The Dillon Herald

07/19/2025

https://www.dillonheraldonline.com/blog/serving-with-heart-benny-cooper-reflects-on-55-years-at-cooper-s-funeral-home/article_17b464ba-2460-43fe-8f2e-c40e1c4dec21.html

When I sat down with Mr. Benny Cooper to reflect on his 55 years at Cooper’s Funeral Home, he began by talking about growing up in Marlboro County and knowing

07/18/2025

🚨 Traffic Alert 🚨
Traffic is currently at a standstill on I-95 Northbound near mile marker 193. Expect delays and seek alternate routes if possible.

07/18/2025

DILLON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK IS SIMONE 🐾🐾
Simone, a beautiful black, tan, and brown German Shepherd, is the Dillon Shelter’s Pet of the Week. Simone is a fully-grown adult female, about two years old, friendly, active, and gets along great with other dogs and with people. She has been spayed and has received all her shots. Simone has been at the Dillon Shelter since early March, and she would really love to have a home of her own and a family to love her. She enjoys playing outside and would make a wonderful companion for walks, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by your side in the evenings. She loves attention, treats, and will greet you with a happy wagging tail each day. Now is the perfect time to adopt a pet from the Dillon Shelter. Now under the management of the Dillon County Sheriff’s Department, the Shelter is temporarily waiving adoption fees. Call Deputy Richard Lee at 843-841-8884 to start the adoption process for your new family member today and make a difference in Simone’s life.

07/18/2025

🚧💧 Progress in Latta!

Crews are pouring the structural footing today for the new water tower on Henry Street in Latta. Stay tuned for more updates as construction continues.

07/18/2025

Stormwater Improvements Break Ground in the City of Dillon
City of Dillon, SC – The South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) is pleased that the City of Dillon Stormwater Improvement Project began construction on July 17, 2025. Following a Notice to Proceed on June 16, 2025, construction crews will install infrastructure improvements in phases over a 14-month period.
Flooding caused by hurricanes and high-intensity rain events is a common issue in the City of Dillon. The City’s comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan identified the extent of flooding issues and potential solutions. The City of Dillon applied for, and received, a Community Development Block Grant- Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) grant from SCOR to design and construct stormwater improvement projects in several areas identified by the Study as high priority areas.
The designed stormwater improvements are now being implemented for the Lucius Road Outfall and Channel Improvement project area, the Railroad Crossing area, and a portion of the Dargan Street project area. These improvements are designed to reduce repetitive damages to residential and commercial structures, minimize traffic disruptions, and improve mobility to key municipal facilities during hazardous flooding events.
“This project underscores the importance of thoroughly studying the causes of flooding in a community,” explains S.C. Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “By developing solutions through a rigorous planning process, the City was able to identify multiple solutions that work in tandem to reduce the community’s flood hazard risk.”
The City’s highest-prioritized solution will improve infrastructure in the “Lucius Road Outfall and Channel Project Area.” Approximately 10,400 linear feet of an existing channel will be cleared, widened, and deepened. Additionally, an extra 90 linear feet of existing storm drainage will be removed and upsized. Re-grading the channel will allow for better capacity to move water out of populated areas around the City during storm events.
The construction of stormwater improvements in the “Railroad Crossing Project Area” includes 1,200 linear feet of storm drainage upsizing along South Railroad Avenue. The stormwater improvements in the “Dargan Street Project area” include the installation of a box culvert from Lucius channel into a double junction box near Highway 301.
Senator Kent Williams, SC District 30, comments “I am glad to see this product of collaboration between the City of Dillon and Office of Resilience come to fruition. This infrastructure investment will not just protect against flood risks, but will promote the community’s overall resilience and wellbeing.”

Work completed in three sites within Dillon, SC will jointly reduce flood risks in the City’s largest and most densely populated watersheds.
The project is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT), through the Office of Resilience. In addition to the almost $9.9 million awarded by SCOR, the City of Dillon has provided $8,000 in local cost share.
“This initiative stands as one of the largest flood relief efforts in the history of our city, representing an $8 million investment in enhancing Dillon’s stormwater system to tackle flooding and related challenges,” states Tally McColl, City of Dillon Mayor. “This long-awaited project has required considerable effort and dedication. It serves as a true testament to what can be achieved when local and state representatives collaborate effectively. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in this initiative. It will undoubtedly provide significant benefits to the City of Dillon and our surrounding community.”
“Projects like this demonstrate the importance of prioritizing critical infrastructure improvements that directly affect the safety of our communities,” comments Representative Jackie “Coach” Hayes, SC District 55. “I applaud the work done to reach this milestone, and look forward to seeing its positive effects upon completion.”
To date, SCOR has committed over $99 million in CDBG-MIT funds to public infrastructure projects to reduce flood risks. These projects can range from storm sewer installations and upgrades to retention ponds, waterway and wetland restoration.

07/18/2025

HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS DONATES 54 GENERATORS TO DILLON COUNTY FIRST RESPONDER AGENCIES
Harbor Freight Tools has generously donated 54 generators to first responder agencies across Dillon County! Recipients include city and county fire departments, EMS and rescue buildings, and law enforcement agencies. Dillon County Emergency Services Director Daniel Moody says this generous contribution will help first responders continue serving our community effectively. Thank you, Harbor Freight Tools!
(Vickie Rogers, The Dillon Herald)

07/18/2025

"Congratulations to Major Tara Craig of the South Carolina Highway Patrol on her retirement! She made history as the first female captain—thank you for your service and dedication!"

07/18/2025

"Congratulations to 3-year-old Blakeley Cieluch of Latta! She was crowned Wee Miss Tiny Tot South Carolina and also earned the title of Overall Princess for receiving the highest score in the pageant!"

07/17/2025

Photos of the Latta Ozone team—South Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball Division 2 State Champions—returning home today after their big win! Congratulations, champions!
(Photos by Vickie Rogers & Melissa Thompson, The Dillon Herald)

07/17/2025

"Welcome home to our champions! Congratulations to the Latta Ozone team—South Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball Division 2 State Champions! We're proud of you!"

07/17/2025

The Latta 12U OZone All Stars running to claim their South Carolina State Champion Flag!

07/17/2025

🏆 STATE CHAMPS! 🏆

Congratulations to the Latta Ozone All-Stars on capturing the South Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball Division 2 State Championship! 🥇⚾️

Latta edged out Cayce-West Columbia in a thrilling 5-4 victory to bring home the title. These boys have battled all summer long, and now they’re heading to the World Series!

Way to represent the Town of Latta and Dillon County with pride!