Clinton City Council Honors Longtime Judge, Approves Grants and Annexation

The Clinton City Council held its regular meeting July 6, 2026, recognizing a longtime local judge, hearing resident concerns about stormwater runoff and approving community grants, an annexation and an economic development agreement.

Judge Copeland Recognized

The meeting opened with a special presentation as Judge Sandy Crookshanks presented an award to Judge Wayne Copeland, honoring his many years of service as both a magistrate and a city judge.

Resident Raises Stormwater Concerns

During the public comment period, Dr. Daria Chronic, a resident of the College View neighborhood, addressed council about ongoing stormwater problems affecting her property. She asked that her full comments be entered into the record and shared a video with council members illustrating her concerns.

“I have previously submitted these videos to council, and tonight the city has graciously allowed me to show them,” Chronic said.

Chronic told council the water affecting her property does not originate on her land but flows from commercial development and hardscaping along Broad Street and beyond. She said the runoff travels about four blocks from Broad Street to the Thornwell Pasture, harming and devaluing properties along the way. She noted that since 2020 the water appears to move at greater speed, raising questions about whether the current infrastructure can manage the capacity of stormwater runoff. She added that the law does not permit property owners to divert wastewater or runoff onto neighboring properties without consent, or to obstruct or divert a natural water course.

Proclamations

Council issued two proclamations, recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Clinton and designating July 8, 2026, as Hebron Baptist Church Day in the City of Clinton.

Visit Laurens County Update

Courtney Stonell of Visit Laurens County updated council on the continued growth of agritourism through the 2025 South Carolina Ag and Art Tour, which showcased local farms, artisans and rural experiences. She said the previous year’s event attracted more than 400 visitors and expressed excitement about promoting the county’s agricultural heritage and creative community.

Stonell highlighted the county’s diverse destinations, including the cities of Laurens and Clinton and smaller communities such as Cross Hill and Waterloo, emphasizing their unique character and appeal to visitors. She also pointed to the promotion of outdoor recreation, local history, arts and culture, festivals and community events through the Visit Laurens County tourism initiative. As she transitioned into the full-time tourism director role, Stonell described a broader vision of highlighting the people, places and experiences that make the county special.

Annexation Approved

Council unanimously approved on second reading an ordinance annexing contiguous real property into the corporate city limits of the City of Clinton. The property is located along the southern side of the corner of Trotters Trail and Derby Lane in the Southdown neighborhood.

Community Grants Awarded

Council unanimously approved recommendations from the Community Grant Assistance Committee to award $2,000 each to Open Door Christian Center, Zone Services, Laurens County Safe Home, Laurens County Cancer Association and the Clinton Canopy.

Project Diamond Resolution

Council unanimously approved a resolution consenting to the inclusion of certain property in a joint county industrial park and approving an intergovernmental agreement related to Project Diamond.

Council took no action following executive session.