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Darlington City Council proposes Annexation Ordinance
The Darlington City Council will hold a public hearing and final vote next week on an ordinance that would require property owners outside city limits to annex into the city if they receive city water and sewer service — a measure city officials say is intended to close a long-standing budget gap and boost revenue for essential services like police staffing.
Hartsville Lions Club donates supplies to Hartsville Middle School
Hartsville Middle School students are beginning the new school year with a little extra support thanks to the generosity of the Hartsville Lions Club.
FDTC awarded $25K for CNC related scholarships
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) has received a $25,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation (GHF) to expand educational opportunities in advanced manufacturing by helping remove financial barriers for current and future students pursuing careers in the high-demand industry.
Darlington Police host National Night Out
The Darlington Police Department welcomed the community to the 100 block of Pearl Street on Tuesday evening, August 4, for its annual National Night Out event, held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Carolina Sandhills Refuge to host Hunter Education Course
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host a Hunter Education Course on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The course will be taught by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at the refuge office, located at 23734 Hwy 1, three miles north of McBee, SC.
Melissa Burch honored with Community Partner Award
Darlington County Magistrate Melissa Burch was named the recipient of CareSouth Carolina’s Community Partner Award on Tuesday, honored for her exceptional partnership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the youth served at AMIkids Sandhills.
Deputy Bryant retires after 25 years
After a quarter-century spent protecting the communities of the Pee Dee region, Lieutenant Curtis Bryant is hanging up his badge. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office announced his retirement this week, capping a career that spanned five agencies and a wide range of leadership roles.
Teacher suspended after alleged threatening comments
Darlington Middle School administrators received a report alleging that a teacher made threatening comments to students in the classroom.
Cypress Adventures honors Aimee Cox-King for 10 years of leadership
After more than a decade of visionary leadership, Cypress Adventures announces that its founder, Aimee Cox-King, will transition from her full-time role with the organization, marking the close of one extraordinary chapter and the beginning of another devoted to advancing Positive Youth Development through research, scholarship, curriculum development, and professional collaboration.
FAITH: The Beauty of God’s Love and Forgiveness
I remember when I was around 10 years old, there was a girl at school who was a couple of years older than me who was constantly being teased and treated harshly.
Conner Shaw shares powerful testimony at Darlington Presbyterian’s Wild Game Feast
Darlington Presbyterian Church hosted its third annual Wild Game Feast on Sunday, July 26. The featured speaker for the 2026 Wild Game Feast was former University of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw, one of the most accomplished players in Gamecock football history.
Darlington Window displays Race Week Spirit
A new window display has rolled into 101 Pearl Street, giving downtown Darlington an early taste of Race Week excitement ahead of the big event at Darlington Raceway. The display celebrates NASCAR’s racing legends and the rich culture surrounding the sport, offering pedestrians a festive nod to the raceway’s storied history as they pass by.
Georgetown Post 114 ends Hartsville Post 53 Playoff aspirations
After taking the lead for the first time all game in the top of the sixth, Hartsville surrendered a two-run bottom of the sixth that cost them continuation in the Junior Legion playoffs as they fell to Georgetown by an 8-7 score.
FBC, Rec. Dept. host Annual Basketball Camp
Bouncing basketballs and enthusiastic cheers filled two Darlington gymnasiums recently as First Baptist Church, in partnership with the Darlington Area Recreation Department, welcomed dozens of young athletes for its free summer basketball camp.
Hartsville Council honors Championship Teams
Hartsville’s Council chambers overflowed with pride recently as Mayor Dan Askins III and City Council paused their regular business to celebrate a banner season for some of the city’s youngest athletes.
Raceway, Coca-Cola, Harvest Hope and Daniel Suarez prepare Food Boxes
Darlington Raceway welcomed volunteers, partners and a NASCAR star on Tuesday, May 5, for a meaningful day of service, as Coca-Cola Consolidated teamed up with Harvest Hope Food Bank to support communities across South Carolina.
DCC hosts Youth Golf Clinic
As they celebrate their 100th Anniversary, the Darlington Country Club (DCC) continues to place a strong focus on cultivating young talent through junior golf initiatives aimed at building both skills and character.
Lady Silver Foxes win big over Lee Central
Rebounding from a tough loss to Central, the Lady Silver Foxes made quick work of the Stallions from Lee Central.
Lady Red Foxes tame Wilson Lady Tigers
An early season Regional matchup with a young Hartsville Red Foxes softball squad and the Lady Tigers from Wilson resulted in a 12-1 Hartsville victory,
Raceway celebrates full week of events!
As part of its upcoming spring race festivities, Darlington Raceway will host several events throughout the community as the anticipation builds for the 3rd Annual NASCAR Alumni Weekend at the track “Too Tough To Tame”.
Hartsville Lions Club donates supplies to Hartsville Middle School
Hartsville Middle School students are beginning the new school year with a little extra support thanks to the generosity of the Hartsville Lions Club.
Darlington Police host National Night Out
The Darlington Police Department welcomed the community to the 100 block of Pearl Street on Tuesday evening, August 4, for its annual National Night Out event, held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Carolina Sandhills Refuge to host Hunter Education Course
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host a Hunter Education Course on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The course will be taught by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at the refuge office, located at 23734 Hwy 1, three miles north of McBee, SC.
Melissa Burch honored with Community Partner Award
Darlington County Magistrate Melissa Burch was named the recipient of CareSouth Carolina’s Community Partner Award on Tuesday, honored for her exceptional partnership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the youth served at AMIkids Sandhills.
Deputy Bryant retires after 25 years
After a quarter-century spent protecting the communities of the Pee Dee region, Lieutenant Curtis Bryant is hanging up his badge. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office announced his retirement this week, capping a career that spanned five agencies and a wide range of leadership roles.
Cypress Adventures honors Aimee Cox-King for 10 years of leadership
After more than a decade of visionary leadership, Cypress Adventures announces that its founder, Aimee Cox-King, will transition from her full-time role with the organization, marking the close of one extraordinary chapter and the beginning of another devoted to advancing Positive Youth Development through research, scholarship, curriculum development, and professional collaboration.
FAITH: The Beauty of God’s Love and Forgiveness
I remember when I was around 10 years old, there was a girl at school who was a couple of years older than me who was constantly being teased and treated harshly.
From Diagnosis to Distinction: Mesha McLean’s Journey with Lupus Nephritis
Mesha McLean remembers the morning she woke up and couldn’t move her legs.
It wasn’t the first sign that something was wrong. For nearly a year, McLean had experienced pain in her hands and feet, general fatigue, and severe headaches — symptoms she initially chalked up to the demands of working in an office. But when her legs gave out entirely, leaving her unable to walk and requiring her family to lift her from bed, she knew this was something more serious.
St. John Head Start Center reopens after decade with ribbon-cutting celebration
Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) celebrated the reopening of St. John Head Start Center, 208 W. Seven Pines Street in Lamar, on Friday, July 31, restoring Head Start services to the community for the first time in more than a decade.
DES faces questions over $2.4 million ‘records fee’
A South Carolina man trying to learn more about possible chemical contamination near a local elementary school said he was shocked when the state agency in charge of the records quoted him a bill few could ever pay: $2.4 million, plus a $605,000 deposit just to begin the search. DES officials say that figure was a preliminary estimate generated using standard FOIA rates that accounted for the staff time it would take to produce and review 3 million documents.
Sen. Lindsey Graham passes away at 71
Senator Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina Republican and one of the Senate’s most prominent voices on foreign policy, died Saturday night at age 71. His office confirmed his death from a “brief and sudden illness” early Sunday morning.
Beloved scion of newspaper family passes away
Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III, a devoted steward of community journalism and a member of one of Darlington’s most respected publishing families, passed away early Sunday morning, January 17.
Joann Anderson
Joann Anderson passed away at MUSC in Florence on August 28, 2023, from cardiac arrest.
Vernita Nicole Wingate
Vernita Nicole Wingate was born October 20, 1977 on Yokota Air Force Base in Tokyo, Japan.
Taylor Madison Britt
Taylor Madison Britt, 16, of Darlington died Saturday, September 30, 2023.
OBITUARY: Emma Louise Coggeshall Donald
Emma Louise “Emmy Lou” Coggeshall Donald passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the McLeod Hospice House in Florence.
Finley Ann Stith James
Finley Ann Stith James of Darlington, South Carolina passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023.
JoAnn Buie Stephens McKnight
JoAnn Buie Stephens McKnight,85, of Darlington went home to the Lord on Monday June 19, 2023.
Johnnie Scott Jeffords Jr.
Graveside services for Johnie Scott Jeffords Jr., were held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Grove Hill Cemetery in Darlington at 10:30 a.m. directed by Belk Funeral Home.
Helen Wiggins Coker
Helen Wiggins Coker, age 76, passed away on June 12, 2023 at her residence.
OPINION: The Country Store: The Soul of the South had Everything
“Where should I send you to know the Soul of the South? I’ll send you to the Mast General Store.” So wrote Charles Kuralt in a 1986 column.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Longtime DCHS volunteer urges change in Pet Care policies
I just read Anna Dewitt’s letter in my News and Press. Thank you, Anna, for speaking up. I have volunteered for the Humane Society for 19 years and have not spoken publicly about our pet overpopulation problem for a while.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Reader supports Solar Energy
We are celebrating the 250th Anniversary, the SemiQuincentennial of this country’s Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers and ancestors fought for our Freedom that we as a nation can live free, prosper in the pursuit of happiness, own property and abide by the laws of the land: Federal, State, County, and Local government.
Puttin’ Out The Fire: Sometimes It’s Healthier Not to
“As night deepened all he could see was the shifting line of fire, like some malfunction in the wiring of the world.” —William Gay, Provinces Of Night. “In the draws the smoke coming off the ground like mist and the thin black trees burning on the slopes like heathen candles.” —Cormac McCarthy, The Road
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Who should decide the future of family farms?
Dear Editor, For generations, farmers have diversified to survive. They...
OPINION: Peach Blossom Lit
Come March, my thoughts turn to peach blossoms and memories of family fruit trees. One tree from youth stands above others.
What’s the big deal about evangelism?
Within the Christian worldview, some might ask, “What’s the big deal about evangelism?”
Man, the Intruder
The rains of late and spring’s approach set my mind on the Carolina bays, those coastal plain wetlands of mystery and life.
We can and certainly should do better in 2026
As 2026 dawns, many of us are pausing to take stock — not just of personal goals, but of the tone and direction of our public life.
MOURNING BILL SHEPARD: We will miss our beloved “Mill Village Boy”
This past weekend, we said goodbye to a beloved member of our community, Bill Shepard.
Darlington City Council proposes Annexation Ordinance
The Darlington City Council will hold a public hearing and final vote next week on an ordinance that would require property owners outside city limits to annex into the city if they receive city water and sewer service — a measure city officials say is intended to close a long-standing budget gap and boost revenue for essential services like police staffing.
Darlington Police host National Night Out
The Darlington Police Department welcomed the community to the 100 block of Pearl Street on Tuesday evening, August 4, for its annual National Night Out event, held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Carolina Sandhills Refuge to host Hunter Education Course
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge will host a Hunter Education Course on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The course will be taught by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) at the refuge office, located at 23734 Hwy 1, three miles north of McBee, SC.
Darlington County issues statement on Cybersecurity Incident
Darlington County is actively investigating a cybersecurity incident affecting the operability of certain computer systems and limiting certain County services.
St. John Head Start Center reopens after decade with ribbon-cutting celebration
Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) celebrated the reopening of St. John Head Start Center, 208 W. Seven Pines Street in Lamar, on Friday, July 31, restoring Head Start services to the community for the first time in more than a decade.
Man charged with Attempted Murder, Armed Robbery and Possession of Weapon during violent crime
On July 30, 2026 deputies responded to the 1100 block of N. Fifth St. in the Hartsville area of Darlington County in reference to a subject being assaulted and robbed. Darlington County deputies and investigators, with the assistance of the Hartsville Police Department, were able to identify and arrest a suspect. He currently remains in the W Glenn Campbell Detention Center awaiting bond.
Hartsville welcomes new Audiologist
The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce and Empire Audiology hosted a reception at The Rustic Room on Tuesday, July 14, to formally welcome Dr. Aubreigh Cupp to the Empire Audiology staff — and to the Hartsville community she and her husband now call home.
Society Hill Council discusses controversial sculpture
The Society Hill Town Council convened for its monthly meeting on July 14, addressing routine municipal business before an unscheduled discussion of a controversial roadside sculpture drew pointed exchanges between residents and required the mayor to restore order with his gavel.
Gospel in the Park celebrates 20th Anniversary
The spirit of faith, fellowship and community filled the T.B. Thomas Sports Center on Sunday, July 12, as Gospel in the Park continued its landmark 20th Anniversary season with another uplifting afternoon of worship, music and outreach.
Mason selected as 2026 Deputy of the Year
Darlington County Sheriff Michael August nominated Deputy Devin Mason, for the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Deputy of the Year Award. Following the nomination process, the award was voted on by the 46 Sheriffs of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, and we are proud to share that Deputy Mason was selected as the 2026 South Carolina Deputy of the Year.