The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

10/03/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office
Update on Incident – Ongoing Investigation
This morning, deputies with the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an incident that began behind the KFC off of the 321 By-Pass. Following the investigation, it was determined that a firearm was involved; however, no shots were fired.
A short time later, deputies conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle behind the library at West Washington Street and North Garden Street. During the encounter, three armed suspects fled on foot. Multiple deputies, along with two K9 units, immediately initiated an extensive ground search of the surrounding area. The Winnsboro Department of Public Safety also assisted in this search.
Deputies and K9 teams have conducted a thorough search and have determined that there is no longer a threat in that area.
This case remains an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads to identify and locate those involved.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office extends our thanks to the public for their assistance and cooperation during today’s incident.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office at 803-635-4141.

**Active Search for Armed Suspects Following Shooting Incident**

The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking three Black male suspects believed to be involved in a shooting that occurred this morning in the area of Garden Street and West Washington Street.

The suspects are alleged to have fired multiple shots into a vehicle before fleeing the scene. When deputies attempted to stop the suspect vehicle the suspects ran from officers on foot and were last seen armed.

At this time, Sheriff’s Office K9 units are actively searching the area. We urge all residents to avoid Garden Street and West Washington Street until further notice.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the suspects’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

10/02/2025

Mayor Sloan Griffin insisted that it is the Manor Director Fred Layman who makes the pricing decisions and deviations, not Griffin. “I’m not getting into how the director prices it, because that’s his job,” Griffin said.

Still, at least 14 free rentals listed in the Manor events bookings since mid-2024 include the following notations: “per the mayor,” “event at no charge per the mayor,” “mayor waved the fee,” “mayor comp,” “as per mayor,” and “a gift from the town.”

Barbara Ball | News

10/02/2025

American Leadership Academy has a welcome event planned on their new Blythewood campus on Thursday, Oct. 2 from 4 – 6 p.m.

“Be among the first to visit our new campus, learn about our academic programs, and enjoy delicious food from local food trucks,” the description of the event says. “This is a great opportunity to experience the unique culture and values that set ALA Blythewood apart."

Staff | Schools

10/01/2025

Good morning! It’s time to cut the ribbon on KJ's re-grand opening. Come on down for breakfast at the Blue Bird cafe this morning and take a tour through the ‘new‘ store - so much to see, and lots of new products. You won’t believe what a fun shopping experience you’ll find.

10/01/2025

Brown said he wants to start at the core of downtown and work with council to make improvements.

“For a long time I’ve heard people say we can’t. I say we can do it. My goal is to help revitalize the town and get some positive things going in the community. I’m looking forward to the challenges and the opportunities.”

Barbara Ball | News

09/30/2025

The IGA transitions to KJ’s tomorrow morning (Wednesday, Oct. 1) with a ribbon-cutting for the re-grand opening at 8 a.m. Enjoy coupons for freebies, a fresh new store look, lots of new items on the shelves, and even a do-si-do like the one here at several times during the day. Stop by the new Blue Bird Café for homemade biscuits. Don’t miss it!

09/29/2025

A special election to fill Winnsboro Town Council’s district 3 seat will be held Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The election is being held to fill the seat vacated last April when Councilman Demetrius Chatman was elected Mayor.

Staff | Government, News

09/29/2025

Three candidates vying for Winnsboro Town Council laid out their priorities at a community forum, fielding questions on downtown revitalization, youth opportunities, crime, and how to manage growth tied to regional development.

The special election is set for Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Barbara Ball | Government

09/24/2025

“The Fortune Springs Stormwater Project represents a major investment in the future of our town. This initiative not only addresses long-standing flooding and erosion issues but also preserves and enhances one of Winnsboro’s most historic and beloved parks,” Mayor Demetrius Chatman said.

Staff | Community

09/23/2025

Security footage from Sept. 11 shows Michelle Layman attempting to leave the Manor.

The video of the entire incident is two hours long; this is just a portion of it.

The town’s Interim Administrator Ed Driggers told The Voice that the video will not be posted on the Town’s website or on You Tube.

“Anyone who wants to see it can bring a thumb drive by town hall and we will load it on the drive,” Driggers said.

09/23/2025

Despite a vote for immediate release, the security footage has not been shared publicly yet.

A source who has seen the video told The Voice that it shows Mayor Sloan Griffin and a male Manor employee holding the door closed when Michelle Layman tried to leave the building, and that when she moved to another door to get out, the two men moved to that door to block her exit as she tried to push the door open.[Note: the video does not show the mayor holding the door, but rather it appears he is overseeing an employee holding the door. When Ms. Layman moves to push on the door, the mayor moves over to say something to the employee then goes out another door and walks over to the outside of the door Ms. Layman is trying to get out of.]

Barbara Ball | News

09/23/2025

Ashanti Thames of Palmetto Storm Cheer says she has learned that some of the more than $10,000 she paid over the last eight months for her team’s practice sessions at the Manor has not been accounted for.

Barbara Ball | Government, News