The Dillon Herald

12/19/2025

The SCHSL officially released its 2026–2028 realignment this week, with appeals set for January 13 and 14. Several local schools are impacted, including Dillon, Latta, and Lake View. Dillon will drop to Class 2A under the new alignment, while Latta and Lake View will continue competing in Class 1A.

12/19/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, there's still time to make a difference for our tiniest patients.

Imagine going into unexpected labor at 28 weeks. Your baby is transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at McLeod Regional Medical Center, 45 minutes from home. It is the height of summer and money is incredibly tight.

The only way you have to transport your breast milk, your baby’s lifeblood, is a plastic bag, with no ice, and it is July. Formula and donor breast milk are expensive, and your stress makes it difficult to produce milk.

Situations like these prompted Leslie Rogers, Director of Nursing at the McLeod NICU in Florence, to act on behalf of all moms and the tiniest of babies as she requested funding from the Foundation.

To read how donors like you provided exactly what was needed at exactly the right moment, click here, https://ow.ly/OAqa50X0vv7.

To make a gift or for more information on McLeod Children's Hospital, click here: https://tinyurl.com/2474dv86.

Pictured here is new mom Elizabeth Rogers and her son Tillman with one of the insulated cooler bags for transporting breast milk and supplies.

12/19/2025

12/19/2025

Annual Latta Pig Pickin’ Held at Community Center

The annual Latta Pig Pickin’ is taking place today at the Latta Community Center, 429 East Academy Street in Latta. The event began at 7 a.m., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is a free event open to the public.
Photos by Landry Collins/The Dillon Herald

12/19/2025

12/19/2025

Elizabeth Carter, a Staff Nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center, received a Healthcare Hero award. Thank you for your compassionate care and dedication to McLeod Health.

The Healthcare Hero program allows grateful patients, their families, and friends the opportunity to support patient services and programs at McLeod Health while recognizing the exemplary care received from a McLeod ‘Healthcare Hero’ healthcare provider.

If you would like to honor a special caregiver, please visit www.mcleodhealthcarehero.org.

12/19/2025

Jacob is the son of Holley Minshew Edwards of Latta, and Chris Edwards of Florence:; the grandson of Mrs. Betty Edwards and the late Howard Edwards, and the late Tina and Ronnie Minshew, all of Dillon.

For Latta native Jacob Edwards, Francis Marion University has been the perfect place to pursue his degree and gain the support needed for his next step: a doctoral program in Biochemistry.

A Biology major with a minor in Chemistry, Edwards has embraced every moment of his FMU experience. A Darla Moore Scholar, he chose Francis Marion because of its distinguished faculty, research opportunities, and the close-knit community.

When Edwards arrived on campus in the fall of 2022, he had his eyes set on becoming a medical doctor. After spending time shadowing and volunteering at local hospitals throughout high school and college, that path seemed certain. But everything changed during the fall semester of his sophomore year when he took his first glimpse into the world of scientific research. That semester, Edwards joined a project led by Dr. Jennifer Lyles, associate professor of biology, examining adeno-associated viral vector genomes. The experience reshaped his goals.

As he awaits final word on his next academic home, one thing is certain: wherever Edwards continues his studies, he will carry with him the knowledge, experience, and support that FMU has provided, preparing him not only for graduate school, but for a lifetime of scientific discovery.

➡️Read more: https://www.fmarion.edu/from-latta-to-the-lab-jacob-edwards-journey-toward-a-future-in-biochemistry/

12/19/2025

Lake View Elementary School Hosts Winter Wonderland

Lake View Elementary School held its Winter Wonderland celebration tonight in the school’s gym. Principal Tamara Nance-Bethea said the special event was made possible through the efforts of the school’s PTO, teachers, and parents.

The event was held for 4K through 5th grade students and provided a fun way for students, teachers, and parents to enjoy some Christmas cheer outside of the classroom. Students enjoyed pizza, popcorn, cotton candy, Kona Ice, candy, and face painting, and even had the chance to visit with Santa and the Grinch.

Tom’s Coffee and food trucks were also set up outside the gym, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Photos by Vickie Rogers/The Dillon Herald

12/18/2025

Tragic news of Greg Biffles passing.
Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle tragically passed away today, December 18, 2025, in a plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. His wife, Cristina Grossu, and their two children, Emma and Ryder, were also on board and died in the crash, along with two other people.
The business jet, which was owned by Biffle's company GB Aviation Leasing, crashed while attempting to land shortly after takeoff. Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause.

12/18/2025

Girl Scout Troop 1203 Spreads Christmas Cheer at PruittHealth Dillon

Girl Scout Troop 1203 shared Christmas joy with the residents of PruittHealth in Dillon, South Carolina, by coloring Christmas cards filled with cheerful designs and festive spirit. The girls carefully colored each card, adding their own personal touch to brighten the holidays for the residents.

On December 17, the troop delivered the completed cards to the facility’s administrator so they could be shared with residents throughout the center. This thoughtful project reflects the Girl Scouts’ dedication to kindness, service, and giving back to their community during the Christmas season.