Meta launches $1 billion community investment fund as investments grow in South Carolina
August 11, 2026
Meta is expanding its commitment to the communities where it operates with the launch of a new $1 billion fund aimed at supporting schools, first responders, infrastructure and other locally…
Read MorePosted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc Category: headlines, it-services, local-industry, on-the-move, technology
Laurens County Chorale invites Upstate singers to Sip & Sing
August 11, 2026
The Laurens County Chorale is casting a wider net this season, and Golden Strip residents who enjoy singing are among those invited to take a look. The group will host…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, the-arts
Carl Blackstone to step down as Columbia Chamber president and CEO
August 11, 2026
Carl Blackstone, who has led the Columbia Chamber for more than 12 years, announced he will step down as president and CEO to pursue a new professional opportunity. Blackstone has…
Read MorePosted in: midlandsbiz Category: chamber, headlines, on-the-move
The man behind the counter: Clinton says goodbye to Hoyt Hanvey
August 10, 2026
Hoyt Hanvey, who spent more than five decades turning a small Clinton jewelry counter into the place where generations of Laurens County families marked their happiest moments, has died. Hanvey…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move, social-scene
First Day of School Reminder: Mauldin Fire Department Issues Traffic Safety Guidelines
August 10, 2026
With students set to return to the classroom on Tuesday, August 11, the Mauldin Fire Department is urging drivers to stay vigilant, slow down, and prioritize road safety throughout local…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: education, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety, transportation
Polls Open Tuesday in Special Republican Primary for U.S. Senate
August 10, 2026
Greenville County voters will join South Carolinians statewide at the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, for the special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Polling places will be open from 7…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move, politics
Navigating the Aftermath: Resources for rebuilding and reopening
August 10, 2026
By Karen Owens Publisher Disasters and severe storms can disrupt a business in minutes, but the right preparation ensures your doors stay open. Following insights shared by local and state…
Read MorePosted in: georgetown-sc-gazette Category: advice, business-services, government, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
Community support puts a transport van at the Laurens County Animal Shelter
August 10, 2026
The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Laurens County Animal Shelter are thanking area residents, businesses and Laurens County Council for filling a need the shelter has carried for years.…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Polls open Tuesday in special Republican primary for U.S. Senate
August 10, 2026
Laurens County voters will join South Carolinians statewide at the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11, for the special Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Polling places will be open from 7…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, on-the-move
Osprey Village to break ground on residential community for individuals with intellectual disabilities
August 7, 2026
Osprey Village will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 for a new residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The first phase of the…
Read MorePosted in: beaufortcurrent, lowcountrybizsc Category: headlines, non-profit, on-the-move
Bumper-to-bumper: the busiest intersections on the Golden Strip’s first day back
August 5, 2026
Here are the major traffic bottlenecks across the Golden Strip to watch out for on the first morning of school, along with the impacted campuses and key choke points: 1.…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: advice, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
BridgeWay Station Hosts Back-to-School Market Day Presented by Prisma Health , August 6
August 5, 2026
As summer break winds down across the Upstate, BridgeWay Station is gearing up for a major community celebration. Thursday, August 6, the walkable town center hosts its official Back-to-School Market…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, headlines, on-the-move
Don’t wait for the flood: Testing your plan with simulated exercises
August 5, 2026
By Karen Owens Publisher Disasters and severe storms can disrupt a business in minutes, but the right preparation ensures your doors stay open. Following insights shared by local and state…
Read MorePosted in: georgetown-sc-gazette Category: advice, business-services, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
Coach Rhodes remembered as the heart and soul of Clinton High School
August 5, 2026
See photo gallery at end of article. For 65 years, the students of Laurens School District 56 could count on one thing: Coach Rhodes would be there. Bill Rhodes, 88,…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, headlines, on-the-move, social-scene
Clinton council tables Cambridge Farms annexation
August 5, 2026
A standing-room-only crowd filled the Clinton City Council chambers Monday night, and after 16 residents spoke against the proposed Cambridge Farms subdivision, council tabled the annexation ordinance rather than take…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
Constitutional clash: federal lawsuit challenges South Carolina’s strict tattoo Regulations
August 3, 2026
More than two decades after South Carolina legalized body art, a new federal lawsuit is challenging long-standing state restrictions on tattoo businesses, arguing that the regulations violate First Amendment protections…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news, laurenscountybuzz Category: headlines, law, on-the-move
Mauldin goes off with a bang: recapping the Amp’d Up Friday season finale
August 2, 2026
The lawn chairs were out, the food trucks were fired up, and the music was loud as the Mauldin Cultural Center officially closed out its 2026 summer concert season. Being…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, on-the-move, outdoors
Mauldin claims No. 9 spot on list of Best Places to Live in South Carolina
August 2, 2026
The City of Mauldin has earned a spot among the state’s most desirable communities, securing the No. 9 ranking on HomeSnacks’ list of the Best Places to Live in South…
Read MorePosted in: golden-strip-news Category: headlines, on-the-move
U.S. Senate hopefuls make their case at Lexington stump stop
August 2, 2026
Nine candidates for South Carolina’s open U.S. Senate seat took the stage Saturday at River Bluff High School in Lexington, each given a few minutes to introduce themselves and one…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move, politics
Early voting opens Aug. 5 for U.S. Senate special primary; two Laurens County precincts temporarily relocated
August 2, 2026
Early voting for South Carolina’s special Republican primary for U.S. Senate runs Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 5-7, ahead of the statewide special primary on Tuesday, Aug. 11. If a runoff…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: government, headlines, on-the-move
State public safety officials urge drivers to review school bus stop laws as classes resume
August 2, 2026
With students across South Carolina heading back to classrooms, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety is reminding motorists to brush up on state law governing when drivers must stop…
Read MorePosted in: laurenscountybuzz Category: education, headlines, on-the-move, public-safety
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
