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.

 

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.
Location:	Abney Cultural Center Auditorium Lander University, 320 Stanley Ave, Greenwood, SC 29649

About the Event:

Selections will include works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frédéric Chopin, Jean-Joseph Mouret, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and video game composers Koji Kondo and Bob Vieira. Under the direction of Robert Kelley, the ensemble will play music for two and four players at two pianos and will be joined by two special guest performers from the Greenwood community: Elizabeth Gordon and Reed Nickles. This concert is free and open to the public.

Please visit www.lander.edu/events for updates and to confirm event times and venues.

For questions, please contact the College of Arts and Humanities at 864-388-8323, or email Perrin Rickenbaker at jrickenbaker@lander.edu.

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 offering a Fee Online Training to people who are interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem here 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. 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.

Jennifer Burch, director of our Guardian ad Litem program, said “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.”

The next free virtual training opportunity is set for March 3rd. Anyone interested in responding to help these children can get more information online with a visit to: gal.sc.gov. In addition to providing information, there is a link to a Volunteer Inquiry form at that website.

You can follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or contact: communications@chidadvocate.sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area.

A Laurens man was found “Not Guilty” yesterday, concluding his trial in a 1^st 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 1^st Degree Burglary, accused of breaking into a Pridmore Street residence in Laurens in the nighttime of May 15^th, 2021.

The prosecution claimed that Mr. Grant had eyed the victim on her front porch and asked her for a sexual encounter after commenting that she had a great butt; but she refused. Prosecution then alleged he entered her home in the middle of the night. He is said to have left without incident when told to get out.

The defense claimed that he had just knocked gently, opened the door, and then left when told to get out.

After deliberation yesterday, the jury returned a “Not Guilty” verdict on the 1^st Degree Burglary charge for Robert Frank Grant Jr.

Opening arguments in a 1^st 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 1^st Degree Burglary in Laurens. He is alleged to have broken into a Pridemore Street residence in the nighttime on May 15^th of 2021

The prosecution claimed that Mr. Grant had eyed the victim on her front porch and asked her for a sexual encounter after commenting that she had a great butt; but she refused. Then he allegedly entered her home in the middle of the night. He is said to have left without incident when told to get out.

The defense claimed that Grant had just knocked gently, opened the door, and then left when told to get out.

 

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 a unique collaborative initiative between Piedmont Technical College, Aiken Technical College and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College that was made possible by a U.S. Department of Labor grant.

The new mobile labs unveiled Monday are equipped with simulation software and industry-grade equipment to provide hands-on, real-world advanced manufacturing education and skills development. An integration of online and hybrid formats will offer students greater accessibility.

By focusing on rural areas with high poverty rates and lower educational attainment, the mobile labs will offer programs that lead to life-sustaining wages and benefits for new workforce entrants, underserved and marginalized community residents, dislocated workers, unemployed individuals and incumbent workers.

“This project demonstrates the power of partnerships across education, industry and community stakeholders to address workforce gaps and uplift our rural communities,” said Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Hope E. Rivers.

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College President Dr. Walt Tobin said the mobile labs will act as a key workforce development tool.

“By bringing advanced training directly to rural areas, we’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for students to gain high-demand skills where they live,” Tobin said.

Aiken Technical College President Dr. Forest E. Mahan said the value of the mobile labs goes beyond education.

“It’s about reaching the workforce needs of our region by creating access to life-changing opportunities for underrepresented groups,” Mahan said.

The new mobile labs are climate-controlled and handicapped accessible. They can operate via plug-in or generator, ensuring reach to remote areas.

An advanced manufacturing curriculum offers early/entry-level skills as short-term certificates. These certificates can lead to higher-level credit programs based on demonstrated skill mastery, providing a clear pathway for career growth.

“The curriculum and mobile labs represent a reimagining of how we deliver education to meet the unique needs of our region,” Rivers said.

The project also involves key personnel, including a retention counselor, project director, instructional designer and more, to ensure success by guiding students through course completion, workforce entry or transfer opportunities.

Funding for the mobile labs initiative came from a four-year, $4.9 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. The purpose of the grant is to address pressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing and nursing in a 10-county region. Its aim is to reduce vacancies and create sustainable career pathways.

Learn more at https://www.ptc.edu/mobile-labs

 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 Greenwood County jury on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Circuit Judge Eugene C. Griffith Jr. then sentenced Longshore to 40 years in prison on the murder charge and an additional 5 years in prison on the weapon charge, with the sentences to run consecutively. State law requires that sentences for murder be served day-for-day, meaning Longshore will be in prison for his entire sentence and not be eligible for any early release.

In July 2022, police responded to a call of shots fired and one person shot at Uptown Grill, located along Seaboard Avenue near the intersection of East Cambridge Street. When they arrived, officers located 29-year-old Keyiona Hill lying on the floor of the bar deceased from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to her head. Witnesses outside the bar said they saw a burgundy or red-colored sedan drive by and open fire out of the passenger side of the vehicle before speeding off down East Cambridge Street.  FLOCK cameras picked up the vehicle just seconds after the shooting driving down East Cambridge in the direction of Walmart, where Longshore and the other two occupants of the car were seen on parking lot survillance cameras getting out of the vehicle and hiding what appeared to be the firearm in the trunk.

An Uptown Grill security guard told detectives that they recently had an issue with a patron attempting to bring a handgun inside the establishment. The individual was arrested and charged with unlawful carry of a firearm. That individual was identified as Longshore. Police located the suspect vehicle the following morning and were also able to locate the owner of the vehicle, who told detectives that she had been driving the vehicle when Longshore began shooting at the establishment. When questioned by police, Longshore denied any involvement in the shooting as well as being in the suspect vehicle at any point that night.

Solicitor Stumbo, Deputy Solicitor Demetri Andrews, and Assistant Solicitor Mary-Madison Driggers handled the case for the state with assistance from 8th Circuit Investigator Blake Moore and 8th Circuit Victim Advocate Sarah Parris. Longshore was represented by Tristan Shaffer and Elizabeth Thomas of the 8th Circuit Public Defender’s Office.

Solicitor praised the work of his staff, along with the officers and detectives of the Greenwood Police Department, and assistance from the State Law Enforcement Division, in securing the conviction and prison sentence.

“Keyiona Hill was a hard-working single mother trying to enjoy a social outing with her friend and looking forward to the next day where they would take their children to the water park,” Solicitor Stumbo said following the sentencing. “That trip to the water park never happened because Keyiona’s life was senselessly ended by Christopher Longshore, simply because of his anger and thirst for revenge on a business establishment that he thought had disrespected him. Ms. Hill’s family and friends can begin to heal from this tragedy now that Longshore is convicted and behind bars.”

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 by force in the night-time.

Grant is also charged with resisting officer’s attempt to execute a lawful arrest by attempting to lock his arms to keep from being placed in handcuffs.

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 24^th, Williams was allegedly transporting counterfeit goods in a motor vehicle packaged for sale. He allegedly had in his possession various trademarked products that were determined to be counterfeit in nature based upon investigation with a market value of over $17,000. These items were located during an inventory search of the vehicle he was operating. The offense occurred on church street in Laurens. Sir Prince Williams was released from the Laurens County Johnson Detention Center January 30^th on a personal recognizance bond.

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 Room from 3-5 p.m. The festivities will feature music and fellowship, welcoming students, faculty, and the community to celebrate the month together. That same day, the Multicultural Student Union is sponsoring “Dress for Success Day” by asking students to wear their best, professional clothing. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Movie Night series will screen “6888″, starring Kerry Washington, at 7 p.m. in Kuhne Auditorium. This powerful film tells the story of the only all-Black, all-female battalion deployed overseas during World War II.

A.Bevy, a non-profit arts and education organization, will lead an open discussion for students entitled “Voices of Change” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in Neville 106.

On Sunday, Feb. 9, MSU is hosting a Super Bowl Watch Party at the MSU House beginning at 6:15 p.m.

A highlight of the month will be the 2025 Dr. Booker T. Ingram, Jr. Convocation, set for Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. in Edmunds Hall. The keynote speaker, Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, the president and chief executive officer of the International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C., will deliver a compelling address. A renowned poet, engineer, and advocate for inclusive education, Dr. Matthews leads the museum located at the historic Gadsden’s Wharf, a site integral to African American history. Her expertise in social entrepreneurship and institutional equity promises to inspire attendees.

In partnership with PC’s Hispanic Appreciation Organization, MSU will host a community service project beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, in Neville 318. The groups will make gift baskets for Thornwell residents to be delivered on Valentine’s Day.

The celebration continues with a recognition of Black History Month at the Blue Hose Women’s Basketball game that tips off at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Templeton Center. Later that evening, MSU is hosting an 80s-90s Party beginning at 11 p.m. in the MSU House.

A Campus-Wide Worship Service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, in the Springs Great Room featuring guest preacher, the Rev. Gail Henderson-Belsito.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, select students will travel to Greenville’s Peace Center for an unforgettable performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a world-renowned modern dance company that celebrates African American cultural expression.

Presbyterian College encourages students, faculty, and the surrounding community to participate in these events as part of its ongoing commitment to honoring African American heritage and fostering diversity and inclusion on campus.

The Food for Families nutritional program originally scheduled for Wednesday January 22^nd, and postponed due to weather, will be held on February 12^th 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 public.

For more information contact the Clinton Library at 864-833-1853

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 information on the ordinance, for the mayor and council to research the company.

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.

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 the tractor-trailer pulled out attempting to travel north when a 1992 Chevrolet pickup truck traveling south hit the tractor-trailer. The driver of the pickup truck died at the scene. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office has not released the name of the victim at this time. The accident remains under investigation with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

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 former members of racial discrimination, breach of contract and retaliation.

The lawsuit charges multiple current and former members, including board chair Cathy Little and current superintendent Dr. Jody Penland, of a civil conspiracy to undermine Thomas’ position as superintendent.

The meeting will not be in open forum and will be exclusively in executive session, with no action to report.

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 and renamed the Grove Road Clinic) and ultimately also include five specialty day treatment programs, including a groundbreaking first-in-state mother-infant wellness program for women suffering from depression and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.

Adult programs specializing in behavioral health and substance use disorders will open in January. Adolescent programs will include an eating-disorders program and a general behavioral health disorders program, both opening in May.

“We’re excited to bring increased outpatient access and innovative behavioral health therapies to our communities through our new Behavioral Health & Wellness Pavilion,” said Dr. Karen Lommel, the Robert A. Jolley Jr. Endowed Chair of Psychiatry and Community Health for Prisma Health in the Upstate.

Lommel said day treatment programs can be a good option for patients who don’t require hospital-level care but who would benefit from treatment that’s more intensive than regular office visits. These daytime programs are most often used for patients facing complex mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and bipolar disorder.

“Not only are patients able to get the additional treatment they need, but they go home every night for support from family and friends,” said Lommel. “It’s a very supportive option that we’re thrilled to offer on an expanded basis in the Upstate.”

The outpatient expansion, along with the construction of a recently announced 112-licensed-bed behavioral health hospital, will provide the Upstate significantly enhanced care options across a broader continuum of needs. The projects are part of an almost $143 million expansion of outpatient and inpatient mental health services in the Upstate.

For more information on the Pavilion or how to access care, visit its website.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company with over 32,000 team members, 19 acute and specialty hospitals, 3,131 licensed beds, 320 practice sites, and more than 5,900 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Each year, Prisma Health serves more than 1.6 million patients in South Carolina and Tennessee. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn and  Twitter/X.   

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 need for warm clothing becomes increasingly critical for those in the communities we serve. Through this event, we invite the public to donate new or gently used coats to help keep our neighbors warm during the winter months.

For those who may be unable to attend the drive-through event, GLEAMNS provides an easy alternative: simply scan the QR code featured on our promotional materials and website to make a monetary donation. Every dollar donated will go directly towards purchasing coats, ensuring that 100% of contributions serve local shelters and individuals in need within our GLEAMNS service areas.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to warmth and comfort, especially during the cold winter months,” said Dr. Ameca Thomas, CEO of GLEAMNS Human Resources Commission. “Our Coat Drive is a testament to our commitment to Compassion, Advocacy, Respect, Elevation, and Service—principles that define our CARES initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Join us in making a positive impact on our community. For more information about the Coat Drive or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Abercrombie, Chief Operations Officer, at 864-229-8801, or visit our website at www.gleamnshrc.org.

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 over to the Clinton Library February 4 at 11 am to explore the science of slime-making with a valentine theme. This craft is also designed for ages 6-10.

Folks aged 8 and above will enjoy learning the technique of flat needle felting in a special program at the Clinton Library, February 5^th, 11 am. Create Valentine’s Day favors for your loved ones by felting directly onto a handkerchief. Personalize it with flowers, heart, initials—whatever takes your fancy.

Finally, The whole family can enjoy an evening of Bingo at the Laurens Library on February 6^th, 5:30 pm.

All these programs are free and open to the public.

For more information contact the Laurens Library at 864-681-7323, or the Clinton Library at 864-833-1853.

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 LCFS Parents as Teachers program has served 405 families and 567 children.

The program serves expectant parents and families with children ages 0-5, providing resources and training to prepare their children for success. The Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum is a research-based program that promotes early childhood development and family well-being. The PAT curriculum is relationship-based and parent-focused, with three main areas of emphasis: parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being. First Steps trained and experienced parent educators conduct in-home visits at least twice a month with children and their families and host monthly group meetings with other participating PAT families. In addition to these in-person meetings, other resources such as childcare scholarships and support, developmental assessments, screenings, and connections to outside resources are available for PAT families to help their children succeed.

Parents are their children’s first teachers, and school readiness is vital to children’s success. “Research has shown that the first three years of a child’s life are the most formative,” said Toni Able, Executive Director for Laurens County First Steps. “Many times, parents do not understand that the time they spend during their pregnancy is important, too.”

PAT aims to increase parents’ knowledge of early childhood development and improve parenting practices. It also aims to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, prevent child abuse and neglect, and increase children’s school readiness and school success.

Laurens County First Steps Parent Educator Jackie Riegel states, “As a Parent Educator, I have seen so many parents become more confident in their ability to be the best first teacher their child has.”

Kaeleigh, a PAT parent, says, “[The Parents as Teachers program] has been helpful with parenting advice for a first-time parent.”

First Steps’ Parents as Teachers program helps parents recognize and utilize their vital role as their child’s first teacher. Those expecting, first-time parents, or parents with more than one child are all welcome to join the PAT program. LCFS is currently recruiting families and parents through this beneficial and rewarding program.

For more information, contact Toni Able, Executive Director of Laurens County First Steps at (864) 984-8130 or toniable@laurensscfirststeps.org.