicyclist died following being struck by a vehicle Wednesday night on Highway 221. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 9:08 p.m. on Highway 221 near Lauren Hill Church Road. The bicyclist was both traveling south when the vehicle, a Dodge Dart…
Read MoreSLED: Former detention center officer faces charges
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on Tuesday officially charged a former officer at the Laurens County Detention Center with misconduct in office. Ashley Landreth, 36, was charged with possessing and furnishing contraband in a county detention center and misconduct in office by a public official while working at the Laurens County Detention Center,…
Read MoreLaurens man arrested for Anderson Co. murder
A Laurens man wanted in connection with a murder in Anderson County has been arrested in Columbia. Anderson County investigators have charged E’Nicholas Leake, 27, of Laurens with murder in the shooting death of Jamyuz Bennett, 21, Tuesday afternoon. According to investigators, the shooting took place on Belton Anderson Highway after the men left a…
Read MoreDistrict 55 board votes down changes for middle schools
A plan that would have reconfigured grades at Sanders and Laurens middle schools for the 2026-27 academic year was rejected by the Laurens County School District 55 Board of Trustees at a meeting and work session Monday night at the district offices. The board voted 6-1 to deny a proposal by the district administration that…
Read MoreState officials investigating Lake Greenwood ‘fish kill’
An investigation into a major fish kill on Lake Greenwood primarily in the Cross Hill area is ongoing by state officials who say they have yet to have found a definitive answer as to what caused multiple species of fish to die over the past couple of weeks. Most of the fish have died in…
Read MoreThe First Salute to the Flag of the American Colonies Nov. 16, 1776
In the upcoming months Americans will experience the anniversary of many firsts as the nation celebrates 250 years of Independence from Great Britain. The following essay written by Anne R. Edwards recounts the first time this initially-designed flag was saluted with a volley of cannonfire, recognizing it as the flag of a new nation. …
Read MoreBoard of Director Candidates Sought for Thornwell Charter School
CLINTON, SC – Thornwell Charter School in Clinton, SC is seeking candidates for three seats on the Board of Directors – two 2-year terms and one 1-year term. Candidates must apply online and the link is available at https://forms.gle/JLgKJDTNyhyw7du48. Candidate filing will close at 12 p.m. EDT on May 1, 2026. On Tuesday, May 5,…
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