Run, race, walk, or stroll at the “Light the Night 5K” sponsored by the Laurens County Museum on April 26, 2025, at 8:00 pm, on the beautiful Laurens County leg of the Swamp Rabbit Trail at 291 Professional Park Road, Clinton, SC 29325.

The glow-themed 5K event is open to all ages and fitness levels, encouraging both runners and walkers to take part in a fun, family-friendly evening event. Participants are encouraged to wear bright and glow-in-the-dark gear to enhance the nighttime experience. The route will be lit with glow decorations, and music will be played along the course to create an energetic atmosphere as mentioned in the Laurens County Buzz on March 5.

Registration is $30 per person, with prices increasing after March 29, 2025. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Laurens County Museum, supporting its mission to preserve and share local history through exhibits, programs, and educational initiatives.

To register for the Light the Night 5K, go to www.runsignup.com/Race/SC/Clinton/LightNightGlowRun.  

In addition to participant registration, the Laurens County Museum invites local businesses, organizations, and individuals to become event sponsors. Sponsorship dollars will go directly toward race day operations, awards, and nutrition for runners and walkers. Sponsors will not only help make this exciting event possible but will also support the Laurens County Museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the history of Laurens County.

Sponsorship Levels:

• Finish Line Sponsor – $500
  Includes name/logo on event shirt and at the start/finish line, a yard sign, and four race entries with shirts.
• Aid Station Sponsor – $250
  Includes name/logo on event shirt and on signage at an aid station, a yard sign, and two race entries with shirts.
• Award Sponsor – $100
  Includes name/logo on event shirt, a yard sign, and one race entry with shirt.
• Yard Sign Sponsor – $50
  Includes one race entry with shirt.

No donation is too small, and all sponsors will play a key role in helping create a memorable experience for both serious runners and families alike.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, call (864) 681-3678, or email Connie Post at LaurensMuseum1@gmail.com.  Please make checks payable to:
Laurens County Museum.  

This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to enjoy an active evening while supporting a vital local organization.

Gui Agustini will present his experiences on voice-over acting, focusing his discussion on his recent role as “Sunspot” in XMEN ’97 Thursday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Barratt Hall 126 on the Lander University campus. This event is free and open to the public, and part of the Lander University Film Festival.

Gui Agustini, an actor, director and producer, attended Lander University in August of 2009 on a tennis scholarship. Initially uncertain about his future, he started as a business major. However, his passion for acting soon took hold. Having been introduced to acting before, Agustini was cast as Hal in the play Picnic during his time at Lander. He recalls the experience of performing on stage at the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium in front of 500 people as unforgettable.

Agustini credits Lander with instilling the courage, confidence and motivation he needed to pursue his dream. His advice to students hoping to enter the world of acting – or any art form – is simple: you must truly love it. “It has to be a passion, a deep desire, because the odds are never in our favor, much like sports,” he said on a recent visit to campus. “But the beauty of acting is that you can do it for a long time. You don’t have a physical age limit. If it’s something you want, you need to live and breathe it.”

About the Film Festival:
Founded in 2010, the Lander University Film Festival provides outstanding film-related opportunities to Lander students, and the arts and film communities in South Carolina and beyond. Collaborations with academics and professionals in the film industry have led to learn new techniques, develop their filmmaking skills and showcase their work. The 15th Annual Lander Film Festival will be held March 18-22, 2025, with special events held throughout the week. For more information, visit www.landerfilmfestival.com.

South Carolina Humanities:
Support for the 15th Annual Lander Film Festival comes from a grant from South Carolina Humanities. The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. This not-for-profit organization presents and/ or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that reach more than 250,000 citizens annually, for more information, please visit www.schumanities.org.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a Laurens man for Cruelty to Children. 32-year-old, Mark Tyler Van Loan, of Laurens, was arrested for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant report, on March 8^th, Loan allegedly shot the victim with a paint ball gun causing a bruise the size of a golf ball to the child’s upper right buttock area. The incident occurred on Boyd Road in Laurens. Mary Loan has since been released from the Laurens County Johnson Detention Center.

A Fountain Inn man is behind bars this morning facing Assault and Battery 2^nd Degree. 62-year-old, Jerry Lee Calwile was arrested by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday for the alleged charge. According to the arrest warrant report, on Tuesday, March 11^th, Calwile allegedly struck the victim in the face area with a closed fist and then escalated his violence to choking her, restricting her from contacting law enforcement. The offense took place on Ridgecrest Drive. His cash or surety bond is $10,000.

A Waterloo man was recently arrested by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawfully place a child at risk of or cause harm. 49-year-old, Timothy Pulley was arrested for the alleged charge March 11^th. According to the arrest warrant report, on March 6^th, Pulley allegedly punched the juvenile victim in the face casing minor injury. This incident occurred on the campus/drop off lane at Laurens High School. The victim and a witness made statement on the incident. It was also confirmed and captured using Laurens High School surveillance. Timothy was released on a paid bond March 11^th.

The City of Clinton is reopening the application process for the City Manager position. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025. Previous applicants remain under consideration and do not need to reapply.

Click here to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofclintonsc

7,515 voters were eligible to vote in five Laurens County municipal elections yesterday. The unofficial vote total last night shows 624 voters cast their ballots.

In the Laurens City Council District 1 seat, Marion “Blonde” Miller won re-election with 24 of the 28 votes cast. Four votes were write-ins.

No one was on the ballot for Laurens City Council District 2, but at least two people ran write-in campaigns. Alicia Sullivan won, receiving 41 votes, while 23 votes were written in for Melinda Gray.

In the two-person race for Laurens City Council District 4, challenger Calvin Whitmire unseated incumbent Sara C. Latimore with a vote of 58 to 15.

In Laurens CPW District 2 yesterday, C. Parker Moore Jr. was re-election, receiving 67 of 71 votes cast.

Clinton City Council District 1 incumbent Danny Cook had a solid win for another term with 103 votes to challenger Sonya Y. Adams’ 17 votes.

In a 3-way race for Clinton City Council District 3, Natilie Cogsdill dominated the vote count, receiving 38 votes to 21 for Robbie Neal and 15 for Dianne Vaughn. In two weeks, Natilie Cogsdill faces Robbie Neal in the only runoff from yesterday’s voting.

For Clinton City Council District 5, incumbent Ronnie Roth lost to challenger Danny Smith. The unofficial count has 58 votes for Smith and 42 for Roth.

In Cross Hill voting yesterday, Danny Smith was re-elected Mayor with 43 of 44 votes cast. Five people were running for election to one of four seats open. Of 138 total votes cast, Brandon D. Simpson led the count, with 41 votes. Beverly Jones received 37 votes. Rita Faye Neal was next with 29 votes. Connie Jester was re-elected to Cross Hill town council with 22 votes. Not making the cut for Town Council yesterday was David Coleman, with 9 votes.

The mayor and two Town Council members in Waterloo were re-elected yesterday, each unopposed. Mayor Barbara Smith received 19 of 20 votes cast. Town Council members Curtis Jerome Todd received 18 votes and Murry Jones received 17.

Gray Court had two Town Council seats up for election yesterday, but only one candidate was on the ballot. That was Milllie Dawkins, who claims one of the open seats with her 44 votes cast. Write-In candidate Brittany Hames won the other seat with 24 votes. There was on more write-in vote cast in Gray Court.

All these results are unofficial until the Laurens County Elections Commission meets to Canvas the votes, ruling on any contested ballots. That Canvas is set for 10:00 this Thursday morning.

Laurens County Deputies responded to Edgewater Drive, Waterloo at 12:25 last Friday afternoon (2/28) on a report of a disturbance. A woman was reportedly disturbing the normal peace and tranquility of a residence, allegedly throwing multiple items out of the residence into the front yard while screaming and cursing for all of the nearby residents to hear. She then reportedly began to walk down the roadway in front of other residences causing a scene and acting belligerent. 51-year-old Denise Cummings of Edgewater Drive Waterloo was issued a citation charging her with Breach of Peace on Edgewater Drive at 12:25 last Friday afternoon.

Cummings was also charged with 3^rd Degree Assault and Battery, for an alleged assault Saturday March 1^st. She’s accused of intentionally hitting and scratching a victim, causing minor injuries to the victim’s head.

A cash or surety bond of $1,087.50 was set on the 3^rd degree Assault and Battery charge. A personal recognizance bond for the same amount was et on the Breach of Peace case.

The Sheriff’s Office charged a Gray Court man Monday of this week with two counts of Trespassing. 47-year-old Chadwick Shane Bragg of Highway 14, Gray Court was accused of two cases of Trespassing this year.

One warrant alleges he drove a vehicle onto property of a victim on January 10^th

after being asked to leave and having been warned in the past. A second warrant alleges that on February 13^th Bragg, without legal cause or excuse, entered property on Highway 14 Gray Court after being asked to leave and warned to stay away in the past. Chadwick Shane Bragg was later released from the Johnson Detention Center on two $465 personal recognizance bonds.

A Clinton man accused of taking items out of a thrift store was recently arrested by the Clinton Police Department. 53-year-old, Tony Ray Sherfield, SR, of North Broad Street, was arrested for Simple Larceny $2,000 or less. According to the arrest report, Sheffield allegedly took 20 trash bags and 3 boxes of donated items belonging to the Hospice thrift Store. Sheffield has at least 2 prior property loss released convictions. The offense took place March 1st, on Highway 76, in the city limits of Clinton. Tony Sherfield, SR was released from the Laurens County Johnson Detention with a paid cash or surety bond.

A domestic assault in the Waterloo area Monday was cited with the Sheriff’s Office arrest of 57-year-old Travis John Cain of Lick Creek Road, Waterloo. A warrant charging him with 3^rd Degree Domestic Violence alleges that on March 3^rd in Laurens County Mr. Cain caused physical injury to a victim in that he struck the victim in the mouth, causing injury. This reportedly occurred Monday on Lick creek Road. A $5,000 cash or surety bond was set on the 3^rd Degree Domestic Violence warrant. He remains behind bars this morning at the Laurens County Johnson

Detention Center

A young Upstate man has been charged with failing to give right-of-way to vehicles in Clinton last Friday. The Clinton Police Department charged 31-year-old Alkebu Sunni Boyles of Laurel Drive, Greenville with Pedestrian Failing to Yield Right of Way and with Resisting Arrest.

One warrant states that on February 28^th on A.B. Jacks Road inside Clinton, Boyles walked in the roadway when a shoulder was available and that he failed to yield the right of way to all vehicles on the highway.

A second warrant alleges that Boyles knowingly and willfully opposed arrest by a law enforcement officer, attempting to pull away from a law enforcement officer, on West Carolina Avenue near A.B. Jacks Road. He’s accused of tensing his body in an effort to prevent his arms being put behind his back, attempting to avoid restraints being put on him. He’s accused of multiple attempts to pull his arms away from the officer and of trying to break away from the officer.

He was later released on posting a $5000 cash or surety bond. The Pedestrian on Highway warrant had a $180 personal recognizance bond.

The Laurens Police Department recently arrested a Laurens woman for Shoplifting less than $2,000. 51-year-old, Tasha Toland, of Spring Street, was arrested for the alleged charge March 3rd. According the police report, Toland allegedly scanned inappropriate tags of lesser value items depriving the business $105.52 of merchandise. The offense allegedly occurred on East Main Street in Laurens. Toland was released on personal recognizance bond yesterday.

The Municipal Elections in Laurens County will be held today. Polls open at 7 am and Ends at 7pm. Voters must have a valid photo ID. Only voters who live within districts with races on the ballot will vote in this election.

City of Clinton General Election

• City Council Seat 1

  • Sonya Y. Adams
  • Danny Cook

• City Council Seat 3

  • Natalie Cogsdill
  • Robbie Neal
  • Dianne Vaughn

• City Council Seat 5

  • Ronnie Roth
  • Danny Smith

City of Laurens General Election

• City Council Seat 1

  • Marion Blonde Miller (unopposed)

• City Council Seat 4

  • Sara C. Latimore
  • Calvin Whitmire

Commission of Public Works General Election

• CPW District 2
  • C. Parker Moore Jr. (unopposed)

Town of Cross Hill General Election

• Mayor

  • Danny Stroud (unopposed)

• Town Council (Voters can select up to 3 candidates)

  • Connie Jester
  • Beverly Jones
  • Rita Faye Neal
  • Brandon D. Simpson

Town of Gray Court General Election

• Town Council (Voters can select up to 2 candidates)
  • Millie Dawkins (unopposed for one seat)

.

Town of Waterloo General Election

• Mayor

  • Barbara A. Smith (unopposed)

• Town Council (Voters can select up to 2 candidates)

  • Murry Jones
  • Curtis Jerome Todd

Stack the Rainbow Challenge March 11  at 4pm at the Clinton Branch Library.
Explore the science behind sugar density as we stack the colors of the rainbow in  a jar. Create vibrant liquid layers in this sweet STEM activity for ages 6-10

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office recently arrested a Laurens man for 3 counts of Assault and Battery 3rd Degree. 32-year-old, Anderson Cole Nalley, of Easy Road was arrested for the alleged charges February 24th. According to one arrest warrant report, on February 24th, Nalley allegedly struck the victim in her face with a closed fist causing minor injury.  Another report states Nalley allegedly threw a plate of food which struck a victim this incident occurred at the Laurens. He also allegedly struck a victim in the face  in the Laurens Hospital, according to a report. Anderson Nalley remain behind bars this morning at the Laurens County Johnson Detention Center.

Hard work runs in the Wooley family – and so does Piedmont Technical College (PTC).

Nathan Wooley, a senior at Dixie High School in Due West, has already completed firefighter recruit school and volunteers with the Antreville Fire Department.

“My dad (Robert Wooley) and my brother (Nick) did it and I kind of grew up around it,” Nathan Wooley said.

Wooley is also studying Mechatronics Technology at PTC as a Dual Enrollment student. He’s taking some of the same classes his father did years ago. This spring, he will earn an associate degree from PTC and receive his high school diploma.

Dual Enrollment is an advanced-credit program for high school juniors and seniors. Different classes are available online, at the student’s high school, or on a PTC campus.

There are four ways to take part in Dual Enrollment at PTC:

• Traditional Dual Enrollment courses are taken at the student’s high school with their high school instructors.

• OnDECK classes are offered on a PTC campus and let students earn high school units and college credit at the same time.

• PTC has partnered with some school districts on a Middle College that allows high school juniors and seniors the chance to earn 48-plus college credit hours.

• Early admission is for students looking to earn credit through PTC, but not through their high school.

Wooley attends classes at the Greenwood Campus.

“I have some classes in person throughout the week and some online as well,” he said.

During the summer between his junior and senior years of high school, he took several courses through Dual Enrollment.

Dual Enrollment course offerings are based on a student’s area of study. Typically, a wide range of general education courses are offered, from English and history to macroeconomics and trigonometry.

PTC’s Mechatronics Technology Program combines elements of electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanics, IT, computers and robotics.

Wooley has an “outstanding work ethic,” said PTC Mechatronics Technology instructor Wayne Miles.

“If everybody had the same work ethic, a lot more stuff would get done – that’s for sure,” Miles said.

Sam George, program director of the college’s Mechatronics Technology Program, said Wooley “capitalized on an opportunity that is available to all students who start their Mechatronics journey at the beginning of their junior year.”

“What makes him stand out is his maturity,” George said. “He took the initiative to sacrifice the summer between his junior and senior year of high school so that he could attend classes here at PTC.”

Some Dual Enrollment students are planning for advanced degrees. Others are seeking a credential that will allow them to begin a professional career as soon as they leave high school. Wooley is undecided for now but hopes his path leads to the aerospace industry.

College tuition is getting more and more expensive. For the freshman and sophomore years, costs at some South Carolina public colleges and universities can be more than $20,000 – just for tuition and fees. And that doesn’t include room and board or any of the other costs associated with attending college.

Dual Enrollment at PTC is designed to be affordable to all students. South Carolina residents can attend tuition-free at their high school, on campus or online.

Before applying, students should understand Dual Enrollment is an opportunity to take courses at the college level, so the amount of work necessary to succeed is usually much greater than in high school. Because dual enrollment courses become part of a permanent college transcript, students must commit to doing the work needed.

“I’ve enjoyed them a lot more than high school classes, actually,” Wooley said. “Some are more difficult than others.”

He recently made the President’s List, recognizing his 4.0 grade-point average during the semester. He said his dad graduated from the Mechatronics curriculum with a 4.0 GPA.

The GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission is proud to announce the success of the GLEAMNS CARES coat drive held on February 5, 2025, as part of our ongoing CARES initiative, which stands for Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, Elevation, and Service. We are thrilled to report that we collected over 135 coats, which will provide warmth and comfort to those in need in our community. In addition, other items such as hats, scarves, gloves, bedroom slippers, comforters, and blankets were donated. The donations were dispersed to Greenwood Pathway House, Greater Greenwood United Ministry, and Lucas Avenue Clothes Closet in Laurens.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this vital cause and the volunteers. Your generosity demonstrates the spirit of compassion and solidarity that GLEAMNS CARES stands for. Each coat represents a commitment to uplifting our neighbors and ensuring they have the support they need during the colder months. We would also like to thank Chick-fil-A and Sonic for providing coupons to distribute and to the many local businesses and churches who posted flyers. Also, a special thanks to our dedicated employees who provided time during the coat drive and assistance with sorting and packing the boxes with coats to get them ready for delivery.

Dr. Ameca Thomas, CEO of GLEAMNS CARES, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. This coat drive exemplifies the core values of our CARES initiative. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us in this important endeavor. At GLEAMNS, we believe in the power of community and compassion. The GLEAMNS Cares coat drive is essential because it provides warmth to those in need during the cold months and fosters a sense of hope and togetherness. By coming together to support one another, we can make a meaningful impact in our community and ensure everyone can access the comfort they deserve.”

For more information or questions about donations or how to help with other initiatives, please contact Mrs. Jennifer Abercrombie, COO, at 864-229-8801.

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy is offering FREE ONLINE TRAINING to those interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Laurens County.  Volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services (DSS).

The next free virtual training opportunity of 2025 begins on April 1, 2025.

Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of your time for a child.

Currently the Laurens GAL Program is serving 132 children, but there are only 15 volunteer GALs to assist. While GAL staff fill in the gaps, the need for more volunteers is urgent. “Our volunteers serve as strong advocates, upholding children’s best interests and prioritizing their well-being. With every child served needing a voice, the call to action grows for dedicated volunteers to step forward.” says Jennifer Burch, Director of the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program.

Visit gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application. Follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or contact communications@childadvocate.sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area.

Contact Erin Petrella, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the GAL program, at (864) 381-3725 or Erin.Petrella@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.