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Area News

Nightclub shooting leads to arrest, suspect sought

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Laurens Police are still investigating a shooting this past Friday night at a local nightclub. According to reports, gunfire broke out outside the Topic Lounge in Laurens just before 11 p.m. Bullets damaged the building and a nearby vehicle, but no one was injured. Investigators discovered more than a dozen shell casings, the reports said.…

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LPD makes arrest in South Harper shooting

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The Laurens Police Department arrested one suspect following a shooting Wednesday afternoon at a South Harper Street convenience store. Marqevius Janell Brown, 33,  of Laurens was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and breach of peace of a high…

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LCSO makes arrest after high-speed chase

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A Laurens man is in jail after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle through parts of Laurens County early Thursday morning. Russell Lee Ivester Jr. was charged with grand larceny with enhancement, driving under suspension – 2nd offense, and failure to stop for blue lights – 2nd or subsequent offense. According…

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Recycling best option for holiday paper, boxes

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Laurens County, South Carolina – With the holiday season comes an extraordinary amount of waste, and Laurens County Solid Waste Manager Chris Gurga is encouraging citizens to break down their packing boxes for recycling, especially since the online shopping trends have resulted in even more shipping materials than in previous years. “The trash during the…

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Murder charges filed in death of pregnant woman

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A man accused of shooting and killing his pregnant fiancé in late November has now been charged with murder. The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office upgraded charges against Camrin Jay Smith, who now faces two counts of murder. Smith was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Marlene “Grace” Ables, 24, and her unborn…

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Laurens Lights Riverwalk through holidays

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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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Simple angel tree items help provide freedom from abuse

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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

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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

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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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