Posts by Brenda Stewart
SC7 Expedition Returns to Laurens County for Day 10 Hike on Statewide Conservation Journey
July 7, 2025
Now in its sixth year, the month-long South Carolina Seven (SC7) expedition is once again traversing the Palmetto State to raise awareness of its natural wonders and the need to protect them.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: environmental, headlines, on-the-move
How to Build a Habit of Shopping Local: The 4-Week Laurens County Challenge
July 7, 2025
Shop Local Series, Part 9 By Brenda Stewart, Publisher Laurens County Buzz At the Laurens County Buzz, we’ve spent the past several months spotlighting the power of shopping local—and the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Lake Greenwood Tragedy Underscores the Importance of Boating Safety and Sobriety on the Water
July 6, 2025
A tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood on Sunday, July 6, claimed two lives and left others injured. As details continue to unfold, the incident appears to involve boating under…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
South Carolina DPH Unveils Online Health Compass for County-Level Data Insights
July 6, 2025
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina today announced the launch of South Carolina Health Compass — an online collection of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, health-care, on-the-move
Auditions Announced for Shrek the Musical in Clinton
July 6, 2025
Local performers invited to bring this fairy tale to life Get ready to head into the swamp! Auditions are now open for Shrek the Musical, a high-energy production filled with…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, the-arts
Laurens County Rural Waste Disposal: What You Need to Know
July 2, 2025
The Laurens County Rural Collections Department offers a range of services to help residents manage solid waste and recyclables in a safe, responsible, and environmentally conscious manner. While the county…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: environmental, government, on-the-move
Upstate Pregnancy Center to Host July Diaper Drive-Thru in Clinton
July 2, 2025
The Upstate Pregnancy Center is inviting families in need to its next diaper drive-thru on Tuesday, July 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will take place in the downtown Clinton parking lot—located…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, non-profit, on-the-move
Community Rallies Around Joanna Family After Devastating House Fire
July 2, 2025
A devastating fire in the Joanna community on the night of Monday, June 30, has left a family of six without a home. The fire, believed to have started from…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
SCDPS Names New Bureau of Protective Services Commander, Announces Promotions in Command Staff
July 1, 2025
SC Department of Public Safety Director Robert G. Woods IV has named a new Bureau of Protective Services commander, in conjunction with two command staff promotions. Dwayne G. Brunson, a…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, law, on-the-move
Swarms of Flies Bugging the Upstate? Here’s Why They’re Everywhere Right Now
July 1, 2025
If you’ve been swatting more than usual lately, you’re not alone. Residents across the Upstate are noticing a sharp increase in flies—indoors and out. From pesky house flies and gnats…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Americans Expected to Spend Over $15 Billion During Fourth of July Weekend
July 1, 2025
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Americans are expected to spend more than $15 billion over the holiday weekend, according to national consumer spending estimates and travel forecasts.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Vote Now: South Carolina Highway Patrol Competes for Spot in National Cruiser Calendar
July 1, 2025
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is looking to make history by getting a top spot in America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest! Held by the American Association of State Troopers…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move
Laurens County Buzz Named One of South Carolina’s Best Publications for 2025
June 30, 2025
The Laurens County Buzz, Laurens County’s first news platform to combine a dedicated online news site with a twice-weekly e-newsletter, has been named a “Best of South Carolina” publication by…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
From Pasture to Purpose – Part Two: JBW Farms Homestead Brings Food, Faith, and Community Together
June 30, 2025
In Part One of our series, we introduced the heart behind JBW Farms—the story of how Jonathan and JoDee Watkins faced a series of what felt like setbacks and disappointments.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, environmental, headlines, on-the-move, social-scene
Updated: M.A.S.H. Up Camp at Westminster Presbyterian Extends Registration Deadline to July 4 – Now Free to Attend
June 30, 2025
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Clinton has announced several important updates to its upcoming summer evening camp, M.A.S.H. Up: “Pointing Minis, Arts, and Soccer Heavenward and Upward.” While the heart of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: churches, education, on-the-move
College View Celebrates 25 Years of Patriotism with Annual Block Parade
June 30, 2025
The beloved College View neighborhood tradition returns this summer as Hickory Street gears up for its 25th annual block parade on Friday, July 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with cookies & lemonade to follow. Since its inception,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: entertainment, headlines, on-the-move
Freedom Fest Returns to Downtown Laurens with Music, Family Fun, and Fireworks
June 30, 2025
Downtown Laurens will come alive this Thursday evening, July 3rd, as Freedom Fest returns as the county’s largest Fourth of July celebration. From 5:00 to 10:00 PM, the historic square…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move
Gov. McMaster Signs Behavioral Health Restructuring Bill Into Law
June 29, 2025
Completes Largest Restructuring of State Government in 30 years Last week, Governor Henry McMaster was joined by members of the General Assembly, state agency leaders, and other state officials for…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
SCDOR Offers Steps to Request a Replacement if You’re Missing Your State Tax Refund
June 29, 2025
If you filed your South Carolina Individual Income Tax return and expected a refund that hasn’t arrived, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) has outlined clear steps for taxpayers…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: accounting, government, on-the-move
City of Fountain Inn Wraps Up Successful 2025 “Spring Clean” Event
June 29, 2025
The City of Fountain Inn, Public Works (PW) Department, reports more than 45 tons of bulk waste across 447 scheduled pickups throughout the City during the 2025 “Spring Clean.” This…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: environmental, government, on-the-move
Gen Z Goes Retro: BlackBerrys and the Rise of “Old School Cool” in a Digital Age
June 29, 2025
In a digital landscape dominated by apps, algorithms, and nonstop scrolling, a growing number of Gen Zers are taking a surprising turn—ditching the latest smartphones in favor of older devices…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, technology
Putting Safety First This Fourth of July: Tips to Celebrate Responsibly
June 29, 2025
As communities across Laurens County prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and outdoor activities, local officials and safety experts are urging residents to keep safety top of mind.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
How to Make To‑Do Lists Work in a World Full of Distractions
June 29, 2025
In a world flooded with digital noise, constant notifications, and shifting priorities, staying organized and focused is harder than ever. Research from Harvard Business Review and Psychology Today confirms what…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, op-ed
City of Clinton to Host Patriotic Celebration with 208th Army Band on July 1
June 29, 2025
Get ready to kick off Independence Day with a night of music, community, and patriotic spirit as the City of Clinton hosts a Fourth of July celebration on Tuesday, July…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Laurens County Council Recap – General Operating Budget and First Reading of Temporary Moratorium on Open Space Residential Developments
June 25, 2025
During a called meeting on Monday evening, the Laurens County discussed the general operating budget and had the first reading of a temporary Moratorium on open space residential developments. Bridge…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Hurricane Season Begins: Laurens County, Be Ready—and Stay Alert
June 25, 2025
As the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins (June 1–November 30), forecasters are warning of another active year. Following last year’s devastating Hurricane Helene, inland communities like Laurens County were starkly reminded that…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
A New Icon in the Sky: LCWSC Raises 1-Million-Gallon Elevated Water Tank
June 25, 2025
A striking new symbol of progress now towers above the treetops of Laurens County. On Saturday, June 14, the Laurens County Water and Sewer Commission (LCWSC) raised the bowl of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, utilities
Watch Your Wallet: Why Monitoring Your Bank Account is More Important Than Ever
June 25, 2025
In an age where paper checkbooks are rarely balanced and banking is done with a few taps on a smartphone, it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
Battle-Tested Conservative Attorney General Alan Wilson Announces Run for Governor
June 25, 2025
Monday night, June 23rd, Attorney General Alan Wilson announced his candidacy to become South Carolina’s next Governor. “Today is a pivotal moment for our state. The future of South Carolina…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, social-scene
Laurens County Fire Service Acquires Critical Equipment Through Forestry Commission Program
June 24, 2025
The Laurens County Fire Service marked a major win last week with the acquisition of several vital emergency vehicles through the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Federal Excess Property (FFP) program.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Upstate Earth Month 2025: 67,000 Pounds of Litter and a Growing Legacy of Impact
June 24, 2025
April 2025 marked the third year of the Upstate Earth Month collaboration, and communities across nine counties came together once again to clean, educate, and inspire. This multi-county effort, led…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
AG Alan Wilson Announces $100K Grant to Strengthen SC’s ICAC Unit and Support Victims
June 24, 2025
Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office will receive a $100,000 grant from the Attorney General Alliance (AGA) to support the mental health of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Confirmed Rabies Case in Laurens County Involves Skunk, Pet Exposure
June 24, 2025
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a skunk found near Burton and Stagecoach roads in Laurens, S.C., has tested positive for rabies. No people are known…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
SC Becomes Nation’s First Let Grow ‘Lighthouse State’
June 24, 2025
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is teaming up with the national nonprofit Let Grow to launch a groundbreaking statewide initiative. South Carolina is once again lighting the way—this…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
City of Clinton Streets & Sanitation Department Adjusts Pickup Schedule Due to Equipment Limitations
June 23, 2025
The City of Clinton’s Streets and Sanitation Department has issued an important service update regarding debris collection. Due to only one clam truck currently in operation, the department will be…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
From Pasture to Purpose – The Story Behind JBW Farms
June 23, 2025
Editor’s Note: This story is the first in a three-part series exploring the people, purpose, and vision behind JBW Farms in Laurens County, South Carolina. Nestled on the upper edge…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, food, headlines, local-industry, on-the-move, social-scene
Never Leave Them Behind: The Deadly Danger of Parked Cars in Summer Heat
June 23, 2025
As temperatures soar during the South Carolina summer, local officials are reminding residents of a tragic yet preventable danger: leaving children or pets in parked vehicles. Even for just a…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Thornwell Expands Free Summer Meal Program with Second Grab N’ Go Location
June 22, 2025
Thornwell’s free summer meal program continues—and is now even more accessible with the addition of a second pickup site. From now through July 28, 2025, Thornwell is providing free breakfast…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
Largest Password Leak in History Exposes 16 Billion Credentials Across Major Platforms
June 22, 2025
Cybersecurity researchers have revealed what is now being called the largest credential leak in history—a staggering 16 billion email and password combinations spanning major platforms such as Apple, Google, Facebook,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, technology
Fill the Cruiser: Sheriff’s Office Teams Up with Community to Support Students
June 22, 2025
Fill the Cruiser: Sheriff’s Office Teams Up with Community to Support Students The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office is calling on the community to help students gear up for the upcoming…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move
Clinton Police Department Conducts Active Shooter Training to Sharpen Response Readiness
June 22, 2025
The Clinton Police Department recently conducted an intensive Active Shooter Training session at a local school, reinforcing its commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness. The hands-on training aimed to…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move, social-scene
Thornwell Leads Local Effort to Tackle South Carolina’s Foster Care Shortage
June 22, 2025
While summer should be filled with popsicles, bike rides, and laughter, the reality for many children across South Carolina is far more difficult. When school lets out for summer break,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Gov. McMaster Signs Legislation to Secure South Carolina’s Energy Future
June 22, 2025
Governor Henry McMaster today was joined on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, by the state’s electric utilities and members of the General Assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of H. 3309,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, law, on-the-move
Jim Potts of Cross Hill Named 2025 SC Tree Farm Inspector of the Year
June 22, 2025
The Forestry Association of South Carolina has announced that Jim Potts, owner of Potts Forestry in Cross Hill, has been named the 2025 South Carolina Tree Farm Inspector of the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: agriculture, on-the-move
New Era for SCDMV: Safer Driver’s Licenses Rolling Out This Fall
June 21, 2025
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) will begin issuing redesigned driver’s licenses, beginner’s permits, and identification cards this fall featuring advanced security features and upgraded materials to better…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, law, on-the-move
Grants Available to Support Local Projects through Laurens County Community Foundation
June 20, 2025
The Laurens County Community Foundation (LCCF) has announced the launch of its tenth annual Community Enhancement Grant Program, offering local organizations the opportunity to receive funding for projects that strengthen…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
New Delivery Service ‘NeighborhoodGo’ Launches in Laurens County with Community-Focused Approach
June 18, 2025
Laurens County just got a little more connected. NeighborhoodGo, a new local delivery service, officially launched Monday, June 16, offering residents a more affordable and community-centered way to get meals…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: entrepreneurship, food, headlines, on-the-move
City of Laurens Council Approves Budget, Discusses Noise Ordinance Enforcement, and Elects Mayor Pro Tempore
June 18, 2025
The Laurens City Council met for its regular June meeting on Tuesday, June 17th with Mayor Nathan Senn opening the session by expressing appreciation for the community’s involvement in the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Summer Fun Returns to Downtown Laurens with Finally Friday Block Party
June 18, 2025
Summer fun is heating up on the Square as Main Street Laurens invites the community to the next Finally Friday event on Friday, June 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Six Local Students Represent Laurens Electric on Washington Youth Tour
June 18, 2025
Laurens County teens join over 2,000 students from across the nation for a week in D.C. Six rising high school seniors from Laurens Electric Cooperative’s service area have joined 71…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, utilities
