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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Laurens County, South Carolina – Christmas cheer spread across the county this past weekend, with large scale tree lighting ceremonies in Clinton on Thursday evening, in Laurens Friday evening and Laurens’ parade Saturday night. In Clinton, Eastside Elementary first graders sang a series of Christmas songs from different countries and cheered when the lights of…
Laurens, South Carolina – The Laurens Family YMCA is again hosting the 5K Reindeer Run at 9 a.m. this Saturday morning, and it should again include runners and walkers in all manner of Christmas attire. “This is our 24th Reindeer Run,” said Emily Dasher, program director for the Laurens Family YMCA. “So far we have…
Clinton, South Carolina – Comedy and Christmas come together this weekend when Thornwell Charter School holds its first full scale play since Thornwell High School closed in 2007. Thornwell Charter is performing the licensed showing this weekend of the Christmas classic, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Based on a 1971 book by Barbara Robinson,…
A team of “Christmas for Kids” volunteers went on its annual shopping excursion Monday, buying gifts for over 200 children and youth at Wal-Mart in Laurens. “Christmas for Kids” is organized each year by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and provides Christmas presents for people in need across the county. LCSO Public Information Officer Courtney…
The Laurens County Council took a step toward funding the completion of two of the county’s major construction projects at a special called meeting Tuesday morning at the county’s Hillcrest offices. While no votes were taken, council members are expected to vote at its regular meeting Monday to authorize a $3.385 million payment to keep…