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June 19, 2008

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Barry Wingard gives back to his community

Recently, we were delighted to learn that our friend, Barry Wingard, had announced his candidacy for the South Carolina House of Representatives.


June 18, 2008

Chief deputy running as petition candidate for Dillon Sheriff

Douglas Pernell said he’s in the process of rallying support to run as a petition candidate against Major Hulon, who won the Democratic primary election for Dillon County sheriff.

Red Cross in dire need of volunteers for Midwest crisis

As families continue fleeing from rising flood waters in the Midwest and Pee Dee residents continue to be displaced by house fires, the American Red Cross is in dire need of volunteers to assist in both relief efforts.

Florence-Darlington Tech won’t increase fall tuition

Members of the Florence-Darlington County Commission for Technical Education voted against increasing tuition for the fall semester during a regular meeting held Wednesday.

Hartsville association seeks to join Darlington partnership

The Hartsville Downtown Development Association is seeking to join the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership. Marty Pignone, of HDDA, said the purpose of his presentation to the partnership during its meeting Wednesday was to provide some thoughts on how the partnership could work with downtown development associations. 

State Democratic Party to hear Willis’ protest

The S.C. Democratic Party has confirmed it will hold a hearing Saturday regarding Florence Mayor Frank Willis’ protest of last week’s primary.

Snakes bring reptile drama into the garden

The Floyds and McKenzies have shed their long johns. The snakes have shed their skins and the sound of lawnmowers and air conditioners are heard throughout the land.

Camp Invention fosters creativity, team work
Camp Invention fosters creativity, team work

Eighty students from local elementary schools are exploring Mars, renovating an art museum’s sculpture garden and rebuilding a polluted town this week.

High gasoline prices have drivers thinking small
High gasoline prices have drivers thinking small

The rising cost of gasoline has had many consumers scratching their heads recently, wondering if they should trade their larger vehicles for economy cars. But a study showed trading early actually could end up hurting the consumer.

Florence County to hold ceremony for new animal facility

Florence County on Friday will hold a ground-breaking ceremony for a new animal control facility.

Web site helps families locate one another during disasters

Those in the midst of hurricanes, tornados and other natural disasters — such as those affecting the Midwest — have a way to let family members and loved ones know how they’re faring, thanks to the Safe and Well Web site provided by the American Red Cross.

Florence man accused of stealing from church

A Florence man was arrested Tuesday after police said he took more than $3,000 in items from the church that employed him.

Effingham woman accused of arson

An Effingham woman was arrested Friday after deputies said she set fire to her own vehicle.

Teen arrested in Kingstree purse-snatching

A Kingstree teen was arrested Wednesday in connection with a purse-snatching.

Two arrested in Olanta home invasion case

Two Olanta men have been arrested in connection with a May 20 home invasion that left one person injured.

Last suspect arrested in Florence ATM theft case

Deputies have arrested the final suspect in connection with the theft of an automatic teller machine from a Florence convenience store June 11.

Grant allows FMU to build on mission of helping Pee Dee

Francis Marion University has gotten a major gift from a foundation to honor former Gov. Robert E. McNair.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thanks for help from Dr. Webb Jones, staff

I would like the citizens of Florence to know that Dr. Webb Jones D.M.D. is an outstanding and concerned doctor.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Graduation ceremony didn’t honor God, country

On June 7, I drove to Florence as an invited guest of a graduating student of the West Florence High School, a major day of celebration and personal achievement for my young friend and his family.


June 17, 2008

Mingo Mornings: Dog named Shandy
Mingo Mornings: Dog named Shandy

I haven’t wanted pets since childhood, when every cat or dog was run over by the school bus or died when the car engine started. I’ve been happy to say I don’t have pets, don’t like pets, especially animals in the house. This declaration doesn’t count Steve’s bulls-eye tabby named Cookie that lived in our house for 17 years. After her death we agreed: No more house pets. ... Until I met Shandy.

Darlington County Council approves 2008-09 budget

Darlington City Council approved the budget for the 2008-09 fiscal year after its second reading Tuesday night. City Manager Rodney Langley said the general fund budget is $7.063 million, which is about $1 million more than last year’s budget. The water and sewer budget is $2.461 million. Last year’s was $2.7 million.

Darlington County Planning Commission votes to set vested rights for two sites

The Darlington County Planning Commission voted to set vested rights for two site developments during its regularly scheduled commission meeting Tuesday. One of the site developments is a Copeland Turkey Farm set to be built on a 15-acre site near Lamar. The other is a storage facility for Bethea Baptist Retirement, which will be built on a 145-acre piece of land south of the city of Darlington.

Timmonsville to keep auditor’s services

Timmonsville Town Council has voted unanimously to continue with Jack Holt to conduct the town’s independent financial audit for the past fiscal year. Council voted unanimously in a special session earlier this month to accept proposals from WebsterRogers LLP and Burch Oxner Seale Co.

Cat, kitten adoption to take place in Florence

For the Love of Cats Inc. Feline Rescue & Adoption is having a pet adoption from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Pet Lovers Warehouse on South Irby Street in Florence in recognition of June as National Adopt-a-Cat Month. Kittens and cats will be available for adoption during the event. 

Florence County Council to vote on incentives for Project JLL, expected to bring 500 jobs

Florence County Council will vote Thursday on second reading of economic incentives for “Project JLL,” anticipated to be a $20 million investment that will create 500 jobs in the county.

Florence man faces two charges in home invasions

A Florence man arrested Tuesday faces two second-degree burglary charges in connection with separate incidents, Florence Police Maj. Carlos Raines said. Christopher Davis, 40, of 104 W. Liberty St. is charged in connection with home invasions Saturday and Monday, he said. A witness saw someone take a cardboard box full of miscellaneous items from a home on Liberty Street on Saturday. Two days later, the same suspect entered a Vista Street residence, where he cooked a meal and spent the night without the resident’s permission, Raines said.

Pee Dee residents turn to local tomatoes during scare
Pee Dee residents turn to local tomatoes during scare

Across the country, people have been on high alert about the tomato salmonella scare. Here in the Pee Dee, people are finding ways to get their tomato fix by supporting local growers and home gardens.

Spring a reminder of eventful trip to Japan

This spring has reminded me so much of last spring in many ways. Some things I would have liked to repeat, while others I could have done without.
About this time last year, I was recuperating from a two-week trip to Japan that I probably shouldn’t have taken in the first place. But you know me, I don’t miss many trips.

Fuel surcharge could lead to higher garbage fees in Pamplico

Pamplico residents’ garbage fees might increase so the town can afford the fuel surcharges billed by Waste Management, which collects the town’s trash.

SLED warrants detail arrests of McColl police officer, wife

The State Law Enforcement Division has released more details about a McColl police officer accused of drug trafficking.

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