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The James Island Trojans took a 12-2 win over the North Myrtle Beach Chiefs tonight (Friday) in North Myrtle Beach to punch their ticket to the Class AAAA Championship Series.
The Raiders are now scheduled to travel to James Island on Monday and then host the Trojans on Wednesday.
At of this posting the starting time of the game Monday has not been decided. I’ll update this as soon as I know.
Randy Stevens’ Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the gymnasium at Laurens District 55 High School, 5058 US-76, Laurens, SC 29360. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the South Carolina Patriot Guard Riders (https://patriotguard.org/tribute/) or to the Laurens County Humane Society, PO Box 1600, Clinton, SC 29325..
Obituary:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bobby Randall Stevens. He went by Randy but also answered to Steam, Mighty Whitey or Man of Steel. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of our community. Randy left us too soon and with a void that cannot be filled. (He was a big man.)
Randy Stevens, 65, of Whitmire, SC, and formerly of Laurens, SC, was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident in the early morning hours of May 10, 2024. He succumbed to his injuries but he was not in pain.
Randy was born February 1, 1959 at Laurens County Hospital. He graduated from Faith Christian School in 1977 and attended Lander College and Atlanta Broadcast Institute. Randy worked as an EMT and paramedic in Laurens, SC, and in Atlanta, GA. He then owned and managed Laurens Insurance Agency and was a vital member of the team at WLBG. He was an active member of the South Carolina Patriot Guard Riders, Laurens County Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Laurens, Laurens Lions Club, Laurens Humane Society, and many other community projects. He never slowed down. He lived life in the fast lane.
Randy was a respected talk show host, commentator, and reporter. He used his platform to engage in meaningful conversations, spark thought-provoking debates, skewer ALL the politicians. His insightful words and steadfast commitment to presenting what was important to Laurens County will make a lasting impact on all who tuned in…or didn’t…or acted like they didn’t.
He was so passionate about the Patriot Guard. He found a role that combined his love for the open road and his insurmountable respect for the men and women of our Armed Forces. Over the last 19 years, “Steam” served in many positions of leadership including Ride Captain, State Captain, Regional Captain, and two terms of service on the National Board of Directors. He was very influential in getting the state organization off to a strong start and later shared his dedication with the entire country. Although he never served in the military himself, he rallied the troops and led the charge, honoring our nation’s fallen heroes with dignity and respect. At the drop of a hat, or helmet, he was there.
He was an animal lover. His love for dogs knew no bounds and his dedication and advocacy for our four-legged friends led to the opening of the Laurens County Humane Society, where his legacy of love and compassion continues to thrive. Boy, did he care deeply about that mission also.
But above all, he was a loving grandfather, father, and husband, the foundation of his family and the center of their world. His unwavering love, guidance, and support nurtured his family and created a bond that will transcend time and space. He was a source of wisdom, humor, and unconditional love. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled. (Again, he was a big man.)
Randy was predeceased by his stepfather, Merle Bailey, and uncles, Jimmie Collins, David Collins, and Charles Collins. He is survived by his dear, loving mother, Doris Bailey, of Laurens; wife, THE REDHEAD, Melissa Thomas Stevens of Whitmire; sister Jan Overstreet (Rock) of Laurens; son, THE CAPTAIN, Joshua Stevens (Courtney) of Greenwood; daughter, THE SUGARPLUM, Rachel Reed (Josh) of Greenville; stepson Nick Norris (Brittany) of Whitmire; stepson Brandon Norris (Michelle) of Whitmire; grandchildren, Princess Elowen, “George” Jetson, “Bugaboo Jack Jack” Jackson, Landyn, and Irys; nephew Robbie Overstreet (Tiffany); nephew Matthew Overstreet (Alisha); great nieces and nephews; Aunt Shirley Coats Hildebrand of Waterloo; Aunt Sybil Collins Martin (Dale) of Hartford, CT; Uncle Gerald Collins of Sandy Springs. He also leaves behind a whole community of young people (some of whom now have young’uns of their own) who knew he loved them. He worked tirelessly to show up for so many because he loved being a Daddy.
We thought Randy was invincible. He was a force of nature. As we mourn the loss of this great man, let us also celebrate the life he lived, because HE REALLY LIVED. Rest in peace, Randy “Steam” Stevens. You were a man of integrity, kindness, and tons of good-natured mischief. The man, the myth, the legend. Godspeed, sir, and we WILL take care of one another. We promise. Thank you for everything.
A series of armed robberies across two counties culminated in the swift capture of the suspect yesterday, thanks to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions.
The City of Clinton Invites you to Celebrate the dedication of the Shirley Jenkins Park May 16th. The Ribbon Cutting will be at 4pm on Oak Street. A Bouncy House, Popcorn, Cupcakes and Other Snacks will be provided to the kids. Come out and Support.
A Laurens man walking around with a sharpened hacksaw with death painted on it was recently arrested and charged with Public Disorderly Conduct. 32-year-old, Gary Lee Chandler, Jr, of Highway 221 North, was arrested for the alleged charge May 11th. According to a report, on May 11th, Chandler was allegedly disorderly in that he was outside walking at the roadway yelling into the woods because he thought someone was being killed while walking around with a sharpened hacksaw with death painted on it. He was yelling and cursing at dogs while walking with the hacksaw disturbing the peace and tranquility. This incident occurred at 2:45 am. Gary Lee Chandler, Jr, remains behind bars this morning at the Laurens County Detention Center
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information relating to the May 11th shooting that occurred at the Ware Shoals Dragway and resulted in the death of 17 year old Calvin Lamont Parker Jr.
A Columbia man was arrested by the Clinton Police Department over the weekend for Assault and Battery Of High And Aggravated Nature, Breach of Peace High and Aggravated, Possession of a Stolen Pistol, and Possession of a weapon during a violent crime. 42-year-old, Marques Delafayette Walker, of Bentley Drive, Columbia, was arrested for the alleged charges. On May 11th, Walker is accused of firing a handgun and striking the victim in the abdomen. The handgun he had in his possession was reported stolen. The offense occurred on Bond Street and Washington Street Extension. Marques Walker has since been released from the Detention Center on a paid bond.
The Laurens Police Department recently arrested a Laurens man for Domestic Violence 2nd Degree. Friday, Police arrested 37-year-old, Korey Nathaniel Workman, of Leopard Street for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant, on May 10th, Workman allegedly assaulted the victim by grabbing her arms and shoving her towards the door of the house. The alleged incident occurred on Leopard Street in the city of Laurens. Korey Workman remain behind bars this morning at the Laurens County Detention Center. His Cash or Surety bond total is $50,000.
A Laurens woman is behind bars this morning accused of Shoplifting over $2,000 of merchandise. 41-year-old, Katie Marie Obrien, of Truman Street, was arrested Saturday by the Laurens Police Department for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant report, on May 11th, Obrien shoplifted $2,450 by attempting to steal merchandise and advised she was going to pay for it with a blank check that had no ban listed on it. Katie Obrien cash or surety bond is $5,000.
At the Laurens County Council Meeting last night, council passed on second reading the county general budget, which consists of an allowable tax index of 5.48%., victims assistance for the amount of $150.241, solid waste management fee: residential household fee of $65 per year for each residence, apartment or rental unit, manufactured home or any other structure used as and for a residence.
Detention Center is lotted in the amount of $129,000, and a special revenue fund of $76,000 for drug expenses, a special revenue fund of $18,911,420, to fund the appropriations for the county budget for the fiscal year beginning July1, 2024.
There will be a tax levy of 2.0 mils for the funding of Piedmont Tech, and USC Union, a tax levy of 9.22 mils for EMS, and a tax levy of 2.52 mills for the acquisition of certain equipment for EMS, and a tax levy of 7.19 mills for the county deficit/reserve account, and a tax levy of 7.69 Account mills (Fund 600) to provide funding for the Laurens County Capital Fund.
The fire budget was also approved on second reading, which consists of 23.45 mills, and the total supplement shall not exceed $1,000,000.
At last night’s Commission of Public Works Meeting, it was announced that the commission received four million dollars as a part of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program.
WLBG’s morning show host, Randy Stevens died last Friday morning following a wreck on his motorcycle. At about 4:40 am Friday, while on his way to work at WLBG from his home south of Whitmire, Randy was turning his motorcycle from Highway 176 to Church Street in Whitmire when his motorcycle collided head-on with a car. He was thrown from his motorcycle. EMS rushed Randy to Columbia for emergency care, but he died there of injuries from the wreck.
Randy would acknowledge that riding a motorcycle to work that distance before sunrise, through the Sumter National Forest, had it’s risks; but he loved riding the motorcycle. So much, that he would ride even when temperatures dipped below freezing. He would sometimes even ride to work in rain, thinking the skies would clear for an enjoyable ride back to Whitmire that afternoon.
Just a few weeks ago on April 1st, Randy celebrated the passages of thirty years of his talk show, “Good Morning, Up-Country.” In that program, Randy was known to make comments that sometimes pushed up against the perceived limit of what should be said. He also sometimes took on many important issues that needed honest discussion.
In addition to serving the community with honest conversation on important issues on the air, Randy also served the community off the air. He was very active with the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders, who honored veterans of military service at their death. He also worked in the Greater Laurens County Community for projects ranging from support of veterans to first responders. Randy’s community service began long before his career with WLBG. While operating his family insurance agency his community service included work on the first Board of Directors for the Main Street Laurens program. He was currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Laurens County Humane Society. Giving animals proper treatment was always a topic he spoke out about.
While Randy was best known for his work from WLBG on “Good Morning Up-Country,” he also hosted the Morning News Magazine weekday mornings from 6:00 to 8:30 over the past several years.
Even before hosting the Good Morning Up-Country talk show, Randy would occasionally be heard on WLBG as he joined Emil Finley to provide live election coverages of local elections across Laurens County, which they continued doing over recent decades.
According to his wishes, after harvesting of his organs for transplants, Randy’s remains will be cremated. A Community Service to remember Randy Stevens is being planned at a location to be determined in the Laurens area. While the date has not been set as of last report, if may be this Saturday. All friends and listeners are invited to attend. We’ll have details on this program once they are confirmed.
A teen from Greenwood was identified as the victim in a shooting death Saturday at the Ware Shoals Drag way. Laurens County Chief Deputy Coroner in a release that 17-year-old Calvin Lamont Parker Jr., of Greenwood, died from a gunshot wound. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday morning. Saturday at the Ware Shoals Drag way was the Best of Both Worlds Car and Bike Show that occurs annually on the second Saturday in May. Officials are still investigating the incident.
On August 22, 2022 deputies responded to a shooting on Brandwood Lane in Laurens. Shots were fired outside of a residence, again when the homeowner went outside of the residence, and a third time at the homeowner’s vehicle when he and his family fled the residence. Evidence obtained and information gathered at the scene led investigators to identify those responsible for this shooting. One subject was arrested on 9/1/2022.
The other subject was identified as Jeremiah Shalah Jenkins of Laurens. After attempts to locate Jenkins were unsuccessful, the Laurens County SWAT team successfully located him today, May 10, 2024 and placed him under arrest.
Jenkins is being charged with the following:
-Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
-Three (3) counts of Possession of Weapon during a Violent Crime
“This incident could have ended much differently. I would like to thank our investigators who worked this case from the beginning, our warrants division for being so diligent in their efforts to locate Jenkins, and our SWAT team for being ready and precise, and keeping our citizens safe during the service of these warrants. The incident happened in 2022 and I’m sure this individual believed he was finally flying under our radar. He thought wrong. Now let’s hope the judicial system works accordingly.” – Sheriff Don Reynolds
Children aged 6-10 go buggy at the Laurens Library on May 20th at 4pm when they create Kooky Crawly Caterpillars from construction paper. Use colors and patterns inspired by real insect species or go wild and make something that exists only in your imagination. This program is free and open to the public.
For more information contact the Laurens Library at 864-681-7323.
Friday night the Catawba Ridge Copperheads defeated Greenwood 12-2 in 5 innings at Catawba Ridge. 
The Raiders will now host Catawba Ridge at 6:00 pm Saturday and if the Raiders win, they move on to the Upper State Playoffs which I believe will now start Tuesday (5-14).
Should the Raiders loose, they must play Catawba Ridge Monday (5-13) at 6:30 pm at Ed Prescott Field with the winner of that game moving on.
Please come out and cheer on the Raiders as the Copperhead fans said they were going to bring more fans that last week.
NOTE: Due to the current situation at WLBG we have made the decision NOT to broadcast this game. We hope to be able to resume broadcast of the Raider in the near future.
A 3-car collision yesterday morning around 8am on Winding Hollow and Green pond Rd in Ft Inn left one person dead, according to the Laurens County Chief Deputy Coroner.
The Coroner identified the passenger of one of the cars as Harley Chester 31-year-old female from Simpsonville died at the scene.
Laurens County Sheriff office will oversee the investigation. An autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death.
The Clinton Police Department arrested a Clinton man accused of Domestic Violence 3rd Degree. 20-year-old, Tykavious Kenshavious Jones, of Peachtree Street, was arrested for the alleged charge. According to a report, on May 4th, Jones was allegedly chasing the victim down the street and striking her in the face with a closed fist. This offense occurred on Peachtree Street in the city limits of Clinton. Tykavious Jones was released on a personal recognizance bond May 5th.
On May 1, 2024, officers with the Laurens Police Department received a report of an alleged incident of child abuse at the Tender Loving and Care Child Development Center (TLC) located at 1405 West Main Street within the city limits of Laurens. After an investigation revealed video evidence substantiating the allegations of abuse, an arrest warrant for Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child was issued for Salathia Guest, a 27-year-old female who was a newly hired employee of the daycare facility.
On May 3, 2024, Guest was taken into custody by officers of the Laurens Police Department and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.
Information gathered through the investigation indicates the alleged abuse was an isolated incident. However, if you have any information concerning this incident or any other related events, please contact the Laurens Police Department at 864-984-3532.
For further inquiries or information, please contact Public Information Officer (PIO) Lt. Brandon Davis at the Laurens Police Department.
Some very well dressed dogs are heading for downtown Laurens.
The Pooch Parade is a joint project of Main Street Laurens and the Laurens County Humane Society. Dogs of all shapes and sizes will be decked out in their fanciest or silliest or strangest attire as they parade around the Square in Laurens at 6:00pm on Friday, May 17th.
The parade will kick off the Finally Friday event that will also feature Stone Groove, a 70s rock tribute band playing the songs you heard on the radio back then. You’ll find yourself singing along.
Valuable prizes will be awarded to the best dressed dog, best dog/owner duo, best personality, most patriotic dog and the cutest dog in the parade. Entering your favorite pooch is easy. Online registration is available at: https://www.jotform.com/240984709491165 .
It’s only $20 to enter your best friend in the pooch parade and just $10 for each additional dog.
Come enjoy the parade of the most elegant, and possibly some of the goofiest, dogs at the Pooch Parade on the Square in Laurens on Friday, May 17th.
