The Chesterfield County School District has been awarded a $30,401 federal grant to provide fresh fruits and vegetables in two of the county’s elementary schools in an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Jana Longfellow’s column

DARLINGTON —Capt. Danny Watson of the Darlington police department gave a fitness speech to Darlington City Council members Tuesday night. 

Darlington County has announced its Emergency Operations Center will open at 4 p.m. today at Darlington County Courthouse Annex I.

Janet Vaughan and Penny Tritt have never met each other, but now they have something in common. Their suggestion has become the official name of South Carolina’s new standardized testing system, which will replace PACT tests that have been administered statewide since 1999.

The Hartsville varsity boys’ and girls’ swim teams will start the 2008 season with a new coach and a new attitude.

The Hartsville YMCA will hold its annual triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 7, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Easterling’s Landing on Lake Robinson.

Hartsville High School’s varsity girls’ golf team had a fantastic year in 2007 and ended with an eighth-place finish in the state tournament.

The Lady Foxes’ tennis team claimed the Region VI AAAA title last season and won two playoff games before losing to eventual state champion Wando. 

The 2008 varsity volleyball team at Hartsville High School began the season Tuesday with a few familiar faces and one new coach. Amanda Easterling takes over as the head coach this season and said she is excited about the new opportunity. 

During the 68th annual meeting of the Municipal Association of South Carolina in July in Charleston, Main Street S.C. presented Century Park in Hartsville the 2007 Gaines Jontz Rehabilitation Award. Flossie Mae’s received an award for its sign.

As Zach Smith enjoyed an outing with his parents, Karl and Jo Ann Smith of Hartsville, at Henry Moree’s preserve in Society Hill at the end of May, he noticed a young child who appeared to be about six or seven years old having difficulty swimming to his destination on the other side of the water.

Jana E. Longfellow’s column

Donovan Malloy, a rising senior at Hartsville High School, campaigned while attending Palmetto Boys State June 9-14, for state senator, following in his father Sen. Gerald Malloy’s footsteps and won. 

Local youth attend 4-H20 camp. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service 4-H and Kalmia Gardens of Coker College teamed up to provide a 4-H20 water quality/outdoor summer adventure camp. The program was held in Hartsville at the Kalmia Gardens Education Center from June 17 to June 19.