News & Press

12/17/2025

Serve & Connect was honored to present funds to support the family of Darlington County Sheriff’s Deputy Devin Mason. 💙
We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated and showed their support for this meaningful cause. Your generosity makes a real difference during the hardest moments.

12/17/2025

SPEED & FEED BBQ FESTIVAL IS
BACK AT DARLINGTON RACEWAY!

After a long-awaited return, one of the most flavorful festivals in the P*e Dee is back. Darlington Raceway announced today that its popular Speed & Feed BBQ Festival will make its triumphant return on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Last held in 2018, the Speed & Feed BBQ Festival is ready to fire up the grills once again with a full day of barbecue, classic cars, family-friendly activities and more.

“This event has always been one of our community’s favorites, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring it back bigger and better than ever,” said Josh Harris, President of Darlington Raceway. “It’s the perfect blend of two things our fans love most – incredible food and the spirit of competition – all right here at the track Too Tough To Tame.”

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)-sanctioned competition will pit BBQ teams from across the country against one another for $12,000 in total prize money and a chance to win one of the event’s exclusive Darlington Raceway Speed & Feed trophies. Competitors will battle in four official categories – Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Beef Brisket – accumulating points for the overall Speed and Feed Grand Champion.

The overall Grand Champion will also win the opportunity to compete at the American Royal World Championship in Kansas City in fall of 2026. Locals can also get in on the fun through the People’s Choice Competition, where festival-goers sample and vote for their favorite BBQ from regional cookers using “BBQ Bucks.”

The festival also brings back the fan-favorite Car Show, showcasing an open field of vehicles competing for trophies and cash prizes. Awards will be presented in five judged categories – Body & Paint, Interior, Engine Compartment, Trunk, and Tires/Wheels/Hubcaps – with the top three in each class receiving trophies. Category winners earn cash prizes, and the overall “Best in Show” will receive a coveted one-of-a-kind Speed & Feed trophy.

The winners of both the BBQ competition and Car Show will receive a special invitation to return to Darlington Raceway’s 2026 NASCAR Labor Day Race Weekend, where they’ll be honored during pre-race ceremonies.

In addition to mouthwatering BBQ and classic cars, fans can enjoy a day packed with entertainment, including:

Automotive swap meet vendors
Amusement rides and activities for kids
Food trucks, refreshments, and merchandise vendors
NASCAR Racing Experience Ride Along opportunities in a real stock race car with a professional driver (additional charge)
Festival-goers can purchase BBQ Bucks ($1 each or 12 for $10) to sample and vote in the People’s Choice tasting. A minimum of 10 BBQ Bucks is required to receive a ballot. Premium parking options in the infield will be available, with details to be announced at a later date.

Teams interested in entering the BBQ competition or individuals entering the Car Show can find details and registration information at https://www.darlingtonraceway.com/events/speedandfeed/.

The NASCAR race weekend at Darlington Raceway’s is set for March 20-22, a triple header weekend featuring the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday, March 20, The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, March 21, all culminating with the NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400 on Sunday, March 22.

12/17/2025

Here are some of the highlights of the Darlington vs. Marlboro basketball game last Friday, Dec. 12.

FALCONS' DEFENSE STARTS SEASON STRONG

The Darlington Falcons continue to show growth and unity early in the season, improving to 6-2 following their performance against the Marlboro County Bulldogs on Friday, Dec. 12.

Head Coach Brad Knox said he has been encouraged by the way his team is beginning to come together, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.

“I am very proud of our team on how we are starting to play team defense, which led to offensive transition baskets,” Knox said. “We are starting to come together as a unit. I loved the fact that we shared the basketball on the offensive end of the floor. All we ask from our players is to give their best. We still have a lot to improve on, but I am proud of the effort that our guys played with.”

Darlington’s balanced approach was evident in the box score, with contributions coming from multiple players. Freshman guard Jayden McMillan led the Falcons with 13 points, continuing to make an impact early in his varsity career. Senior guard LaHenry Yarborough added 9 points while stuffing the stat sheet with 4 steals, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Junior Deron Ross, last season’s leading scorer, played in just his second game of the season after returning from injury. Ross finished with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, providing a boost to the Falcons’ lineup.Chase Warren contributed 3 points, while Maze Little added 3 points, 5 rebounds, and a block. Damario Stembridge was a force on the boards with 9 rebounds, along with 2 blocks and 1 point. Alston Singletary rounded out the scoring with 1 point and 3 rebounds.

Knox noted the youth on the roster, pointing out that the Falcons have only three seniors this season. With Yarborough and McMillan currently carrying much of the load at the guard position, the team’s chemistry continues to develop as the season progresses.The Falcons looked to build on their momentum as they hosted Dillon on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025.

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

VETERANS AFFAIRS DONATES TOYS
TO DCCAA AND FAMILIES ENGAGEMENT

The Darlington County Office of Veterans Affairs, under the direction of Mr. Jimmy Williams (USA Ret.), announced a generous donation of toys to the Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) and Families Engagement as part of its 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Drive. The effort reflects the office’s continued commitment to serving not only veterans, but also families across the broader Darlington County community during the Christmas season.

The toy donation will help provide gifts to children in need throughout Darlington County, ensuring that families facing challenges this holiday season are able to experience joy and Christmas cheer. According to the Office of Veterans Affairs, the success of this year’s toy drive was made possible through overwhelming support from county departments, community partners, and residents.

Key partners included the Darlington County Fire Department, Darlington County Central Administration Office, Darlington County Tax Assessor’s Office, and Darlington County Code Enforcement. In addition to these departments, members of the Darlington County community contributed generously, demonstrating a strong spirit of unity and compassion during the holiday season.

“This toy drive is about more than gifts—it’s about coming together as a community to support our children and families,” officials said. “The response we received this year truly highlights the heart of Darlington County.”

The Darlington County Community Action Agency has played an instrumental role in organizing and coordinating the distribution of the donated toys. Through its efforts, the toys will be delivered to families who need them most, helping to uplift households and strengthen community bonds during the Christmas season.

County officials noted that partnerships like these underscore a shared commitment to the well-being of Darlington County families. By working together, local agencies, organizations, and residents continue to make a meaningful impact, particularly during times when support is most needed.

The Darlington County Office of Veterans Affairs expressed its appreciation to all who contributed to the 2nd Annual Christmas Toy Drive and emphasized its desire to continue and expand the effort in the future.

Community members and organizations interested in supporting next year’s Christmas Toy Drive are encouraged to contact the Darlington County Office of Veterans Affairs at (843) 398-4130 or visit their website at https://www.darcosc.com/departments/veterans_affairs/index.php for more information.

As the holiday season continues, the Office of Veterans Affairs remains committed to service, compassion, and community—values that extend well beyond veterans and reach families throughout Darlington County.

12/17/2025

12/17/2025

TRENT HILL CENTER RECEIVES $79,000 TO HELP
FOSTER YOUTH INDEPENDENCE, CAREER BUILDING

Trent Hill Center for Children & Families (Trent Hill Center), has been awarded a $79,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to support its Independent Living Skills Program. This is the second year Power:Ed has awarded Trent Hill Center a grant to support this vital program. Trent Hill Center is creating a pathway to economic stability and success for marginalized youth and young adults in foster care or experiencing homelessness.

Using a skills-based curriculum, participants complete a workbook of tasks to gain the tools and support system needed to be prepared to live on their own and end the generational cycle of poverty and trauma. The program includes teaching basic living skills, interpersonal skills, and trade skills to either help youth enter the workforce or continue to higher education. The Program is the only of its kind in the P*e Dee region and is open to youth in foster care or are experiencing homelessness in any county in South Carolina.

“Power:Ed’s continued partnership has allowed us to strengthen and expand our Independent Living Program,” said Scottie Hill, Founder & Executive Director of Trent Hill Center. “This investment is giving young people vital support they need as they take steps toward adulthood: building financial skills, preparing for work, and gaining the confidence to live independently. We’re incredibly thankful for Power:Ed’s commitment to our mission.”

Each year, 250-350 youth age out of South Carolina’s foster care system, often ill-equipped to make a successful transition to adulthood because they have bounced between multiple foster care placements, rarely having the time or resources necessary for a successful transition. By the same age, 38% have not attained at least a GED or high school diploma. Trent Hill Center’s Independent Living Skills Program covers content and related goals in ten core subjects: auto maintenance, career readiness, citizenship, communication, educational exploration, financial literacy, health & well-being, household management, personal safety, and social-emotional skills. The Program Manager works with youth to develop a customized plan and partner with them as they set and accomplish goals like learning how to budget, changing a vehicle’s tire or oil, applying for a job, completing a school application, or setting up a medical appointment.

“Power:Ed and SC Student Loan are proud to support Trent Hill Center and its work to give underserved and unhoused youth and young adults a strong foundation and a fresh start. All South Carolinians should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their circumstances, and we want to do our part to help reduce barriers and help them thrive in school, work, and in life,” said Power:Ed Executive Director Claire Gibbons.

Power:Ed plans to award $1,325,000 in grants to South Carolina education and career readiness organizations in FY2025-26. In this second fiscal quarter, Power:Ed awarded five grants, including this grant to Trent Hill Center, totaling $264,000. Grants are administered quarterly, and the next grant funding deadline is January 1, 2026.

About Trent Hill Center
Trent Hill Center for Children & Families is a locally founded non-profit organization providing 24/7 residential care for teens in foster care and homeless young adults. Through four key programs, the Center’s vision is for every child and family to be valued, encouraged and welcomed in their safe, stable communities.

Programs prioritize thriving, healing, and community by offering safe, nurturing spaces in which the developmental, physical, social, emotional, educational, intellectual, and spiritual needs of youth and participants are met. Learn more at trenthillcenter.org.

About Power:Ed
Founded in 2019, Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan is dedicated to creating opportunities for South Carolina’s youth and adults by supporting low-income, underrepresented, and first-generation students; improving access to college and degree completion; and creating pathways to quality workforce opportunities. Organizations serving middle school through post-college talent who are interested in applying for a grant or partnering with Power:Ed, should visit power-ed.org.

(PHOTO: Front Row L to R: Scottie Hill, Trent Hill Center Founder & Executive Director; Tammi Brown, Independent Living Program Case Manager; Claire Gibbons, Power:Ed Executive Director. Back Row: Mia Thomas, Director of Development & Marketing; and Vicky Moore, Program Manager of the Independent Living Program.)

12/17/2025

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!
The Dec. 17th issue of the News & Press is out in the mail, in racks and numerous locations around Darlington County.
Pick up your copy today!

12/17/2025

HOLIDAY CARD ART WINNER VISITS
DCIT GRAPHICS COMMUNICATIONS LAB

Jayandre Mitchell, the winner of the Darlington County School District’s (DCSD) 2025 Holiday Card Art Contest, visited the Graphics Communications lab at the Darlington County Institute of Technology (DCIT) Tuesday to learn how students designed, produced, and prepared the cards.

Mitchell, a student at the Darlington County Intervention School (DCIS), saw his artwork printed on approximately 1,500 official district holiday cards after being selected winner from a pool of high school students across the district.

Tuesday’s visit to DCIT saw Graphics Communications teacher Eric Tew and his students give a tour of the lab as well as the software and machinery used to design, print and process the hundreds of cards each year. The students also gifted Mitchell with a T-shirt, coffee mug and other items featuring his artwork, which they also created.

Mitchell’s artwork features a cheerful snowman wearing a red scarf and black hat, holding a broom and smiling as he walks through the snow. In the background, colorful houses nestle among snowy trees under a purple night sky, while golden bells decorated with holly hang in the foreground, adding a joyful holiday touch.

DCSD Superintendent Dr. Matthew Ferguson, DCIS Principal Carla Jefferson, Art Teacher Brandy “Dee” Driggers, Family-School Facilitator Felix Jordan, DCIT Director Robbie Smith, and DCIT Assistant Director Dr. Jennifer Dunn also joined the annual event to watch the students at work and to celebrate Mitchell’s outstanding artistry.

Earlier in the month, Mitchell received a certificate and $50 for the honor from the Darlington County Board of Education, while Driggers will receive $100 toward art supplies for her classroom.

12/17/2025

DARLINGTON CITY COUNCIL HOLDS
VOTE TO TERMINATE CITY MANAGER

The future of Darlington City Manager Lenessa Hawkins remains uncertain following a contentious and emotional City Council meeting Tuesday night, Dec. 16, which ended with a narrow vote to terminate her contract.

The Darlington City Council chamber was filled with people awaiting the outcome as council members convened for a special work session. After opening with routine city updates, the council entered a nearly two-hour executive session closed to the public. When members returned, Mayor Curtis Boyd brought forward a motion that would ultimately divide the council and spark debate over legality and procedure.

“I make a motion to terminate the city manager's contract with a 6-month payout,” Boyd said.

The motion passed by a 4–3 vote, splitting along gender lines. Hawkins, who has served as city manager for one year and was unanimously elected to the position last December, now faces an uncertain path forward.

Several council members immediately challenged the validity of the vote, arguing that it violated Robert’s Rules of Order, which the council follows for procedural guidance. Councilwoman Angela McRavin noted that a similar attempt to remove Hawkins failed during a prior meeting and said a re-vote ("Reconsidered Vote") could only be initiated by someone on the prevailing side of that earlier decision.

“So, yes, I vote no on this manner, because according to our ordinances and according to the law, that is not how this procedure should happen,” McRavin said.

**(Robert's Rules of Order state that a "Reconsider Vote" must be made during the same meeting as the original vote, or if it's a multi-day session--like a convention--on the next day of that session. The previous vote was made over a month ago at a previous council meeting. Therefore, this is not regarded as a "Reconsider Vote". It is a new vote.)**

Councilwoman Shelia Baccus also raised concerns, stating that Hawkins’ employment contract requires a written notice explaining the reasons for termination — something she said did not occur.

“No procedure was properly followed in order to take this vote or even to bring this matter to our agenda,” Baccus said. “It was just put on the agenda and voted on without following proper procedure.”

Baccus further criticized what she described as selective adherence to council rules. “They don’t respect the procedure of majority rule—only when it’s their majority,” she said.

Councilman John Milling defended the council’s action, saying guidance was sought ahead of the meeting.

“The municipal association was contacted prior to our meeting tonight, and we were told, at least I was told, that what took place was appropriate,” Milling said. “And I am not going to say anything derogatory about Miss Hawkins, she has been kind when I ask her questions. But we have a responsibility to do what is determined to be in the interest of the city.”

Other council members expressed disappointment with the decision. Councilwoman Elaine Reed said she believed no valid justification had been provided for terminating Hawkins’ contract.

“We are gonna stand up one way or the other for the right,” Reed said. “We are going to do it the right and live up to the name of being council members of the Pearl of the P*e Dee.”

As the meeting adjourned, some residents left City Hall visibly angry and frustrated. Before proceedings ended, Hawkins exercised her contractual right to request a public hearing, which must be held within 20 days. Until that hearing takes place, the outcome of her employment with the City of Darlington remains unresolved.

Council members who opposed the termination say they are now awaiting that hearing as they determine next steps, emphasizing that the matter is far from settled.

12/17/2025

CAROLINA CLASSIC SCHEDULE RELEASED

The 39th Annual Pepsi Carolina Classic presented by South Carolina Federal Credit Union – the premiere high school varsity basketball tournament in South Carolina – heads back to West Florence High School Dec. 27-29 for three days of competition to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of the P*e Dee Area.

Games kick off at 1 p.m. Saturday with the West Florence Lady Knights taking on the AC Flora Falcons followed at 2:15 p.m. with the first boys’ division game – the Mullins Auctioneers taking on the South Florence Bruins. At 3:30 p.m., Powdersville Patriots take aim at the Trinity Collegiate Titans. The second girls’ division game at 5 p.m. pits the South Florence Lady Bruins against returning champions from Trinity Collegiate. To round out the evening at 7:30 p.m., the West Florence Knights face the Marion Swamp Foxes.

Sunday’s games focus on the boys’ division with the first tipoff at 2:15 p.m. and the final at 6:15 p.m.

Monday’s games start at 1 p.m. The consolation bracket winner will be decided at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon, and the third place boys’ division team will be decided at 5 p.m. The girls’ division champions will be determined during the 6:15 p.m. with the boys’ division champion being crowned after the 7:30 p.m. contest.
Proceeds from the tournament benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of the P*e Dee Area, which serves more than 3,000 young people ages 6-18 at sites in Florence, Hartsville, Hemingway, Johnsonville, Lake City, Pamplico, and Timmonsville.

In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. We truly are “The Positive Place For Kids.” Learn more or donate at www.bgcpda.org.

Stay up to date on activities at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the P*e Dee Area on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Follow all the action on our special Instagram page for the events: https://www.instagram.com/pepsicarolinaclassic/

Full Tournament Schedule
Saturday, Dec. 27
1:00 p.m. Girls Game 1, West Florence vs. AC Flora
2:15 p.m. Game 1, Mullins vs. South Florence
3:30 p.m. Game 2, Powdersville vs. Trinity Collegiate
5:00 p.m. Girls Game 2, South Florence vs. Trinity Collegiate
6:15 p.m. Game 3, Atlantic Collegiate vs. Gaffney
7:30 p.m. Game 4, West Florence vs. Marion

Sunday, Dec. 28
2:15 p.m. Game 5, Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 3
3:30 p.m. Game 6, Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 4
5:00 p.m. Game 7, Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 3
6:15 p.m. Game 8, Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 4

Monday, Dec. 29
1:00 p.m. Girls Game 3, Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2
2:15 p.m. Game 9, Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6
3:30 p.m. Game 10, Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6
5:00 p.m. Game 11, Loser Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8
6:15 p.m. Girls Championship: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
7:30 p.m. Boys Championship: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8

(Note: First team listed for each game is the home team.)

12/17/2025

DUKE ENERGY, COUNTY TO TEST SIRENS

Duke Energy and county officials will test the outdoor warning sirens around the Robinson Nuclear Plant between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

Why it matters: To ensure they are functioning properly, sirens will sound for five to 30 seconds. Anyone who hears a siren during scheduled testing does not need to take action.

• During testing, some sirens may be tested more than once. Follow-up testing after siren maintenance may be required after 5 p.m.

• Because this is a test, local broadcasting stations will not interrupt regular programming to broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages. If there was a real emergency requiring the sirens to be sounded, local radio and television stations would broadcast information to the public.

By the numbers: Duke Energy owns and maintains a network of sirens within 10 miles of each of its nuclear plants, including 59 sirens around the Robinson Nuclear Plant.

Emergency partners: Testing is performed in cooperation with emergency management officials in Chesterfield, Darlington and Lee counties, who are responsible for sounding the sirens.

More info: Additional details about outdoor warning sirens and nuclear emergency preparedness are available at duke-energy.com/NuclearEP.

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 13,800 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 28,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.