Macie Williams Crowned 2026 Miss Hilltopper

  April 29, 2026

Hillcrest High School celebrated a night of elegance, talent, and school spirit this week as Macie Williams was officially crowned the 2026 Miss Hilltopper. The annual pageant, a staple of the school’s spring calendar, showcased the diverse talents and poise of the student body. Williams didn’t just take home the main title; she also swept…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult, the-arts

Trail Safety in Focus: Conestee Nature Preserve Reminds Visitors to Stay Vigilent

  April 29, 2026

As spring temperatures rise across the Upstate, wildlife activity is on the move. Conestee Nature Preserve issued a lighthearted but timely reminder to hikers and nature enthusiasts this week to stay vigilant on the trails as native snake species become more active. In a recent social media post featuring a well-camouflaged black snake nestled in…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz   Category: on-the-move, public-safety

Hillcrest High Honors Student Leaders at Inter-High Council Luncheon

  April 29, 2026

Hillcrest High School paused to recognize a group of its most dedicated student leaders this past Friday during the annual Inter-High Council year-end luncheon. The event served as a formal “thank you” to the students who served on the council, representing the school’s interests and fostering community throughout the academic year. In a social media…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: education, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult

Dr. Matilda Evans Author Talk Rescheduled for May 12 at Fountain Inn Museum

  April 29, 2026

History enthusiasts and community members will have to wait just a bit longer to hear the story of a South Carolina medical pioneer. The highly anticipated author talk and book signing, “Dr. Matilda A. Evans: The Life of a Trailblazer,” has been rescheduled for May 12, 2026, due to illness. The event, featuring Dr. Walter…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: education, entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move, the-arts

Governor McMaster to Join Cody Simpson for Agricultural Meet and Greet in Fountain Inn

  April 29, 2026

The local agricultural community is preparing for a high-profile visit this week as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joins Cody Simpson for a campaign “Meet and Greet.” The event is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, April 30, at AM-PM Farms. Cody Simpson, a candidate for South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, is hosting the event to discuss…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: festivals-special-events, on-the-move, politics

Club Rewind to Bring 80s Nostalgia to Heritage Park This May

  April 29, 2026

Get ready to tease your hair and dust off your neon; the 1980s are making a high-energy comeback in Simpsonville. The popular tribute act Club Rewind is set to perform a live concert on Thursday, May 7, 2026, promising a night of total nostalgia for the Upstate. The event will take place at 100 Park…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move, the-arts

Mauldin High Student Noel Lyons Awarded Prestigious Marine Option ROTC Scholarship

  April 29, 2026

Noel Lyons has earned one of the nation’s most competitive military scholarships, receiving the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Marine Option scholarship. This distinguished achievement places Lyons among an elite group of students selected each year for their leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to serving their country. The Marine Option NROTC scholarship is a…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: education, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult

“Breathe & Move” 5K Walk Announced to Promote Wellness and Connection

  April 29, 2026

A new community wellness initiative is hitting the pavement this season as organizers officially announce the “Breathe & Move” 5K Walk. Designed to prioritize mental and physical health, the event encourages residents to step away from their screens and into the fresh air for an morning of active engagement. The walk centers on three core…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, health-wellness, on-the-move, sports, the-arts

Fountain Inn Announces Inaugural Juneteenth Soul Food Festival

  April 29, 2026

The City of Fountain Inn is set to host a vibrant celebration of freedom, heritage, and flavor with the announcement of the Juneteenth Soul Food Festival. This upcoming event aims to bring the community together to commemorate Juneteenth while honoring the rich culinary traditions of the African American community. Decorated in the symbolic red, black,…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, music, on-the-move

Forestry Commission Lifts Burning Ban for 12 Upstate Counties

  April 29, 2026

Relief is on the way for residents in the northwestern part of the state as the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) announced it will lift the State Forester’s Burning Ban for 12 Piedmont counties. The change is scheduled to take effect at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29. The decision follows 12 days of restricted…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz   Category: on-the-move, public-safety

Mauldin Cultural Center Set to Rock with Upcoming Production of “Memphis”

  April 29, 2026

The Mauldin Theatre Company has officially pulled back the curtain on the cast for its highly anticipated spring production of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Memphis.” The show is scheduled to run from May 8 through May 24, 2026, bringing a high-energy tale of rock ‘n’ roll and forbidden love to the Upstate stage. Set in…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move, the-arts

Whiskey’s Rhythm Set to Headline Outdoor Session at Warehouse at Vaughns

  April 29, 2026

The local music scene in the Upstate continues to heat up as the popular musical act Whiskey’s Rhythm prepares for a headline performance at Warehouse at Vaughns. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Known for its rustic charm and communal atmosphere, Warehouse at Vaughns has become…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, on-the-move, the-arts

Mauldin First Baptist Announces Outdoor Young Adults Gathering for May 16

  April 29, 2026

Mauldin First Baptist (MFB) is inviting the local young adult community to trade their daily routines for a day on the water. The church has officially announced its upcoming Young Adults Gathering, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. Designed as a day of recreation and community building, the event aims to provide a relaxed environment…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: churches, entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult

Sea of Goldens to Descend on Bridgeway Station for Golden Day

  April 29, 2026

Bridgeway Station is preparing for a paws-itively massive gathering next month as Good Dogs of Greenville presents “Golden Day.” The event, inspired by viral golden retriever meetups across the country, is set to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The celebration is designed to be a casual, community-style…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move

Fountain Inn Farmers Market Set to Return for 2026 Season

  April 29, 2026

The sights and flavors of the local harvest are returning to the Upstate this weekend as the Fountain Inn Farmers Market officially kicks off its 2026 season. Operating under the theme “Closest to the Farm,” the market will open its gates this Saturday, May 2. The weekly event has become a cornerstone of the Fountain…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: festivals-special-events, food, on-the-move

Echoes & Insights — Where the Revolution Was Won: Exploring Laurens County’s Revolutionary War Driving Tour, Sites 1–7

  April 29, 2026

APRIL 2026 COLUMN  Echoes & Insights: The Laurens County Series. Readers are invited to journey through the history of Laurens County, uncovering the stories, places, and people that have shaped our community. This series is designed to preserve history while sparking conversation about how it continues to guide us today. We’d like to thank our Founding…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: echoes-insights, on-the-move

LEAD Upstate launches “Stay with Me” Mental Health and Wellness initiative for Greenville County Law Enforcement

  April 29, 2026

LEAD Upstate, the organization behind Greenville County’s annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, is proud to announce the launch of a new year-round initiative: the “Stay with Me” Mental Health and Wellness Program. The program extends LEAD’s mission beyond the annual September event and provides ongoing, confidential mental health and wellness resources to law enforcement officers…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: law, on-the-move

Laurens County School District 56 Expands Gifted & Talented Program with New Hire

  April 29, 2026

Laurens County School District 56 has announced the hiring of a second Elementary Gifted & Talented teacher, expanding its commitment to advanced learners at the elementary level. Mrs. Lander Adams joins the district from Greenwood, S.C., bringing 26 years of experience in gifted education. Her background spans both self-contained gifted programs and pull-out GT models,…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: education, on-the-move

Pebbles Ice Cream Opens in Clinton with a Mission Bigger Than a Scoop

  April 29, 2026

New shop on West Main Street offers sensory-friendly environment, job training for individuals with special needs A new ice cream shop has arrived in downtown Clinton, and the story behind it matters just as much as what’s in the case. Pebbles Ice Cream, located at 200 W. Main St., opened in mid-April to a warm…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: food, headlines, on-the-move

SC Launch Inc. celebrates investment in SafeMedWaste

  April 29, 2026

SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has announced a $400,000 investment in SafeMedWaste. The Johns Island-based startup created a better way to dispose of controlled substances without incineration. “On-site chemical destruction of controlled substances is a gamechanger for safer and more cost-effective drug, specifically opioid, disposals,” said SCRA President…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move

Bailey joins Morton & Gettys

  April 29, 2026

A South Carolina native and lifelong resident of the Palmetto State, JD Bailey has joined Morton & Gettys as its newest associate. His practice includes commercial real estate, land use and zoning, corporate law, and general civil litigation. He is licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina. Bailey is a graduate of the Elon University…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: law, on-the-move

Stewart Jones, Former SC House District 14 Representative, Endorses Rick Shealy for SC House Seat

  April 29, 2026

Stewart Jones, who served six years as South Carolina House District 14 Representative and built a record of unwavering commitment to limited government and constitutional principles, has thrown his full support behind Rick Shealy in the June 9 Republican primary for the District 14 seat. Jones served in the South Carolina State House without ever…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics

GreenWood, Inc. earns the McGriff Workplace Safety Excellence Award for 16th consecutive year

  April 29, 2026

GreenWood, Inc., an integrated maintenance, construction, and workforce solutions provider, has been recognized with the McGriff Workplace Safety Excellence Award for its outstanding safety performance across the organization. The award is presented to companies that demonstrate exceptional overall safety results, as measured by key performance indicators including workers’ compensation policy loss ratio, workers’ compensation experience…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: manufacturing, on-the-move

Lander, Trident Technical College agreement creates pathway for paralegal studies

  April 29, 2026

Lander University and Trident Technical College (TTC) have announced a new transfer partnership for students who are looking to advance their education in paralegal studies. The articulation agreement will allow TTC students to easily transfer their credits into the bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies Program at Lander, entering as juniors in Lander’s College of Humanities,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: education, on-the-move

Harbor Logistics appoints Scott Auslund as Chief Executive Officer

  April 29, 2026

Harbor Logistics, a Charleston-based port-centric logistics platform offering warehousing, transloading and drayage services, announced that Scott Auslund will become Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2026. Auslund, appointed by Harbor’s Board of Directors, brings more than 15 years of experience in transportation and logistics, with a track record of scaling operations and driving growth in…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: economic-development, on-the-move, transportation

Vision 2030: Free, accessible eyecare for adults statewide

  April 29, 2026

ABVI, Lions Vision Services, and Servants for Sight partner to deliver prevention, correction, and rehabilitation across South Carolina Three South Carolina nonprofits have united through Vision 2030, a statewide initiative delivering free, high quality eyecare to adults in underserved communities throughout the state. To increase awareness, partner agencies, the Association for the Blind & Visually…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: health-wellness, non-profit, on-the-move

United Way of the Piedmont welcomes five new Board Members

  April 29, 2026

Five new members are joining United Way of the Piedmont’s Board of Directors. Representing our region across multiple sectors, counties, and backgrounds, each Board Member uniquely strengthens the United Way reach and mission. Welcome to the new members of the Board: Dr. Lacresha Byrd, Union County Schools Chunsta Miller, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move

17 Turner Padget attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers

  April 29, 2026

Turner Padget announces that 17 of its attorneys have been honored as South Carolina Super Lawyers for 2026. The full list is available at superlawyers.com. The Turner Padget honorees were recognized in the following areas: Charleston David S. Cobb, Construction Litigation Richard S. Dukes, Jr., Constitutional Law Columbia Reginald W. Belcher, Employment Litigation: Defense Catherine H. Kennedy,…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: law, on-the-move

Local dealership aims to fill automotive technician shortage

  April 29, 2026

South Carolina and the nation are facing a shortage of automotive service technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina has a shortage of 1,400 automotive technicians scattered throughout the state. The South Carolina Automotive Dealers Association (SCADA) and the technical college system are working to close that gap through a scholarship and…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: education, on-the-move

Rebuild Upstate celebrates volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week

  April 29, 2026

Rebuild Upstate, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in need, celebrated its volunteers this week with a free BBQ meal. Rebuild Upstate staff and board members came together to serve a free BBQ dinner to the non-profit’s generous volunteers on April 23. The event, held at Bethesda…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move

South Carolina Office of Mental Health launches “Your Brain Is A Jerk” campaign ahead of Mental Health Month

  April 29, 2026

In response to rising mental health challenges among young people, the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Office of Mental Health, in partnership with iHeartMedia and Chernoff Newman, has launched “Your Brain Is A Jerk,” a new awareness and prevention campaign designed to help individuals recognize and disrupt harmful thought patterns. The campaign…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: health-wellness, on-the-move

Ohh My Rolls Expands to Buckaroo Brews, Now Available at Four Laurens County Locations

  April 29, 2026

Ohh My Rolls, a sweet roll business that reaches customers through partnerships with established local retailers, has added a new location to its growing list of pickup spots. The fan-favorite rolls are now available at Buckaroo Brews in Laurens, bringing the business to four locations across Laurens County and neighboring Greenwood. Buckaroo Brews, located at…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: food, on-the-move, retail

Balancing Growth and God’s Country

  April 29, 2026

South Carolina’s Defining Challenge By Tom Mullikin Recent News reported that “South Carolina is officially the fastest-growing state in the nation, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Between July 2024 and July 2025, the Palmetto State’s population surged by 1.5 percent, outpacing every other state in the country.” From the Upstate’s…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move, op-ed

Kids Summer Movie Series returns to The Nick for its third year with eight weeks of handpicked classics and a toy drive

  April 29, 2026

The Nickelodeon Theater announced Camp Cinema, the theme of its third annual Kids Summer Movie Series, running June 3 through July 25. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, families are invited to settle in for a handpicked lineup of animated and live-action classics the whole family will love, all at a price that makes it easy…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: entertainment, media, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts

Laurens County Chorale Brings ‘Voices of America’ to Clinton and Laurens this Weekend

  April 29, 2026

The Laurens County Chorale will present its spring concert, “Voices of America,” this Friday and Sunday, offering the community two opportunities to experience a musical celebration of 250 years of America in song. The program traces the nation’s story through music, drawing from traditional American folk songs, African-American folk songs, western songs, and selections by…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts

Presbyterian College Unveils Completed Peace Pavilion, Restoring Historic Outdoor Chapel Site

  April 28, 2026

Presbyterian College has completed the Peace Pavilion, a newly restored outdoor gathering space now open to students, faculty, and visitors on campus. The pavilion features a labyrinth design on the floor intended for reflection and prayer, and its completion comes at a particularly meaningful time — just ahead of final exams. Wraparound benches provide space…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: on-the-move

Preserving the Past: Join the Kaminski House for “Stroll Through Our Stories”

  April 28, 2026

The Kaminski House Museum is inviting the community to step back in time and celebrate the heritage of the Hammock Coast with a special event, “Stroll Through Our Stories.” Taking place on Wednesday, May 6, as part of the broader Palmetto Giving Day (May 5–6), this free, relaxed drop-in experience offers two distinct ways to…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

Timeless Georgetown: The Story of the SC State Flag

  April 28, 2026

By Mary Boyd Timeless Georgetown is a series dedicated to the rich history and stories that shaped Georgetown, South Carolina—the third-oldest city in the state. From the strategic maneuvers of the Revolutionary War to the cultural evolution of the “Rice Coast,” we explore the legends and landmarks that define our heritage. Join us as we…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: on-the-move

Lander’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Honors Students with Annual Awards

  April 28, 2026

The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Lander University celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of the college community during its annual awards ceremony held Thursday, April 9, in the Abney Cultural Center Auditorium. The ceremony recognized the academic excellence, creativity, service and leadership demonstrated by several of the college’s students over the course of…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: education, on-the-move

Georgetown County Water & Sewer District sets irrigation schedule to manage peak demand

  April 28, 2026

Georgetown County Water & Sewer District (GCWSD) is implementing a new irrigation schedule for its customers to manage peak water demand and ensure system reliability during periods of high use. The measure, which aligns with state drought guidance, aims to preserve the integrity of the water distribution system and stabilize storage levels. Scheduled Watering Days…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: environmental, government, on-the-move, utilities

Clemson alum James Rhett Hendricks Jr. to receive Distinguished Service Award

  April 28, 2026

PAWLEY’S ISLAND, SC — The Clemson Alumni Association has announced that James Rhett Hendricks Jr., a retired vice president of Duke Energy and a decorated veteran, will receive its highest honor: the Distinguished Service Award. The award, to be presented in May 2026, recognizes alumni who exemplify Clemson University’s highest ideals through professional achievement, community…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, on-the-move, philanthropy

SCDOT to hold open house public information meeting about US 17 Corridor Improvements Project in Georgetown County

  April 28, 2026

The South Carolina Department of Transportation will hold an open house public information meeting about proposed improvements along US 17 between S-1015 (Crooked Oak Drive) and S-302 (Litchfield Drive) in Georgetown County. The open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Waccamaw Intermediate School, 320 Wildcat Way, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: government, on-the-move, public-safety, transportation

Greenville Cycling Classic returns to downtown this Thursday

  April 28, 2026

Third Annual Event Draws Top Cyclists, Includes Road Closures Cycling standouts — including six-time national champion Luke Fetzer, U.S. criterium champion Lucas Bourgoyne and top female athlete Samantha Schneider — will compete this week, as the Greenville Cycling Classic, presented by Prisma Health, returns to downtown. The criterium bike race will be held on a…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: government, on-the-move, sports

Nearly 500,000 pounds of trash removed statewide during PalmettoPride’s SC Sweep

  April 28, 2026

In only its second year, the SC Sweep expanded into a growing statewide movement, tripling litter removal totals and engaging volunteers in every South Carolina county. In just a few days, thousands of South Carolinians came together to make a visible difference in their communities, removing 488,856 pounds of litter from roadsides, parks, and public…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: environmental, on-the-move

The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division is offering expedited collection services for summer move out piles

  April 28, 2026

The Solid Waste Division will once again focus on expedited trash collection for move outs, specifically. Solid Waste experiences large increases in bulk item collection during the spring and summer months due to college students moving out from rental properties. With focused efforts on beautifying the City, the Solid Waste Division will be offering expedited…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: government, on-the-move

New Charleston County Parks website launched

  April 28, 2026

Charleston County Park has done a refresh of their website. The newly redesigned website is officially live at charlestoncountyparks.com – and it’s built to help members of our community explore, discover, and plan their next park adventure more easily than ever. What’s new? Park Finder (https://www.ccprc.com/parks/): Quickly find the parks, facilities, and amenities you’re looking for —…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: government, on-the-move

Konnichiwa restaurant coming to Cardinal Crossing in Forest Acres

  April 28, 2026

Colliers | South Carolina’s Rox Pollard, Danny Bonds and John Gressette represented the landlord, The Beach Company, in the lease of ±5,807 square feet of retail space at Cardinal Crossing to Konnichiwa of Columbia. Cardinal Crossing is a $60 million mixed-use development on Forest Drive in the heart of Forest Acres. The site consists of…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: commercial-real-estate, on-the-move, restaurant, retail

Black River United Way calls for support as local third-grade literacy rates lag

  April 28, 2026

Nearly half of all third graders in the local community are currently reading below grade level, according to data released by Black River United Way. The statistics reveal a stark disparity between neighboring counties, with 44% of Georgetown County third graders and 61.6% of Williamsburg County third graders failing to meet literacy benchmarks. Educators and…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

Jennifer Rye joins Coldwell Banker Caine in Greenville

  April 28, 2026

Coldwell Banker Caine welcomed Jennifer Rye as a real estate agent in its Greenville office. Rye brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to real estate, helping clients navigate the buying and selling process with perspective, preparation, and a strong sense of partnership. Before transitioning into real estate, Rye spent more than 20 years in sales leadership…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: employment, local-industry, on-the-move, residential-real-estate