Area News
Gunfire on West Main leads to LPD arrest
Laurens Police arrested a Laurens man shortly after noon Tuesday after several shots were fired in the vicinity of Pinehaven and West Main streets in downtown Laurens. Jessie Gerrod Goggins, 42, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime after he allegedly fired a semi-automatic handgun…
Read MorePolice, District 55 continue talks about gun safety
In the wake of two separate incidents involving students bringing guns into Laurens County School District 55 schools in three days, district officials met for a roundtable discussion with local law enforcement representatives to forge a path forward. “We were there to throw some ideas around,” said Laurens Police Lt. Scott Franklin, the departments public…
Read MoreStonell promotes cleanup events, seeks volunteers for March 12, April 22 cleanups
Laurens County, South Carolina – Courtney Stonell is hoping to meet all the “ploggers” in the county, and she hopes many of them show up for county beautification efforts, starting with the 14th Annual Lake Greenwood Clean Day Saturday morning, March 12, and another county cleanup event on Earth Day, April 22. “I just learned…
Read MoreAfrican American Captain among many honored by Laurens Fire Department
Editor’s Note: During Black History Month the Laurens Fire Department is celebrating a bit of its own near-forgotten history. Laurens, S.C. – The City of Laurens Fire Department dates back to 1884, and with that history comes stories as numerous as the almost 60 photos on its Wall of Honor at the West Main Street…
Read MoreCross Hill woman killed in house fire
A woman died Thursday in a house fire on Ballard Road in Cross Hill. Robbie J. Richardson, 61, died at the scene of the fire, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office. An autopsy has been scheduled, said Laurens County Deputy Coroner Bill Williams, Jr. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the…
Read MoreVolunteers, retailers honored by Laurens City
Laurens, S.C. – Laurens City Council members celebrated Black History Month last week during its regular council meeting by honoring several key figures in the community. “Several years ago we began to recognize individuals for Black History Month, and we are going to continue to honor all citizens who make a difference in our…
Read MoreGrandfather of Laurens Elementary school student arrested
The grandfather of a 6-year-old Laurens Elementary School student has been arrested by Laurens Police after the child brought a loaded handgun to school Friday morning. The child’s grandfather, Kalim Abdul Alwajid, 72, of Laurens has been charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, LPD Lt. Scott Franklin said at a press conference Friday afternoon.…
Read MoreTeacher discovers handgun at Laurens Elementary
A loaded handgun was discovered Friday morning in a classroom at Laurens Elementary School, Laurens County School District 55 officials reported. The weapon was discovered by a teacher who notified the School Resource Officer, an officer with the Laurens Police Department. The LPD will hold a press conference concerning the incident at 2 p.m. today…
Read MoreVictim of Valentine’s Day wreck identified
An autopsy determined that a Simpsonville man killed in a single-car accident on Monday evening died of multiple blunt-force injuries. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office identified the victim of the crash as James Clarence Ashley, 77, of Simpsonville. Ashley died at the scene of the accident on Highway 92 near Water Tank Road in Gray…
Read MorePC’s vandenBerg condemns students’ actions
• Investigation launched into students’ behavior prior to lacrosse vs. Howard • vandenBerg: Behavior an “abomination” Presbyterian College President Matthew vandenBerg released a statement Tuesday after the college announced it is launching an investigation into an incident that occurred prior to a women’s lacrosse game against Howard Friday at Bailey Memorial Stadium. According to reports,…
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