The Manning Times

01/12/2026

🚨 RED FLAG BURN ALERT – CLARENDON COUNTY 🚨

Clarendon County Fire Rescue crews are currently on scene battling a large woods fire on Moses Di**le Road as dangerous fire conditions persist across the area.

🔥 Road Closure:
Moses Di**le Road is closed between Joseph Lemon Road and Di**le Road/Bump Road and will remain closed until the fire is under control. Crews are being assisted by the South Carolina Forestry Commission.

⚠️ Please avoid the area, use alternate routes, and do not burn outdoors while the Red Flag Burn Alert is in effect. Dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds make fires extremely dangerous and fast-moving.

We’ll share updates as they become available.

01/11/2026

🌟 Help us recognize Clarendon County’s rising stars 🌟

The Manning Times is now accepting nominations for 25 Under 35, a special magazine honoring young adults who are leading, serving and making an impact right here at home.

If you know someone age 35 or younger who is doing great work in our community — in business, education, service, entrepreneurship or beyond — we want to hear about them.

🗓️ Nominations close Feb. 2
✉️ Email completed nomination forms to [email protected] or drop them off at 230 E Boyce St., Manning.

✔️ Winners will be selected by our Nebraska sister paper to ensure an unbiased process.

Let’s shine a light on the people shaping Clarendon County’s future.

01/11/2026

After 25 years with Clarendon County Fire Rescue, Chief Michael Johnson marked his retirement surrounded by family, coworkers and the community he’s served since 2000.

Johnson began his career as a young firefighter and worked his way through the ranks, eventually leading the department through years of growth and change, including the merger of fire and EMS. Speakers at his retirement drop-in reflected on his steady leadership and the care he showed for the people he worked alongside.

Now, Johnson is looking forward to time at home with his wife, Parker, and sons, Allen and Jack, with plans to slow down, tend a garden and, in time, continue giving back through training and volunteer work.

Read the full story here: https://manninglive.com/stories/clarendon-county-fire-rescue-chief-michael-johnson-retires-after-25-years,170063

01/11/2026

Officials discourage outdoor burning Sunday

01/09/2026

Clarendon County Legislative Delegation to host Town Hall in Turbeville

01/08/2026

✨ Now accepting nominations! ✨

The Manning Times is launching its 25 Under 35 magazine, recognizing 25 outstanding young leaders who are making a difference in Clarendon County through service, leadership, innovation, business and/or community involvement.

Know someone 35 or younger who deserves the spotlight? Nominate them now! Nominations are open through Feb. 2.

To keep things fair, winners will be selected by our Nebraska sister paper — no local bias, just great stories.

📧 Nomination forms can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at 230 E. Boyce St., Manning.

Help us celebrate the next generation shaping our community. 💛

01/04/2026

Just a quick reminder for CCSD families:

🗓 Monday is an in-service day for teachers
🗓 Students return to class on Tuesday

We hope everyone enjoyed their break and had a happy holiday season!

01/01/2026

🥇 Our Top Story of the Year

⚖️ No. 1 – Judge vacates convictions, Pearson walks free after 15 years

After spending 15 years in prison for a crime he maintained he did not commit, Michael Pearson walked free — a moment that forced our community to confront hard questions about justice, innocence, and the human cost of wrongful convictions.

This story mattered because it wasn’t just about the past. It was about accountability, reform, and the lives forever changed by the system. It was one of the most powerful moments we covered all year — and one we won’t forget.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting local journalism. From all of us at The Manning Times, we wish you a healthy, hopeful New Year.

🔗 Read the story:

Fifteen years after he was convicted of a 2010 robbery and assault in Clarendon County, a crime he has always denied, Michael Pearson listened as Circuit Judge Robert E. Hood vacated his convictions …

12/31/2025

📍 New location, same local commitment

High Tech Heating & Air has officially opened its new headquarters at the corner of South Mill Street and Gibbons Street in Manning – a major step forward for the growing, locally owned HVAC company.

Owner Michael “Mike” Miller shares how the move supports the company’s expanding commercial work while keeping Clarendon County customers a priority.

👉 Story and photos by Melissa Foust-McCoy: https://manninglive.com/stories/high-tech-heating-air-opens-new-headquarters-expands-commercial-reach,168523

12/31/2025

⚠️ SCAM ALERT – PLEASE READ & SHARE ⚠️

Local resident Pat Goodwin has issued a warning after learning that someone is allegedly going door to door using his name and the name of Pine Grove Methodist Church of Turbeville to sell products.

According to Goodwin, the individual identifies himself as Gary Reid and claims to be from Moncks Corner. Goodwin states this person is NOT associated with him or Pine Grove Methodist Church in any way, and that any claim of endorsement or affiliation is false.

Residents are urged to use caution, do not purchase products based on these claims, and do not share personal or financial information.

If this individual comes to your home and you feel unsafe, contact law enforcement immediately.

Please help protect others by sharing this post.

12/31/2025

⏳ Top Stories Countdown: No. 2

🚰 Water quality and billing errors top concerns at Summerton town hall

This story struck a nerve because it involved something basic: access to safe, reliable water. Residents came forward with documentation, personal stories, and serious health concerns — demanding answers and accountability.

It wasn’t just a meeting recap; it was a record of people speaking up when systems failed them. The story continues to shape conversations about infrastructure, oversight, and trust.

🔗 Read the story:

Residents packed into a town hall meeting July 29 to voice mounting frustration over persistent water and sewer issues in Summerton, from discolored water and sewage backups to billing discrepancies …

12/31/2025

🎆 Happy New Year’s Eve! We’re down to our Top 3 Stories of the Year 🎆

⚾ No. 3 – State champs! Lady Wolverines deliver big win for Turbeville

This championship meant more than a trophy. It represented perseverance, teamwork, and pride — not just for East Clarendon High School, but for an entire town that showed up, cheered loud, and believed.

In a year full of heavy news, this story reminded us how sports can unite a community and create moments of pure joy.

🔗 Read the story:

After a long season marked by hard work, weather delays, and a roller coaster of travel plans, the East Clarendon High School softball team capped off their campaign with a 5-3 victory over Saluda on …