News & Press

07/22/2025

07/21/2025

BOND DENIED FOR MOTHER
OF MAN WHO KILLED DEPUTY

On July 1, 2025, Darlington County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Old Timers Court in the Lamar area of Darlington County in reference to Linda Dennett, calling in regards to her grandson, Cameron Dennett, being inside of her residence with active warrants.

Three of the deputies responded to the scene and entered the residence, where Linda Dennett stated that Cameron was not at her residence and wanted deputies to leave. As deputies searched for Cameron, he ambushed and shot two officers, fatally wounding Deputy Mason.

On July 21, 2025, Linda Dennett’s bond hearing was held at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.

Sheriff Michael August and Solicitor Mike Burch requested the bond be denied. Sheriff August read a statement to the judge stating:

“Your Honor, I know today’s hearing is for your consideration of bond, and I am aware of its purpose. I would respectfully ask the court’s indulgence for a moment.

You have read the supported affidavit and are aware of the seriousness of these crimes. The court is being asked to consider you granting bond to the defendant due to a compensate reason. I would argue, where was the compassion for Deputy Devin Mason, where was the compassion for Corporal Heatherly, and where was the compassion for that of Deputy Lynch?

You probably may have documents from medical professionals about dementia or other health issues. I’m no doctor, but I’m the son of a mother who is currently diagnosed with dementia and a son-in-law of a deceased mother-in- law from this disease. From my interaction with the defendant, I do not believe this to be the case.

In the defendant’s original bond hearing the defendant’s family asked the presiding magistrate to and I quote, ‘Let mama come home.’ Your honor, Devin did not get to come home to Madi and Baby Boy Brooks. Devin didn’t get to come home to his parents, Shannon and John. All the defendant had to do on the morning of July 1st, 2025, was to tell the deputies her son was lying in wait just inches away with a firearm, and those actions would have resulted in a different outcome.

Your honor I respectfully ask you to deny the bond of the defendant. I believe the citizens of Darlington County are in danger for the fact of the next convicted felon she harbors will do the same thing.

I’ll respect the court’s decision, thank you.”

Linda Dennett’s bond was denied by a Chesterfield County General Sessions Judge McIntosh, due to the community being a threat to Dennett.

07/21/2025

GROUPS JOIN FORCES FOR
BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY

Hundreds of families lined the edges of Public Square on Saturday morning as community organizations joined forces for a large-scale Back to School Giveaway at 88 Public Square.

The collaborative effort brought together REACH Youth Initiative, Darlington County Long Term Disaster Recovery Program, K. Jeanette, and other community partners to distribute backpacks, clothing, school supplies, and Nike tennis shoes to hundreds of local children preparing for the upcoming school year.

REACH Youth Initiative, whose name stands for Resilience Achievement Empowerment Community Hope, spearheaded the event. The organization was founded by Dr. Jennifer Dixon-Hooks and her husband, Coach Andre' Hooks Sr., who are deeply involved in community service and saw the giveaway as an opportunity to give back to local families.

"All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them," said Coach Hooks, expressing his excitement about the event's success and community impact.

The participating organizations share a common philosophy about youth development and education. "We cannot always build the future for our youth. But, we can build our youth for the future," representatives from the groups stated, emphasizing their commitment to investing in the next generation.

The event addressed the financial burden many families face when preparing children for the school year, providing essential items that can cost hundreds of dollars per student. By offering these supplies free of charge, the organizations helped ensure that economic constraints wouldn't prevent local students from starting the school year prepared and confident.

The successful turnout at Public Square demonstrated the strong community support for educational initiatives and the collaborative spirit among Darlington County's service organizations. The event reflects the ongoing efforts of local groups to address educational equity and support student success throughout the region.

The Back to School Giveaway represents just one example of how community partnerships can create meaningful impact, providing both practical support and a message of hope to local families as students prepare to return to the classroom.

07/21/2025

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

07/21/2025

MONEY SMART MANAGEMENT AWARDS
FIVE ISAIAH HAMLIN SCHOLARSHIPS

Five local high school seniors were honored Saturday as the inaugural recipients of the Isaiah Hamlin Scholarship, a new educational initiative launched by Money Smart Management Group LLC to support promising students in their pursuit of higher education.

The scholarship recipients gathered in the annex near Lindbergh's Southern Cooking on South Main Street on July 19th for a recognition ceremony and group photographs celebrating their achievements. The 2025 Isaiah Hamlin Scholarship recipients include Devin Ford of Hartsville High School, Ti'Monti K. Emanual of Wilson High School, Brycen Morgan of Hartsville High School, Rivers Stinson of Trinity Collegiate, and Jordan McLeod of West Florence High School.

The scholarship program represents a significant milestone for Money Smart Management Group LLC, a 26-member investment club that has been operating since 2006. The organization has built its success through strategic investments in the stock market, mutual funds, and certificates of deposit, while focusing on affordable investment strategies that have proven highly effective over nearly two decades.

Named in honor of Isaiah Hamlin, one of the founding members of Money Smart Management Group, the scholarship program reflects the organization's commitment to community investment beyond financial markets. The club's decision to establish the scholarship fund grew from their desire to give back to the community that has supported their success. Mr. Hamlin and members of his family were present, along with his portrait, for the occasion.

The organization is committed to continuing the scholarship program annually, establishing it as an ongoing legacy that will benefit local students for years to come.

The diverse representation of schools among this year's recipients demonstrates the scholarship program's broad reach across the region, supporting students from both public and private educational institutions. This geographic and institutional diversity aligns with Money Smart Management Group's goal of making educational opportunities accessible to deserving students regardless of their school affiliation.

The inaugural scholarship ceremony marks the beginning of what the investment club hopes will become a lasting tradition of educational support. As Money Smart Management Group continues to apply the same strategic thinking that has made their investment portfolio successful, they are now channeling those skills toward what they consider their most important investment: the next generation of community leaders.

For the five scholarship recipients, the recognition represents both acknowledgment of their academic achievements and financial support as they transition from high school to their next educational endeavors.

Congratulations, scholars!! Good luck and great success in your futures! Thanks to Money Smart Management for doing such a wonderful thing for the youth in our community!

07/21/2025

GOSPEL IN THE PARK HOLDS
BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL

More than 100 children and family members gathered at Pride Park on Saturday morning for Gospel in The Park's annual Back to School Festival, marking the community organization's continued commitment to supporting local students as they prepare for the new academic year.

The event, held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 19th, transformed Pride Park into a bustling hub of preparation and celebration as families collected essential school supplies and enjoyed various activities designed to build excitement for the upcoming school year.

Local community groups served as vendors, distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to attending families. The festival provided not only the practical necessities students need but also created an atmosphere of community support and encouragement.

"This event represents the heart of our community coming together to ensure that every child has what they need to succeed," said Barbara Carraway, founder of Gospel in The Park and coordinator of Saturday's festival.

Children enjoyed a variety of entertainment throughout the morning, including face painting, basketball games, musical chairs, and other interactive activities. Food and additional resources were available on-site, making the event a comprehensive celebration of the approaching school year.

The festival drew notable attendance from Darlington County educational leaders, with Dr. Matthew Ferguson, Superintendent of the Darlington County School District, and Charles Govan, DCSD Board member and President of the South Carolina School Board Association, both present to welcome students and families.

Their presence underscored the collaborative relationship between community organizations like Gospel in The Park and the formal education system, highlighting shared goals of student success and community support.

As families left Pride Park with much-needed supplies in hand, the Back to School Festival served as both a practical resource and a reminder of the community investment in local education. The event continues Gospel in The Park's tradition of addressing community needs while fostering connections among Hartsville residents.

The success of Saturday's festival reflects the ongoing partnership between faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and community members working together to ensure students begin their academic year with both the supplies they need and the knowledge that their community supports their educational journey.

07/20/2025

07/19/2025

DEVASTATING FIRE REPORTED AT
PLEASANT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

July 19, 2025, Darlington County Fire District and Darlington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched shortly after 4pm to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in the Darlington area of Darlington County in reference to smoke.

Upon arrival, deputies found the church to be engulfed in flames.

Darlington County Fire District, Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating to determine the origin of the fire.

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church was founded in 1869 by Reverend Daniel Jesse. Please continue to keep the church members and the Darlington community in your prayers.

07/18/2025

DON'T FORGET!
IT'S TONIGHT!

We have Trivia Night tonight at 6 PM at the Darlington Rec Dept
Bring your team or join one and answer questions about movies, tv, sports, history, animals, food and more. The team with the biggest brains will take home the grand prize snack bag! Refreshments will be served. Join us for a night guaranteed to be filled with laughter and fun.

07/18/2025

Due to a major mechanical issue with the trash truck, today's trash collection will be delayed until Saturday. Today's recycling collection is still on-schedule.

07/18/2025

Tomorrow marks the first day of what will be a prolonged period of particularly unpleasant hot weather. Heat Advisories are likely each day through next Monday 🥵

07/18/2025

TOM POLAND SPEAKS AT
DARLINGTON KIWANIS MEETING

Southern writer and News & Press contributor Tom Poland entertained members of the Darlington Kiwanis Club Thursday afternoon with a powerful account of his recent cardiac emergency and recovery.

Kiwanis President Alex Gainey welcomed everyone and introduced Poland to the gathering, which combined the delicious lunch with a discussion of the author's experiences and literary work.

The meeting took place at the Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, where members and guests enjoyed dinner alongside Poland's compelling narrative.

Speaking to a very large crowd at the Club, Poland described how medical scans initially showed no heart blockages, prompting him to request a cardiac catheterization. "I asked them to do a heart cath and they found 4 blockages, some over 90%," Poland told the attentive audience.

The storyteller extraordinaire used his brush with death as a backdrop to discuss his latest work, "South Carolina Reflections," a photographic tribute to the state's vanishing rural landscapes and structures. The book captures what Poland describes as "the many different aspects of southern life which are slowly fading away."

During his presentation, Poland reflected on how dramatically the region has changed over the past four to five decades, examining both what has been lost and what remains treasured in Southern culture. Attendees reminisced as he spoke of grandmothers sweeping their yards free of grass, the preference of metal wire flyswatters over plastic ones, and how “fancy” people had 2 or more holes in their outhouses.

After much laughter and shared memories, the meeting ended with Poland signing copies of his book for members of the audience.