Local News
Raider Broadcast Tonight Canceled
Friday, February 7, 2025
Due to unexpected circumstances beyond our control, we will NOT be broadcasting the Emerald at Laurens varsity basketball games tonight. Our plans are now to broadcast playoff game(s) (if any) that will start the week of February 17th.

Lander University Piano Ensemble to Perform
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Lander University Piano Ensemble invites the community to attend their 2025 recital featuring music used in video games from 1970s arcades through the Nintendo Switch. The concert will take place Thursday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium on Lander’s campus. Piano Ensemble Date: Thursday, February 27 Time: 7:00 p.m.… Read More »
Volunteers Needed to Advocate for Children
Thursday, February 6, 2025
There is a serious need for volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children here in Laurens County. While the Guardian ad Litem program in Laurens County currently has 172 children to be served, there are only 21 volunteers now willing to assist. As a result, the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem program is… Read More »
Grant “Not Guilty” of Burglary
Thursday, February 6, 2025
A Laurens man was found “Not Guilty” yesterday, concluding his trial in a 1st Degree Burglary case from 2021. A jury was seated Monday. Opening arguments began Tuesday in the case of 56-year-old Robert Frank Grant Jr. of North Harper Street, Laurens. He was charged with 1st Degree Burglary, accused of breaking into a Pridmore… Read More »
Defense Said He Knocked Before Entering
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Opening arguments in a 1st Degree Burglary case began Tuesday in Laurens County General Sessions Criminal Court. 56-year-old Robert Frank Grant Jr. of North Harper Street, Laurens is charged with Resisting Arrest, along with 1st Degree Burglary in Laurens. He is alleged to have broken into a Pridemore Street residence in the nighttime on May… Read More »
3 SC technical colleges unveil mobile advanced manufacturing labs to bring critically needed workforce training resources to rural areas
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Leaders of three of the state’s technical colleges took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday for a trio of mobile advanced manufacturing labs that will bring critical workforce training resources to rural areas across South Carolina. The event at the William H. “Billy” O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence in Greenwood was the result of… Read More »

Greenwood man sentenced to 45 years in prison for deadly drive-by killing
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
A Greenwood man is headed to state prison for 45 years after being convicted Friday of charges stemming from a deadly drive-by shooting during the weekend of the Festival of Discovery in Greenwood during the summer of 2022, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Friday. Christopher Longshore Jr., 30, was found guilty by a… Read More »

Laurens County Museum to Host Lecture on the Role of Enslaved and Free Blacks in the Revolutionary War
Monday, February 3, 2025
Approximately 5,000 free and enslaved blacks fought for the side of Liberty in the American Revolutionary War with others fighting for the British cause. Learn more about the unheralded in the Revolutionary War on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 pm, at the Laurens County Museum. Historian and battlefield preservationist Durant Ashmore will speak about “The… Read More »
Jury Selection For The Trial Of Robert Frank Grant Jr.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Jury selection will begin today at General Sessions Court at Hillcrest Square in Laurens, for the trial of 56-year-old Robert Frank Grant Jr. of North Harper Street, Laurens. Grant is charged with 1st degree burglary and resisting arrest following an incident on May 15 2021, where he allegedly broke into a dwelling on Pridmore Avenue… Read More »
Fountain Inn Man Accused Of Transporting Counterfeit Goods
Monday, February 3, 2025
The Laurens Police Department recently arrested a Fountain Inn Man for Transport of Counterfeit Goods more than $10,000. 38-year-old, Sir Prince MacArthur Williams, of North Kings Drive, was arrested for the alleged charge. According to the arrest report, on January 24th, Williams was allegedly transporting counterfeit goods in a motor vehicle packaged for sale. He… Read More »

Presbyterian College to celebrate Black History Month with series of events
Monday, February 3, 2025
Presbyterian College will honor Black History Month with the theme, “African Americans and Labor,” this February with a series of events celebrating African American history, culture, and contributions. The campus-wide celebration will include engaging speakers, inspiring performances, and community-focused activities. The events will kick off on Monday, Feb. 3, with a Kick-off Celebration in the Springs Great… Read More »

Food for Families February 12
Friday, January 31, 2025
The Food for Families nutritional program originally scheduled for Wednesday January 22nd, and postponed due to weather, will be held on February 12th at the Clinton Library. Sharon Lone from Clemson SNAP-ED will facilitate the workshop for seniors at 11 am and for families at 4 pm. This is a free program, open to the… Read More »
Ordinance passed on first reading at Laurens City Council
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Laurens City Council passed on first reading at last night’s meeting, an ordinance authorizing the mayor and city administrator to negotiate and enter into an option for a ground lease agreement with Diamond Towers V LLC for a Cell Tower on city property. There was no one at the meeting to give any detailed… Read More »
Cathy Little Reelected as Chair
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
At last night’s Laurens District 55 Board of Trustees Meeting, officers were elected. Cathy Little, once again, was elected chair, Tabitha Keitt was elected vice chair, and Chip Jenkins is the newly elected secretary.

One Dead After Crash on Highway 221
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Officials say one person is dead after a crash involving a tractor trailer in Laurens County. According to the South Carolina Highway patrol, the incident happened Tuesday afternoon in the area of Highway 221 South past Highway 39. According to Master Trooper Brandon Bolt, a tractor trailer stopped eastbound on Cedar Grove Church road when… Read More »
Laurens District 55 Called Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Yesterday at 4:30, Laurens District 55 Board of Trustees called a special meeting regarding a pending lawsuit against the district by former Dr. Ameca Thomas. Dr. Thomas, who resigned from Laurens District 55 in January 2024 filed the lawsuit in federal court in November. The suit accuses the District 55 school board, as well as current and… Read More »

Prisma Health triples outpatient behavioral health services in Upstate with new $3.7 million outpatient center
Monday, January 27, 2025
Prisma Health will triple patient access to outpatient behavioral health services in the Upstate with the opening of its new $3.7 million Behavioral Health & Wellness Pavilion this week. The 24,000-square-foot facility will open Monday, Jan. 27, on the Greenville Memorial Hospital campus. It will feature therapy options through the former Brownell Center (now expanded… Read More »

GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission Announces Upcoming Coat Drive to Benefit Local Shelters and Those In Need
Friday, January 24, 2025
GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission is proud to announce a Coat Drive as part of its GLEAMNS CARES initiative. This drive-thru event will take place on February 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission corporate office located at 237 N Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646. As temperatures drop, the… Read More »

Fun At The Library
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The Laurens Libraries bring fun programs to all ages during the first week of February. Straight out of the barn comes Owl Art on February 3, 4 pm, at the Laurens Library. Children 6-10 are invited to make a Snowy White Owl out of pine cones and learn about these amazing, nocturnal birds. Then fly… Read More »
Laurens County First Steps Demonstrates Continued Dedication Through Parents as Teachers Program
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Laurens County First Steps (LCFS) is dedicated to supporting parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Through the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, LCFS serves 11 families. This evidence-based program is designed to help parents become their child’s first and most important teacher. Since its beginning nineteen years ago, the… Read More »