CAMBRIDGE FARMS — BEFORE THE VOTE 490 Homes. Two Votes. First One Monday.
July 29, 2026
Clinton City Council takes up the Cambridge Farms annexation on August 3. It takes two readings to pass it. Here is what the public record shows — and why the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Rock Hill lands Octapharma’s $1.5B manufacturing facility
July 29, 2026
ROCK HILL, SC – The South Carolina Department of Commerce announced that final approvals have been completed for biopharmaceutical manufacturer Octapharma‘s first U.S. manufacturing and production facility, paving the way…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
A Way in the Wilderness: What She Wishes She had Known, and Where Laurens County Can Turn for Help (Part 4 of 4)
July 29, 2026
Editor’s note: This is the fourth and final installment in A Way in the Wilderness, a series following Laurens County resident JoDee Watkins through her breast cancer journey, told in…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, health-wellness, on-the-move
Out on the Strip: Your weekly guide to what’s happening, where to eat, and what to do at BridgeWay Station
July 29, 2026
By Barbara LeForge, Golden Strip News Editor Look, if you told me a few years ago that I’d be sipping an espresso in what looks like a sunny Italian piazza…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, life, on-the-move, retail, social-scene
Back-to-School Readiness: The Complete Golden Strip Guide for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
July 29, 2026
With summer winding down across Greenville County, families throughout Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn are shifting gears for the return to the classroom. Greenville County Schools (GCS)—the state’s largest public…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, headlines, on-the-move
Nine Certified for Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate; Three Ruled Ineligible
July 29, 2026
Nine Republicans will appear on the ballot Aug. 11 in the special primary to select the party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Cleanup and Repair Update Regarding Train Derailment in Laurens County
July 29, 2026
Laurens County continues to monitor post-incident operations pertaining to the train derailment that occurred in the early morning of July 27, 2026. Please be advised that this continues to be…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
The Village Group welcomes veteran fundraising executive Rick Nikkel as Deputy Director of Development
July 28, 2026
The Village Group (TVG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Nikkel as its new Deputy Director of Development, further strengthening the organization’s leadership team as it advances transformative…
Read MorePosted in: georgetown-sc-gazette Category: headlines, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
Optus Financial Corporation and M&F Bancorp, Inc. announce partnership to create the nation’s premier African American bank
July 28, 2026
Columbia-based Optus Financial Corporation has announced a definitive agreement to merge with M&F Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for M&F Bank in Durham, North Carolina, in a transaction that will…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
Century Aluminum celebrates return to full production at Berkeley County smelter
July 28, 2026Century Aluminum marked the completion of a major expansion at its Mt. Holly aluminum smelter in Berkeley County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 27, celebrating the facility’s return to full…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Update Regarding Train Car Derailment in Laurens County
July 27, 2026
Cleanup Operations and Travel Updates Laurens County continues to monitor the situation and receive regular updates regarding the train incident that occurred at 5:20am on the reported date. As the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Not Every Party Invitation Is Worth Accepting: Advice From the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office
July 27, 2026
The invitation went out on social media. So did the response. Laurens County deputies made 29 arrests Saturday, July 25, during an illegal street takeover in the area of Mountville…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Tapestry Marks 40 Years in Business With “40 and Fabulous” Party Aug. 7
July 27, 2026
Tapestry Inc., a locally owned women’s clothing boutique on East Carolina Avenue, is throwing a “40 and Fabulous” party Friday, Aug. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate 40…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, retail
Sanitary Market Offers Weekly Fresh Seafood Through Thursday Text List
July 27, 2026
Laurens County customers looking for fresh seafood without a trip to the coast now have a standing option each week at Sanitary Market. The downtown Laurens market runs a weekly…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: food, headlines, on-the-move
South Carolina Secures “First-in-the-Nation” Spot for 2028 Democratic Primary
July 27, 2026
In a major political victory for the Palmetto State, South Carolina has been officially chosen to host the first-in-the-nation primary for the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination calendar. The decision…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move, politics
Upstate Residents Can Weigh In Online as SCDNR Gathers Input on Hunting Deer With Dogs
July 26, 2026
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is collecting public comment on hunting deer with dogs, but the two remaining public forums are several hours from the Upstate, leaving an…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Salas O’Brien merges with DWG Consulting Engineers
July 24, 2026
Salas O’Brien announced that it is welcoming DWG Consulting Engineers, a comprehensive engineering design services firm with a 50-year legacy in coastal South Carolina. This strategic merger strengthens Salas O’Brien’s…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc Category: architecture, business-services, engineering, headlines, on-the-move
Melrose Market celebrated grand opening with ribbon cutting in Melrose Heights
July 23, 2026Columbia’s newest neighborhood gathering place officially opened its doors as Melrose Market celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 22, alongside Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, community…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, on-the-move, restaurant, retail
United Way of the Midlands receives $100,000 grant from First Citizens Bank
July 23, 2026
First Citizens Bank awarded United Way of the Midlands $100,000 to increase multi-generational economic stability and mobility through its Young Men United initiative and Whole Family Strategy. This latest grant…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy
A New Chapter on Main Street: Steam Coffee & Cream Rebrands as Benny’s Sip & Scoop
July 22, 2026
A familiar staple in downtown Fountain Inn is undergoing a total transformation. Following weeks of behind-the-scenes renovations, the team behind Steam Coffee & Cream has announced the shop is officially…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move
A Way in the Wilderness: The Journey That Does Not End (Part 3 of 4)
July 22, 2026
Editor’s note: This is the third 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, health-wellness, on-the-move
Easing Back to School: Practical Tips to Reset the Household Routine
July 22, 2026
The lazy rhythm of summer has a way of stretching bedtimes, loosening schedules and letting the family calendar drift. When the first day of school arrives, that relaxed pace can…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
First Community Corporation announces leadership transition
July 22, 2026First Community Corporation (Nasdaq: FCCO), the holding company for First Community Bank, announced planned changes to the bank’s executive leadership team and discussed the results of operations and the company’s activities…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: banking-and-finance, headlines, on-the-move
Disability Pride Month Shines a Light on Inclusion, and on the work of Pathwise in Laurens County
July 22, 2026
Every July, communities across the country mark Disability Pride Month, a time set aside to honor the history, achievements, and lived experiences of the disability community while advocating for full…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Clinton Accepting Applications for Three Planning Commission Seats
July 21, 2026
The City of Clinton is accepting applications for open seats on its Planning Commission, with vacancies available in Ward 2, Ward 4 and one at-large position. Planning Commission members help…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Memorial Services Announced for Sen. Lindsey Graham
July 21, 2026
Memorial services for the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will be held later this month in Washington and in his home state, his office announced Friday. A service will…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
The Therapy Place purchases six acres to expand services for children with special needs
July 21, 2026The Therapy Place has purchased a six-acre property in northeast Columbia, marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit’s mission to ensure every child with special needs has the opportunity to…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: headlines, non-profit, on-the-move
Fortified Solar expanding Greenville County operations with $22.75M investment, 151 new jobs
July 21, 2026
Fortified Solar, a U.S. manufacturer of custom steel roofing systems with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, is expanding its operations in Greenville County with a $22.75 million investment expected to create…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: government, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Inaugural Laurens Film Festival to Debut Oct. 23 at Historic Capitol Theatre
July 20, 2026
The City of Laurens is preparing to roll out the red carpet for its inaugural Laurens Film Festival, set for Oct. 23 at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Laurens.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Call for Artists: City of Simpsonville Invites Local Submissions for 125th Anniversary Art & History Exhibit
July 20, 2026
In celebration of its landmark 125th anniversary, the City of Simpsonville, in partnership with the Simpsonville ARTS Foundation, is inviting local artists of all ages and experience levels to submit…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: festivals-special-events, headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Fireworks and Live Music: Amp’d Up Fridays to Close Out Summer Season with Grand Finale
July 20, 2026
The City of Mauldin is preparing to wrap up another successful summer of its popular outdoor concert series. The Amp’d Up Fridays finale will take place on Friday, July 31,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, on-the-move, teens-and-young-adult
Safe, Local Greens Across the Golden Strip
July 20, 2026
While national supply chains deal with commercial produce recalls, staying close to home is the easiest way to keep crisp, fresh lettuce on your dinner table. Shopping locally at farms,…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, health-wellness, life, on-the-move
Street Eats & Local Treats: Where to Find the Best Food Trucks in Mauldin, Simpsonville & Fountain Inn
July 20, 2026
From gourmet smash burgers and artisan mac and cheese to authentic street tacos and sweet shaved ice, the mobile food scene across the Golden Strip is thriving. Whether you’re looking…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: food, headlines, on-the-move
Rabid Raccoon Found in Neighboring Greenwood County; DPH Urges Residents to Vaccinate Pets
July 20, 2026
A raccoon found in Hodges, in neighboring Greenwood County, has tested positive for rabies, prompting a reminder from state health officials for Laurens County pet owners to keep their animals’…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens County Names Public Information Officer, Pledging Clearer Communication
July 20, 2026
Laurens County has filled its long-vacant public information officer position, naming Darbi Jackson to the role effective July 1, 2026, the date the county’s new budget took effect. Jackson has…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Chief Copeland Reflects on 26 Years Behind the Badge as He Prepares to Retire
July 20, 2026
After 26 years in law enforcement, all of them with the Laurens Police Department, Chief Heath Copeland is stepping away from the badge and trading late-night phone calls for early…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move, social-scene
All-Season Raffle From SC Hunters for the Hungry to Be Drawn Aug. 8
July 20, 2026
Time is running short for outdoor enthusiasts hoping to win a firearms package worth more than $3,600 while helping feed South Carolina families facing hunger. South Carolina Hunters for the…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens to Honor Retiring Police Chief Heath Copeland After 26 Years of Service
July 20, 2026
The city of Laurens will host a retirement celebration for Police Chief Heath Copeland, honoring his 26 years of service to the community. The drop-in event is set for Wednesday,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Laurens Named One of South Carolina’s Top 10 Most Hospitable Towns
July 20, 2026
The City of Laurens has landed on WorldAtlas.com’s list of the 10 Most Hospitable Towns in South Carolina, earning national recognition for the kind of small-town welcome that residents have…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Saving Lives and Reducing Stigma: Inside Mauldin Fire’s New Opioid Response Program
July 19, 2026
In a proactive effort to combat the ongoing substance use crisis and protect local residents, the Mauldin Fire Department has officially launched its new Opioid Response Program. The community-focused initiative…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
Grand Strand Health celebrates grand opening of Murrells Inlet ER
July 16, 2026
The local community gathered on Wednesday evening, July 15 to celebrate a major milestone in regional healthcare as Grand Strand Health hosted the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for…
Read MorePosted in: georgetown-sc-gazette Category: chamber, headlines, health-wellness, health-care, on-the-move
Detpak USA selects Spartanburg County for first U.S. manufacturing facility
July 16, 2026
Detpak USA, a global manufacturer of paper and board packaging products, has selected Spartanburg County for its first U.S. manufacturing operation, a multi-million-dollar investment expected to create more than 50…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
EPC Power opens new Fountain Inn manufacturing facility, plans 275 new jobs
July 16, 2026
EPC Power has opened a new 167,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fountain Inn that will nearly triple the company’s U.S. production capacity as demand grows for power systems supporting artificial intelligence…
Read MorePosted in: upstatebizsc Category: economic-development, energy, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
Laurens County, LCWSC Secure $1 Million Grant for Clinton-Area Sewer Line Replacement
July 15, 2026
CDBG award will fund replacement of a 1981 force main serving more than 1,600 connections. In partnership with Laurens County Council, and with the assistance of the Upper Savannah Council…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move, utilities
Gov. McMaster Appoints Darline Graham to Fill Late Brother’s U.S. Senate Seat
July 15, 2026
In a historic and deeply personal transition, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Darline Graham (also known as Darline Graham Nordone) to the United States Senate to fill the…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, history, on-the-move, politics
EPC Power Launches Fountain Inn Facility to Fuel AI Data Centers, Creating 275 Jobs
July 15, 2026
In a significant economic boost for the Golden Strip, California-based clean-tech manufacturer EPC Power officially opened a brand-new, 167,000-square-foot production facility at 111 Southcase Boulevard in Fountain Inn. The grand…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: construction, headlines, manufacturing, on-the-move
A Close Call Next Door: What the Move Over Law Means for Laurens County Drivers
July 15, 2026
A Greenville County deputy came within a half second of losing his life on Interstate 85 earlier this month, and Laurens County law enforcement leaders say the driving that nearly…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
State Election Commission Rules June Democratic Primary Voters Ineligible for Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary
July 15, 2026
Voters who cast a ballot in the June Democratic Primary will not be eligible to vote in the Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate, the South Carolina State…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
State Election Commission Rules June Democratic Primary Voters Ineligible for Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary
July 15, 2026
Voters who cast a ballot in the June Democratic Primary will not be allowed to vote in the Aug. 11 Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate, the South Carolina State…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Laurens County Council Approves Data Center Moratorium, Honors Special Olympics Champions
July 15, 2026
Laurens County Council worked through a full agenda at its Monday, July 13, 2026 meeting, recognizing local Special Olympics athletes, approving a temporary moratorium on data center development, advancing two…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
