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Mark Martin named Goodyear 400 Honorary Pace Car Driver

Mark Martin, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in the history of NASCAR, will return to the Track Too Tough to Tame on Sunday, March 22, as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.

McLeod Health establishes on-call Measles Help Line

In an effort to protect patients, visitors, and staff, McLeod Health is encouraging the public to call its On Call Measles Line before arriving at a McLeod facility, urgent care center, or doctor’s office if they have been exposed to Measles or believe they have symptoms of Measles.

CPRMC earns Geriatric ACEP Emergency Dept. accreditation

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (CPRMC) announces that it has earned Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), becoming the first hospital in the Pee Dee region to receive this distinguished recognition.

Local CareSouth providers attend Nurse Legislative Day

Three of CareSouth Carolina’s dedicated healthcare providers recently represented the organization at South Carolina Nurse Legislative Day at the State House in Columbia.

Former Mayor appointed Interim City Manager

On Tuesday night, March 3, the Darlington City Council named former longtime Mayor, J. Ronald Ward as the Interim City Manager.

County Council approves bond, hears Solar concerns

The Darlington County Council met Monday, March 2, conducting a public hearing on a proposed bond ordinance, recognizing community organizations, and hearing extensive citizen comments regarding the expansion of solar farms across the county.

SC Rep. Mitchell gives Legislative Update

Last week in Columbia, we made meaningful progress on legislation focused on public safety, strengthening our schools, and putting South Carolina families first!

USC, GSSM launch Joint Scholarship program

The University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program designed to support GSSM graduates who choose to continue their education at USC’s Columbia campus.  

GSSM Summer STEM Camp applications open

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is now accepting applications for its 2026 GoSciTech Summer Camps, offering hands-on STEM experiences for students across South Carolina.

DCSD to host Listening Sessions

Darlington County School District (DCSD) is inviting families, staff, and community members to attend a series of Community Listening Sessions focused on the district’s 2024 Facilities Study and the future of its schools.

Mark Martin named Goodyear 400 Honorary Pace Car Driver

Mark Martin, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in the history of NASCAR, will return to the Track Too Tough to Tame on Sunday, March 22, as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.

Raceway’s Speed & Feed BBQ Festival coming May 16!

After a long-awaited return, one of the most flavorful festivals in the Pee Dee is back. Darlington Raceway announced today that its popular Speed & Feed BBQ Festival will make its triumphant return on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Building and “shaping” Darlington Raceway

Over seventy-five years ago, a few men with different dreams unknowingly collaborated to create one of motorsports’ most legendary venues.

Boyd named LHS Varsity Football Coach

Tyler Boyd, a Lamar native, will take over as Lamar High School’s (LHS) head varsity football coach, the school announced during a press conference Friday afternoon.

Hamlin wins Goodyear 400!

A perfectly-executed overtime restart by Denny Hamlin following a clutch final pit stop by his Joe Gibbs Racing crew provided exactly the advantage the veteran needed to claim the trophy in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

Jones wins Darlington’s Saturday Race!

After diligently working through a 98-race winless streak over the last three NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons, Joe Gibbs Racing’s Brandon Jones reminded his competitors — and his fans — Saturday that he’s still a race winner and a title contender.

Racing legend visits Darlington

Herb McCandless, affectionately known as “Mr. 4 Speed,” was in Darlington yesterday to have lunch with some of his old friends.

Biffle named Honorary Pace Car Driver for Goodyear 400

Darlington Raceway announced today that former NASCAR Cup Series star and two-time Cup Series winner at the Track Too Tough to Tame, Greg Biffle, will serve as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, April 6.

Local athlete named Pitcher of Week

Francis Marion University junior left-hander Alyssa Poston has been named the Division II Wilson/NFCA Pitcher of the Week for contests played Feb. 17-23.

Darlington Falcons host Lower Richland Diamond Hornets in Double Header

On Friday, the Lower Richland Diamond Hornets visited the Darlington Falcons for another varsity basketball double-header.

Mark Martin named Goodyear 400 Honorary Pace Car Driver

Mark Martin, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in the history of NASCAR, will return to the Track Too Tough to Tame on Sunday, March 22, as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.

McLeod Health establishes on-call Measles Help Line

In an effort to protect patients, visitors, and staff, McLeod Health is encouraging the public to call its On Call Measles Line before arriving at a McLeod facility, urgent care center, or doctor’s office if they have been exposed to Measles or believe they have symptoms of Measles.

Local CareSouth providers attend Nurse Legislative Day

Three of CareSouth Carolina’s dedicated healthcare providers recently represented the organization at South Carolina Nurse Legislative Day at the State House in Columbia.

Former Mayor appointed Interim City Manager

On Tuesday night, March 3, the Darlington City Council named former longtime Mayor, J. Ronald Ward as the Interim City Manager.

SC Rep. Mitchell gives Legislative Update

Last week in Columbia, we made meaningful progress on legislation focused on public safety, strengthening our schools, and putting South Carolina families first!

USC, GSSM launch Joint Scholarship program

The University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program designed to support GSSM graduates who choose to continue their education at USC’s Columbia campus.  

DCSD to host Listening Sessions

Darlington County School District (DCSD) is inviting families, staff, and community members to attend a series of Community Listening Sessions focused on the district’s 2024 Facilities Study and the future of its schools.

Victory Baptist Church honors First Responders

On Saturday, February 28, members of the Darlington community gathered at Victory Baptist Church, located at 633 W. Smith Ave., for a special First Responders Appreciation Day honoring the men and women who serve on the front lines each day.

Fowler named DCHS Director

Darlington County Humane Society (DCHS) is pleased to announce Autumn Fowler as Executive Director.

Lamar honors Mrs. Virgil’s 100 years

Lamar residents gathered on Friday, March 6, at the Lamar Senior Center to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the life of one of the community’s most cherished citizens.

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.

Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith

Janie Marie “Dinah” Smith aged 85, passed away after a long illness on May 3, 2023, at King’s Grant Retirement Community in Martinsville, Virginia.

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.

From Sacred Earth — Catawba Pottery

On a hot July Saturday I drove to the Native American Studies Center in Lancaster, South Carolina.

A near disaster in Darlington

“Gray skies, rain falling, a September Gale,” the people said. It happened every year at this time. Folks in the village were prepared.

Have fireflies left us?

Among sedges and along tree lines, across lawns and fields they’ll soon cease blinking.

Glancing at leaves

This time of year I catch myself glancing at leaves. On walks through woods and bike rides along trails, I see the occasional red leaf. I glance again and see a few more leaves turning crimson. Soon red outnumbers green. Autumn’s nigh. 

LETTER TO EDITOR — Reader remembers Purple Heart vets

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the stories of the fine men who received the Purple Heart while protecting us during their military service.

LETTER TO EDITOR — Reader says “Stop the calls!”

Dear Editor,

This is a letter to Senators Graham and Scott and all of our representatives to Washington.

Learning along the Estuary

The children of Sandy Island board a school bus boat for an eight-minute journey across the Waccamaw River to the mainland.

The Miraculous Green Lizard

We call it a lizard, except it’s not. It’s an anole, and it can re-grow its tail, “regenerate” in the words of scientists.

Mark Martin named Goodyear 400 Honorary Pace Car Driver

Mark Martin, one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in the history of NASCAR, will return to the Track Too Tough to Tame on Sunday, March 22, as the Honorary Pace Car Driver for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.

Former Mayor appointed Interim City Manager

On Tuesday night, March 3, the Darlington City Council named former longtime Mayor, J. Ronald Ward as the Interim City Manager.

County Council approves bond, hears Solar concerns

The Darlington County Council met Monday, March 2, conducting a public hearing on a proposed bond ordinance, recognizing community organizations, and hearing extensive citizen comments regarding the expansion of solar farms across the county.

SC Rep. Mitchell gives Legislative Update

Last week in Columbia, we made meaningful progress on legislation focused on public safety, strengthening our schools, and putting South Carolina families first!

GSSM Summer STEM Camp applications open

The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is now accepting applications for its 2026 GoSciTech Summer Camps, offering hands-on STEM experiences for students across South Carolina.

Victory Baptist Church honors First Responders

On Saturday, February 28, members of the Darlington community gathered at Victory Baptist Church, located at 633 W. Smith Ave., for a special First Responders Appreciation Day honoring the men and women who serve on the front lines each day.

Grant awarded to expand Veterans Court services

The Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office has been awarded a $148,750 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to expand Veterans Treatment Court services within the circuit and establish a new Veterans Court in Darlington County.
The funding will support operations for both Chesterfield County Veterans Court and the newly established Darlington County Veterans Court, ensuring that veterans across the Fourth Circuit have greater access to specialized treatment-focused judicial programs designed to address the unique challenges faced by justice-involved veterans.
Chief Justice John W. Kittredge of the South Carolina Supreme Court recently signed an administrative order formally establishing the Darlington County Veterans Treatment Court and appointing Judge Craig LaCross as the presiding judge.
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized court programs that connect eligible veterans involved in the criminal justice system with treatment services, mentorship, and supervision designed to address underlying issues such as substance abuse, mental health conditions, and service-related trauma.
“These courts recognize the sacrifices our veterans have made and provide an opportunity to address the issues that may have contributed to their involvement in the justice system,” said Fourth Circuit Solicitor Paul ‘Mike’ Burch. “Our goal is to help veterans receive the treatment and support they need while also strengthening public safety in our communities.”
Oliver Segars, Communications Coordinator for the Fourth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office, said the expansion marks an important step in ensuring veterans throughout the circuit have access to these services.
“We are proud to see this program expand into Darlington County,” Segars said. “Our goal is to continue growing Veterans Court so that the men and women who served our country — including those here in Darlington County — have access to the support, treatment, and accountability that these programs provide.”
The Veterans Treatment Court model relies on collaboration between the judiciary, the Solicitor’s Office, defense attorneys, law enforcement, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, treatment providers, and volunteer veteran mentors.
Officials say the new Darlington County Veterans Court will operate in coordination with the existing Chesterfield County program and will serve veterans across the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

GOPO Meet and Greet: Cody Simpson

A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered Tuesday evening, March 3, 2026, at the Grand Old Post Office (GOPO), 201 Pearl Street in Darlington, for a Meet and Greet and Barbeque Dinner in honor of W.R. “Cody” Simpson III, Republican candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture.

Girl Scouts to hold fashion show

Creativity and courage will take center stage later this month as Girl Scouts from across the region prepare to present a dazzling Fashion Show showcasing months of hard work, imagination, and leadership.

Star-studded lineup planned for Darlington Community Concert Series

The City of Darlington will host the Community Concert Series presented by Dedicated Community Bank, Duke Energy and Genesis Healthcare, Inc., April through Sept., 2026.

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