Upstate South Carolina
Incumbents roll in city elections
In Tuesday’s municipal elections, outlying towns in the county had several uncontested races, while campaigning had been strong for council seats within the cities of Laurens and Clinton, but incumbents held on in every race. All vote totals were unofficial until they certified Thursday by the board of elections, said Laurens County Voter Registration director…
Read MoreBroken LCPW hydrant causes Boil Water Advisory
Laurens, South Carolina – An accident involving a broken fire hydrant near Beasley Funeral Home Saturday night resulted in the need for some Laurens residents to boil their water until the Laurens Commission of Public Works deems the water safe to drink. “The person said she was swerving to avoid a deer and hit the…
Read MorePeaceful protest in Laurens as residents speak for justice
Laurens, South Carolina – At least 75 Laurens County residents gathered on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse Square early Monday evening, June 1, as the president of the Laurens County Branch of the NAACP spoke at a “Peaceful Rally” to honor George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police officer was filmed…
Read MoreFibertex, Jostens make moves to combat COVID-19
Shortages of medical supplies such as protective masks, shields and other equipment have prompted at least two local industries to join the effort to combat COVID-19. Gray Court-based Fibertex Nonwoves and Jostens in Laurens are both refocusing production lines to help lessen the shortfalls in medical equipment. Fibertex Vice President Darryl Fournier said business as…
Read MorePower crews head out to assist after Dorian
Crews from Laurens Electric Cooperative (LEC) and Laurens Commission of Public Works (LCPW) left early Friday morning to assist utility companies struggling to get customers’ power back up after Dorian’s sweep through the South Carolina Lowcountry and Midlands, which is good news for the more than 202,000 electric customers who were still without power Friday morning. Six…
Read MoreHigh speed chase ends with wreck in Laurens
First update – 8:15 p.m. Laurens , South Carolina – According to reports, a white Chevy Caprice crashed into a tree near SC Hwy 14 following a high speed chase through and near Laurens City limits shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday evening. Officers were seen searching the area for the car’s occupants. Laurens City Police Chief…
Read MoreDistrict 55 requires clear bags for athletic, other events
By John Clayton Editor Laurens, South Carolina – A new policy requiring clear bags for athletic and other events at some Laurens District 55 schools went into place this week with the opening of the school year. In a release, District 55 officials said the move to require the clear bags is over…
Read MoreCPW reports on gradual drop in geosmin, damaged natural gas lines
Laurens, S.C. – Commissioners for the Laurens Commission of Public Works were given a briefing Monday evening on the utility’s water quality issues over the last six weeks, and CPW General Manager John Young said testing has shown the geosmin levels in the finished water and in Lake Rabon have begun to go down slightly…
Read MoreUnwelcome guest crashes Laurens pool
Laurens, S.C. – A West Main Street, Laurens, couple was awakened early this morning when the driver of a stolen vehicle crashed through a wall and into their swimming pool. “It was a stolen vehicle from outside the county and we always get a BOLO (be on the lookout) through central dispatch,” said Laurens Police Chief…
Read MoreWeekend volunteers sought for Ford Playground installation
Laurens, S.C. – Volunteer opportunities are available Saturday and Sunday at Ford Elementary School, which will be getting a full scale playground thanks to a grassroots effort and a matching gift from District 55. The vision for a playground and fundraising began the first week of June following a visit to the Lucas Avenue, Laurens…
Read More