Posts by Brenda Stewart
Fountain Inn Fire Department Earns SAFE Designation, Making Fountain Inn the First City in Greenville County with Both Police and Fire Departments Recognized
July 14, 2026
The City of Fountain Inn is proud to announce that the Fountain Inn Fire Department has earned the Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, becoming only the second fire department…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines
New State Laboratory Strengthens South Carolina’s Public Health and Environmental Protection Efforts
July 14, 2026
The S.C. Department of Public Health (DPH) and S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today celebrated the opening of the state’s new Public Health and Environmental Laboratory, a modern facility…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, health-wellness, on-the-move
Gov. McMaster Appoints Darline Graham to the U.S. Senate
July 13, 2026
Governor Henry McMaster today announced the appointment of Darline Graham to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Ms. Graham…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens County Chamber of Commerce to Host 30th Annual Golf Challenge
July 13, 2026
The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce will host its 30th Annual Golf Challenge on Sept. 11, 2026, at Musgrove Mill Golf Club, located at 772 Musgrove Mill Drive in Clinton.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: chamber, on-the-move
A Way in the Wilderness: The Decision, and the People Who Showed Up (Part 2 of 4)
July 13, 2026
Editor’s note: This is the second installment in A Way in the Wilderness, a four-part series following Laurens County resident JoDee Watkins through her breast cancer journey, told in her…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Cozy Coop and Bakery to Celebrate Grand Opening in Cross Hill
July 13, 2026
What began as a small roadside farm stand is stepping into a new chapter. Cozy Coop and Bakery, formerly Cici Farm Stand and Bakery, will host its grand opening Saturday,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, retail
Laurens County Holds at Moderate Drought as Statewide Conditions Worsen
July 13, 2026
The South Carolina Drought Response Committee kept Laurens County at moderate drought status during its July 8 meeting, even as much of the state continues to struggle with worsening dry…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Unearth Wellness Opens in Clinton’s Lumberyard Loft
July 13, 2026
Unearth Wellness has officially opened its doors in the loft of The Lumberyard, bringing weekly Mat Pilates and Yoga classes to downtown Clinton. Owned by Amy Vutianitis, the studio occupies…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: life, on-the-move
South Carolina Joins Five-State Enforcement Effort to Reduce Speed-Related Crashes
July 13, 2026
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) joins law enforcement partners from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee in Operation Southern Slow Down this week as part of a regional…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move
The Race to Replace Graham: Key Dates in South Carolina’s Senate Special Primary
July 13, 2026
South Carolina election officials have released the schedule of dates and deadlines for the 2026 special primary that will set the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left open…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Clinton Planning Commission to Hold Public Hearing on Highway 56 South Annexation
July 12, 2026
The City of Clinton Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 14, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the M.S. Bailey Municipal Center, 211 N.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Laurens County Sheriff’s Office Exceeds Goal at ‘Fill the Cruiser’ School Supply Drive
July 12, 2026
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office surpassed its fundraising goal at its recent “Fill the Cruiser” school supply drive, gathering supplies and donations to help local students head back to class…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move
City of Clinton Awards 2026 Community Assistance Grants to Five Local Organizations
July 12, 2026
The City of Clinton has announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Assistance Grant, awarding $2,000 each to five local organizations working to strengthen the community and serve its residents.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; Governor to Name Interim Successor
July 12, 2026
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who spent more than two decades in the Senate and became one of the chamber’s leading voices on defense and foreign policy,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Main Street Fountain Inn Receives Designation as a 2026 Main Street America Affiliate Program
July 8, 2026
This national designation recognizes Fountain Inn’s strong commitment to community-based revitalization and positive local impact Main Street Fountain Inn has been designated as a 2026Affiliate Main Street America program again…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Experience the Holy Land for a Weekend in Laurens
July 7, 2026
Laurens residents have a rare opportunity the weekend of July 31 through Aug. 1 to experience the Holy Land without leaving the county. Professional Israeli tour guide Katharine van der…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
SC Hunters for the Hungry Seeks Volunteer Region Coordinators Statewide
July 7, 2026
SC Hunters for the Hungry is expanding its statewide network and is recruiting volunteer region coordinators to serve as the local link between the organization and the hunters, meat processors…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, outdoors
Historic Courthouse Square Gets Fresh Look, 14 New Parking Spaces in Downtown Laurens
July 7, 2026
Downtown Laurens has a refreshed centerpiece following improvements to the Historic Courthouse Square that city officials say enhance both the appearance and function of the district. The City of Laurens…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
SC7 Expedition Reaches Clinton This Sunday with Musgrove Mill Hike
July 7, 2026
The South Carolina 7 Expedition arrives in Laurens County this Sunday, July 12, with a public hike at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site in Clinton as part of the statewide…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Upstate Pregnancy Center to Hold Diaper Drive-Thru in Downtown Clinton Tuesday
July 7, 2026
Families in Laurens County who need a little extra help with diapers and wipes will have another opportunity to receive support when the Upstate Pregnancy Center hosts a Diaper Drive-Thru…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: non-profit, on-the-move
City of Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland Retires After More Than 26 Years of Service
July 7, 2026
On Friday July 3rd at the City’s Annual Freedom Fest Independence Day celebration Mayor Nathan Senn announced the retirement of Chief of Police Heath Copeland Jr. and presented him with…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Clinton City Council Honors Longtime Judge, Approves Grants and Annexation
July 7, 2026
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…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Laurens County Chorale Invites Community to Inaugural ‘Sip & Sing’ Event
July 7, 2026
The Laurens County Chorale will host its inaugural “Sip & Sing” event Aug. 17 at the Laurens County Museum, offering area residents a relaxed introduction to the group and the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: music, on-the-move, the-arts
South Carolina Tax Free Weekend Returns August 7 to 9
July 7, 2026
South Carolina shoppers can skip the sales tax on school supplies, computers, clothing, footwear and other back-to-school essentials during the state’s annual Tax Free Weekend, which runs Friday, Aug. 7,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens County Families Face Uncertain Future as Child Care Scholarship Funding is Reduced
July 7, 2026
54% Reduction in Smart Start Child Care Scholarships Threatens Workforce Stability, Child Care Access, and Kindergarten Readiness for Laurens County First Step Families. South Carolina’s Child Care Scholarship Program supports…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
WhatsApp Account Takeover Scam Spreads as Fraudsters Hijack Users Through Verification Codes
July 7, 2026
Community members who use WhatsApp are being urged to stay alert as a fast spreading account takeover scam continues to hijack profiles across the country, locking users out and turning…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move
GSP Adds Nonstop Flights to Cincinnati and Fort Lauderdale, Reminds Travelers to Pre-Book Parking
July 7, 2026
Breeze Airways has added nonstop service from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) to two new destinations, giving Upstate travelers more options as the summer travel season continues. Nonstop flights to Cincinnati…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, travel
A Way in the Wilderness: A Laurens County Woman Shares Her Cancer Journey (Part 1 of 4)
July 6, 2026
Editor’s note: Breast cancer awareness has a month on the calendar, but cancer keeps no such schedule. JoDee Watkins learned of her diagnosis four days before Christmas, on an ordinary…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens Welcomes Patriot Tour Flag and Seals Time Capsule for 2126
July 6, 2026
The City of Laurens marked Independence Day weekend with a ceremony that looked both backward and far into the future, welcoming a national touring American flag and sealing a time…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, social-scene
South Carolina Highway Patrol Aims for Top Spot in National Calendar Contest
July 6, 2026
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is once again looking to earn a top spot in America’s Best Looking Cruiser Calendar Contest and we need your help! This annual contest, held…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: law, on-the-move
South Carolina-Based F-35B Stealth Jet Stuns Crowds with Mid-Air Hover Over D.C. for Independence Day Celebration
July 6, 2026
During the monumental Independence Day celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday, a state-of-the-art fighter jet from the Palmetto State stole the show in the skies over the nation’s capital. As part…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: military, on-the-move, veterans
GSP Launches Major Infrastructure Improvements, Schedules Runway Closures
July 6, 2026
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in Greer has begun a series of infrastructure projects this summer that officials say will strengthen the airport’s resilience, improve energy efficiency and support long-term growth,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, travel
July Garden Checklist From Clemson Extension: Beetles, Bagworms, and Blossom End Rot
July 6, 2026
The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service has released its July yard and garden calendar with timely guidance for Laurens County homeowners. Tips cover flowers, fruit trees, lawns, trees, and vegetable…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: advice, on-the-move
SC Housing Program Offers First Responders Down Payment Help on a First Home
July 6, 2026
South Carolina police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics may qualify for thousands of dollars in home buying help through a state program created to reward public…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Reminder: Clinton’s Juneteenth Celebration Set for July 9
July 6, 2026
The City of Clinton will host its rescheduled Juneteenth celebration this Thursday, July 9, in downtown Clinton. The free community gathering, billed as “A Celebration of Freedom,” runs from 6…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: festivals-special-events, on-the-move
Fresh Mandates and Policy Shifts: What South Carolina’s July 1 Laws Mean for You
July 6, 2026
July 1 marked the start of a new fiscal year in South Carolina, bringing a wave of newly enacted legislation that directly reshapes public school safety, teacher licensing, community resource…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, law, on-the-move
Laurens County Sheriff’s Office ‘Fill the Cruiser’ School Supply Drive Set for Friday
July 6, 2026
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual “Fill the Cruiser” school supply collection drive on Friday, July 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chick-fil-A of Laurens.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
South Carolina Troopers Mark Summer Driving Season With Pointed DUI Warning
July 4, 2026
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety are using humor to deliver a serious message as the state moves through what safety officials call…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Clemson Extension Offers Master Gardener Training Course
July 4, 2026
Area residents looking to deepen their gardening knowledge and give back to the community have an opportunity to enroll in the Clemson Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course. The…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, on-the-move
South Carolina Enters New Fiscal Year Without a Budget as Lawmakers Turn to Continuing Resolution
July 1, 2026
South Carolina began its 2027 fiscal year on July 1 without a new state budget in place, marking a rare missed deadline as House and Senate negotiators remained divided over…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
Trump Accounts Set to Launch July 4: What Families Need to Know
July 1, 2026
A new federal savings program for children is set to take effect this Independence Day, and many parents may be eligible to claim a one time government deposit for their…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, on-the-move
American Legion Post 25 to Welcome Nation of Patriots Tour Flag, Community Invited to Take Part
July 1, 2026
American Legion Post 25 will welcome a single American flag traveling across all 50 states this Independence Day weekend, and the community is invited to be part of the celebration.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Prisma Health begins construction on $180 million medical park in southern Greenville County
July 1, 2026
Prisma Health officially broke ground today (June 30) on the Fountain Inn Medical Park, a $180 million medical park in southern Greenville County that will provide expanded access to much-needed…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: health-care, on-the-move
Celebrating America’s 250th Safely
July 1, 2026
As Independence Day celebrations approach, local fire officials are reminding residents that a few simple precautions can keep backyard fireworks displays festive rather than dangerous. Fireworks send thousands of people…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
Beyond the Fireworks: Lesser-Known Facts About America’s Founding as the Nation Turns 250
July 1, 2026
As communities across the country prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, much of the celebration centers on familiar images of fireworks, parades and the Fourth of July.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens Freedom Fest Returns July 3 with Live Music, Fireworks and Downtown Road Closures
July 1, 2026
Downtown Laurens will mark 250 years of American independence at Freedom Fest 2026, set for 5 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 3. The annual celebration, presented by the City of…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: festivals-special-events, on-the-move
LushAcres Farm and Market Barbecue Showdown to Benefit Thornwell
July 1, 2026
LushAcres Farm and Market will host its first Backyard Barbecue Showdown on Aug. 1, pitting amateur pitmasters against one another for cash prizes, bragging rights and the title of backyard…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: festivals-special-events, food, on-the-move
Tapestry Inc. to Mark 40 Years With Anniversary Celebration in Clinton
July 1, 2026
Tapestry Inc., a women’s clothing boutique in Clinton, is preparing to celebrate four decades in business with what the store is calling its biggest anniversary party yet. The “40 and…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
SCDNR to conduct courtesy boat inspections during July Fourth weekend Friday, Saturday and Sunday
July 1, 2026
In an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Fourth of July weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Law Enforcement Division will be conducting courtesy boat…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move, outdoors
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Opens New Food Pantry to Serve Laurens County Families
July 1, 2026
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Laurens is launching a new food pantry aimed at providing more consistent support to families in need across the community. The church announced the initiative…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: on-the-move
