The People-Sentinel

01/12/2026

🍎🔬 Teachers — apply now for classroom STEM grants!

Area K–12 teachers can apply for science-related grants up to $1,000 through the Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness Educator Grants Program. Funds can support projects in science, technology, engineering, or math — with preference for projects that explore nuclear and radiation concepts, safety, and real-world applications.

📍 Eligible SC counties: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Orangeburg
🗓 Applications due February 28, 2026

💡 Cooperative projects are encouraged, and materials are available online. Grant details and applications: cntaware.org/educator-grants-program

Please share with a teacher who could benefit! 🌟

Area teachers have a chance to win up to $1,000 for science-related grants from Citizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA). CNTA’s Educator Grants Program applications are open. K-12 teachers …

01/12/2026

Congratulations to the 13 farm and ranch women leaders, including an Allendale County resident, who graduated from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Communications Boot Camp! 🌾✨

These leaders completed an intensive four-day training focused on public speaking, working with the media and sharing agriculture’s story. Their new skills will help them advocate for farmers, engage with lawmakers and community members, and highlight the importance of modern agriculture nationwide.

👏 Cheers to these graduates for their leadership, dedication and commitment to the future of agriculture!

Thirteen farm and ranch women leaders graduated from the fall session of Women’s Communications Boot Camp hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The agricultural leaders completed an …

01/11/2026

Crews at the Savannah River Site recently took another major step in environmental cleanup by demolishing two legacy support buildings tied to the former 235-F facility, which once helped power historic deep-space missions like Galileo, Ulysses and Cassini.
The work reduces the site’s old nuclear footprint and moves SRS closer to safely decommissioning the facility, fulfilling federal cleanup commitments while saving taxpayer dollars.

Crews recently reduced the legacy footprint at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by demolishing two structures surrounding a facility that once helped power deep-space missions such as Galileo, Ulysses …

01/11/2026

Today we celebrate Kathy Googe’s 2-year work anniversary with The People-Sentinel!

From supporting local businesses to serving our readers with care, Kathy plays a big role in everything we do. We’re so thankful for you, Kathy! 💙

01/10/2026

📰 NEW Guest Column in this week’s People-Sentinel

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-2) and Matt Humm, State Director of Americans for Prosperity–South Carolina, share their perspective on the recently passed Working Families Tax Cuts legislation.

In their column, they discuss:
• what the law means for families and small businesses
• tax rates and spending provisions
• energy, border security, and health care components
• why they believe the bill will impact jobs and long-term planning

Read their full opinion column in this week’s edition of The People-Sentinel to learn more about their views and the policies they outline.

Now that the Democrat-dictated Schumer Shutdown is behind us and the salaries of our military and air traffic controllers are being paid, the ability to fully secure the American border has returned, …

01/10/2026

Local history comes to life at the Barnwell County Library during a free public program where Dr. Walter Curry will share antebellum and Civil War history through the experiences of his own ancestors.
Follow link more about this event!

On Thursday, January 15, Dr. Walter Curry will present a program at the Barnwell County Library that presents local antebellum and Civil War history as seen through the eyes of his ancestor, Martha …

01/10/2026

Rev. Andy and Hazel Sandifer of Blackville celebrated 50 years of marriage with a vow renewal surrounded by family, faith and community.
Their golden anniversary reflects a lifetime of love, service and commitment.
Read the full anniversary story at the link or in this week's paper.

Rev. Andy and Hazel Sandifer of Blackville celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 28, 2025. The couple was married on December 28, 1975 at Nixville Baptist Church in Nixville, …

01/10/2026

Honored for years of dedication to youth, recreation and community outreach, Williston’s 2025 Citizen of the Year was recognized during the town’s Christmas tree lighting.
Look inside this week's paper or click the link to read more.

Joe Welch was named Williston’s 2025 Citizen of the Year during the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 6, an honor recognizing years of community service and volunteer …

01/09/2026

This week's Superintendent's Column highlights the launch of the Barnwell County School District Teacher Forum — a new, ongoing group made up of Teachers of the Year from across the district.

It’s an encouraging look at teacher leadership, partnership, and the bright future ahead for BCSD. 🙌🍎

📰 Read the full Superintendent’s Column in this week’s edition of The People-Sentinel!

This past Monday, as our staff returned to our schools and classrooms in preparation for welcoming students back after the holiday break, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the newly …

01/09/2026

A Williston family’s home was destroyed in a Christmas Eve fire, but the family and their dog are safe.
Find out how to help the family.

A Williston family’s home was destroyed in a Christmas Eve fire. Firefighters from the Williston, Elko and Long Branch fire departments responded to 316 Dicks Street on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 …

01/09/2026

A College of Charleston honors student’s journey through loss, leadership and learning shows what can happen when education becomes a give-and-take between student and community.
Read the full story about this Williston native at the link or on the Education page of the newspaper.

Cadence Brown’s world imploded when her father died during her sophomore year at Williston-Elko High School. Not knowing how to process the pain, her usually bubbly presence shut down. “My mom …

01/09/2026

The Williston community is remembering Ms. Gertrude “Gert” Byars, who passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2025, at her residence. Known to many by her warm spirit and familiar presence, she leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
Read her full obituary at the link.

WILLISTON - Ms. Gertrude Byars, 68, affectionately known as "Gert", departed this life on Tuesday, December 22, 2025, at her residence. The Home Going Celebration for Ms. Gertrude Byars was held …