Golden Strip News Expands Reach with Newsletter Launch, Building on Proven Local News Model
April 6, 2026
After quietly building momentum over the past six weeks, Golden Strip News is taking a major step forward—launching its first official newsletter on Tuesday, April 7.
The website, already live and growing in readership, was created to serve Fountain Inn, Simpsonville, and Mauldin with consistent, hyper-local coverage. Now, with the addition of a twice-weekly newsletter, Golden Strip News is making it even easier for residents and businesses to stay informed—delivering the most important local stories directly to inboxes.
Golden Strip News is a collaboration between Publisher Brenda Stewart and Alan Cooper and Cheryl Cooper, owners of well-known regional business platforms including UpstateBizSC, MidlandsBiz, LowCountryBizSC, the Georgetown SC Gazette, and now the Golden Strip News. Together, the partnership brings both editorial experience and a proven digital distribution network to one of the Upstate’s fastest-growing regions.
Brenda Stewart, Publisher Golden Strip News
The concept for Golden Strip News was born from Stewart’s success with Laurens County Buzz, a hyper-local digital publication she launched nearly six years ago. That platform has become a trusted source for Laurens County residents by focusing on clear, relevant, and community-centered news—proving there is a strong demand for local stories done well.
“People want to know what’s happening where they live,” Stewart said. “They don’t want to dig for it, and they don’t want to sort through noise to find it.”
That shift in how people consume news is a big part of what’s driving the growth of platforms like Golden Strip News. Readers are increasingly drawn to local, digital-first news because it is free, easy to access, and available when they want it—whether that’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or at the end of the day.
And just as important, it’s relevant.
Known collectively as the “Golden Strip,” this corridor along I-385 has long been a center of growth and opportunity. The name dates back to the 1950s, when reliable municipal water service helped transform these communities into one of the Upstate’s most vibrant areas—a legacy that continues today.
Golden Strip News was created to reflect that same spirit—focusing on the stories that matter most to the people who live and work here, including:
- Local government and civic updates
- Business openings, expansions, and economic development
- Community events and nonprofit initiatives
- Schools, public safety, and quality-of-life issues
- The people and organizations shaping the Golden Strip
The publication also provides context on state and regional news when it directly impacts the local community—helping readers understand not just what’s happening, but why it matters.
Unlike larger outlets or regional aggregators, Golden Strip News is intentionally local. Its focus is on the day-to-day stories that define a community—from ribbon cuttings and council decisions to nonprofit efforts and local successes.
The addition of the newsletter marks an important next phase—bringing those stories directly to subscribers twice each week in a format designed to be quick, clear, and useful.
“Our goal is simple,” Stewart said. “We want people to feel more connected to where they live. When people are informed, they engage. They support local businesses. They show up.”
As the Golden Strip continues to grow, Golden Strip News is positioned to grow with it—serving as a trusted source of information and a platform for local voices.
Readers are encouraged to subscribe to the free newsletter, submit news and events, and share it with friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
Because the Golden Strip isn’t just growing—it’s a community worth knowing.
