Congratulations to McClure Thompson for winning the 56th Annual Southern 500 Invitational Golf Tournament with a score of 209 for the weekend. It was very tough competition on the course this year. Thank you for all who participated and helped make this one of the best weekends!

• Fraternal Order of Police presents $24,000 to Terrance Carraway Foundation for Fallen Officers Memorial Park in Darlington
• The president and chief executive officer of Pee Dee Electric Cooperative is moving on. Mike Fuller has accepted the position of president and CEO at Berkeley Electric Cooperative in Moncks Corner, according to a PDEC news release. Fuller came to PDEC from Missouri in November 2017 and has 31 years of electric cooperative experience. Fuller replaces Dwayne Cartwright, who announced his retirement this past July. Pee Dee Electric Cooperative Inc., based in Darlington, has more than 30,000 services in place serving residents, businesses and industries, and 2,800-plus miles of line in Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee and Marion counties.
• Referral window for gifted Darlington County students open through Sept. 9. If there are children in grades 3-11 who would like to be screened again for the Gifted and Talented program, parents must complete an online screening referral form by Sept. 9. Visit bit.ly/2Et6ci7 for the online screening/referral form.
• PolyQuest Names Tod Durst as New President: Durst, who has served as executive vice president of Wilmington, NC-based PolyQuest since 2014, was named president effective August 1. John Marinelli, founder and acting president since 2000, will continue to serve the company as Chief Executive Officer and as Chairman, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and customer relationships. Durst brings nearly 30 years of management and operational experience in the intermediate chemicals and thermoplastics industry to his new role. He will oversee key raw materials sourcing, supply chain management, manufacturing and global commercial aspects of PolyQuest's business.
• To assist companies with international growth, SC Commerce, through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), is offering qualified businesses up to $6,000 in reimbursements for eligible website development expenditures.

Due to COVID 19 regulations, tackle football will not be an option this year. BUT we will try 7-on-7 Flag Football. This will be a fast-paced fun football experience for everyone involved! We will make it as safe as we possibly can for participants and spectators. This league is open to both boys and girls, each participant will receive a neck gator and a t-shirt. For more information, call 843-398-4030 or any number on the flyer. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 4!

The Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association (DDRA) thanks everyone who decided to be a hero for our local restaurants this summer by patronizing our locally owned restaurants despite the pandemic. Winners of the Eat Local contest will be posted at the end of this week!

 

Jobs

• HELP WANTED: State Farm in Darlington is a multi-line insurance agency seeking a professional customer service representative. The available position is part-time, working Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. South Carolina Producers License preferred. Must have excellent communication and computer skills, and an ability to work with the general public. Must pass a criminal and financial background check. Future advancement to full-time a possibility. Send resume to billjr@billjr.net. No phone calls, please.
• Darlington Packing Company is looking for Truck Drivers and Warehouse help. You must have a valid Driver's License. Apply in person at 319 Society Hill Road, Darlington.
• The City of Darlington has several openings. Find them here.
• JRI in Hartsville is currently looking to hire an office administrator. Duties will include working with accounts payable, accounts receivable, ordering parts, and dealing with customers and fellow employees. We provide paid vacation and 401-k. If interested, please call 843-332-1213.
• Manpower of Hartsville is hiring welders and forklift operators. Please call 843-383-4929. Must have a High School Diploma or GED, Clean Federal Background, and be able to pass a Urine Drug Screen.
• Roses on Pearl Street in Darlington is looking for an assistant manager. Stop in to apply.
• Raceway Grill is looking for full-time wait staff. Must be able to work lunch and dinner shifts and weekends. Raceway grill is open Wed. thru Fri. 11 a.m.to 9 pm and Saturdays from 4 pm until 9 pm. Apply in person at 1207 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington. Ask for Renée or Tony.
• Sarah's Porch is now hiring for full time FOH server position and part time dish. Stop by the restaurant on North Governor Williams Highway in Darlington for application. Server position must have experience, be a team player and reliable.

 

Today

Open tryout for the 11U Hartsville Hurricanes will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Byerly Park, 700 Russell Road, Hartsville. Cannot turn 12 before May 1, 2021.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly at 8 p.m. Monday nights at Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington. Use the Orange Street entrance. Info: 843-395-6897

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Served with salad, bread, and tea for $8.95.

 

 

Tuesday

McLeod Mobile 3D Mammography Unit will be at the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 203 Grove St., Darlington, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Register in advance by calling 843-398-0060.

The Rotary Club of Hartsville meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Pam's Restaurant, 1009 W. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville.

Darlington Country Club will continue to have Tuesday dinner specials from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 125 Country Club Road. Call before noon Tuesday to order. 843-393-2196. Family Night Just Got Better! Now our Members can bring the kids out for a fun filled night while they enjoy a quite dinner.

Wing specials, drink specials and karaoke every Tuesday night at the Darlington Moose Lodge beginning at 6 p.m. at 1056 N. Governor Williams Highway.

Darlington City Council will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at Harmon Baldwin Recreation Center, 300 Sanders St., Darlington. Public hearings on several items will be held during this meeting. Info: www.CityofDarlington.com

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night with 50-cent wings for supper on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only.

 

Wednesday

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Virtual Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays and a Virtual Women's Bible Study at 12 Noon on Wednesdays.

Darlington Country Club will continue to serve lunch Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for its Members at 125 Country Club Road.

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials.

Wednesday Night Dogfight begins each week at 5:30 p.m. at Darlington Country Club. Register at the Pro Shop by 5 o'clock. Food provided.

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Church at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Foundation Class at 6:15 p.m. virtually and at The Purple Fish, 110 E. Hampton St. (Mask required)

Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres while you shop plus a giveaway from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 2 at Beaus and Belles Boutique, 115 N. Fifth St., Suite 101, Hartsville.

 

Thursday

Prayer Breakfast. Send in your prayer requests, and we will socially distance while gathering to pray for them at 7 a.m. Sept. 10 and the second Thursday of every month at the Grand Ole Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington.

Racing for Kids! Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. every other Thursday at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Program: Racing for children during our Thursday, September 3, meeting. Bring your Southern 500 memorabilia to share!

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at the Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road.

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Thursdays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Al-Anon, a fellowship of adult relatives and friends of alcoholics for mutual support, will meet at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Hartsville AA Hut, 310 S. McFarland St. Info: 843-992-2981

Enjoy classic Shrimp-N-Grits (or pork chip and grits) at Joe's Grill on Thursday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington.

 

Friday

On Friday, Sept. 4, join Darlington Raceway for the Triple X Series E-Racing league Race, Round of 16 Race #1, from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Track Too Tough To Tame!

Come on out this Friday night at the Darlington Moose Lodge for some great food, drinks and dancing with entertainment provided by Shiftin' Gears who will play all your favorites from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Highway.

Each Friday, Excel Gymnastics and Tumble Academy will be having Fun Gym from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the academy, 102 Lamar St., Hartsville. Games, prizes, fun and more. Cost is $15. Pizza and drinks can be added for an additional $2.50. Open to the public. For ages 3 and up. Info: (843)-917-0022

Don't leave town for a nice dinner! You can enjoy a steak dinner every Friday night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington.

 

Saturday

Be there as the biggest stars of the NASCAR's XFINITY Series earn their Darlington Stripe at the track Too Tough To Tame! The Tradition Continues at Darlington Raceway at 4 p.m. on September 5, for the Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200! Visit www.darlingtonraceway.com or call 866-459-7223, or stop by the Darlington Raceway ticket office for more information.

Free bluegrass concert featuring the Original Pinehill Bluegrass Band and the Home Branch band plus open mic with many local musicians performing from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 5, at American Legion Post 13, 1752 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Hosted by The Southeastern Bluegrass Association of SC SEBGA. Donations are accepted but admission is absolutely free! Covid-19 guidelines are in place: social distancing, hand sanitizers and masks (recommended but not mandatory).

The Darlington Soup Kitchen is open from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 586 W. West Broad St.

The teen girls of Ablaze Youth Ministry will be hosting a spa day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 5, at New Life Worship Center, 3569 Oates Highway, Lamar. Enjoy a manicure that includes a sugar scrub, lotion, hand massage, a real-polish nail wrap, and a gel topcoat. There will be MANY colors and patterns to choose from including ombré glitter! The nail wrap with gel topcoat should last about 2 weeks. Message us or Savannah Camp to schedule your appointment. Manicures are only $10. All proceeds go to the youth fund! All stations will be sanitized after each person.

Everyone is invited on September 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a free fish fry at Pride Park, 630 S. Sixth St., Hartsville courtesy of James Hudson for Sheriff. There will be a voters registration drive and the first 20 people to register gets a free pair of ear buds.

 

Sunday

Be there as the biggest stars of the NASCAR Cup Series earn their Darlington Stripe at the Track Too Tough To Tame, as we kick off the 2020 NASCAR Playoffs and celebrate NASCAR Champions during the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR. The Tradition Continues at Darlington Raceway on September 6, 2020, for the Southern 500! For more information, visit www.darlingtonraceway.com or call 866-459-7223 or stop by the Darlington Raceway ticket office!

St. Matthew's Church will hold a morning Courtyard Service outside at 8 a.m. on Sundays weather permitting. Please park beside Coxe Building then enter the gate and bring a chair for this early morning service. Virtual Church Service and In-Church Service will be held at 11 a.m. Sundays at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington. Please call the Parish Office at 843-393-4112 to reserve a spot.  

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. on Saturdays.

Parking Lot Church in the grassy area behind the ball field at 10:30 a.m. at Mechanicsville Baptist Church. There will be ushers directing you where to park your vehicle. Once parked, please tune your radio to 102.5FM. All are welcome.

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lamar will hold services at 11 a.m. in person or online. Masks required in person. (843) 332-1188.

 

Monday

City of Darlington Offices will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8. City Offices remain restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4000.

 

Mark Your Calendar

The Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce presents Business Power Hours at 8 a.m. on Sept. 8 and the second Tuesday of every month at 214 N. Fifth St., Hartsville. These monthly roundtable sessions give community leaders and business professionals an opportunity to explore best practices for tackling day-to-day issues and steps to achieving long-term goals. Cost: Free for members and $20 for non-members $20 per session.

Join Flex Fitness for a Diet Reset Open House to learn more about this program that can revolutionize your health in just 6 weeks! Stop by anytime between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, to meet and enjoy light refreshments at 136 E. Mantissa Row, Hartsville. Program will begin September 17, and there will be both in-person and virtual options. You may also learn more at kalmiawellness.com. RSVP appreciated here or on website.

Never Forget: A 9-11-01 Memorial Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Fitness World Gyms parking lot, 1032 Pearl St., Darlington. Please join us for a night to remember the heroes and honor our first responders. Dinner provided. Guest speaker who was present during the attack will speak. Dual lights will be lit and shine Sept. 10-11.

On Friday, Sept. 11., Mayor Curtis Boyd will be running again 9.11 miles in remembrance of all that lost their lives on 9/11/01. The run starts at 7 a.m. the Darlington Fitness World Gym. All are welcome to join in this remembrance run.

Saturday, Sept. 12, Mike's Corner Bar & Grill will celebrate the life of Mike Feaster and have a BBQ cook off from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the bar, 1288 Timmonsville Highway. There will be an entry fee for the cook off, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies. In honor of Mike, 100% of the proceeds will go to The Darlington County Humane Society. Please bring a side and/or a picture of Mike.

Residents of Lamar can come out to the New Life Empowerment Building, 121 Main St., Lamar, beside Jeffords Insurance, to register to vote from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 12, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3. To vote in the election to be held November 3, the deadline to register online is Sunday, October 4. Deadline to register via mail is postmarked by Monday, October 5. Deadline to register in person is Friday, October 2.  You may visit the DMV, public assistance offices and state/local election offices. More info: scvotes.org

 

The Art of Great Gospel music returns Sunday, September 13, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Pride Park, 630 S. Sixth St., Hartsville. Devotional Service will be rendered by Pastor Tamara Durant . Theme: Bringing Unity into our Community. Bring your lawn chairs, wear your masks and come with an open heart. Social distancing will be enforced.

South Carolina Autocross 2020 Championship #3 will be held from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Darlington Raceway. Entry fee: $40 SCCA members or $55 non-members. ONLINE REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY. Due to Covid-19 there will be no onsite registration, no sob stories, no exceptions. Your card will not be charged until you are checked in at the event. Cancellations and no-shows will not be charged. Registration ends on September 17.

The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County presents the Second Annual Heroes for Health Classic on September 25 at Darlington Country Club. Cost: $100 per player or $400 per team. Register by Sept. 4 for $10 off per player or $40 off per team. Lunch begins at 11 o'clock followed by a noon shotgun start. Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m. Info: Stephen.edwards@fmcdc.org or 843-398-0060

The Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County presents its 20th Anniversary Celebration at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Darlington Country Club. Silent auction, live music, beer and wine, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Cocktail attire. Tickets are $40 each or $75 per couple. Info: Stephen.edwards@fmcdc.org or 843-398-0060

Farewell Party with Jim Money at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Retrofit Sip-n-Seat, 157 Mantissa Row, Hartsville. We can think of no better way to say goodbye to Retrofit Sip-n-Seat than with Jim Money playing us out. Join us for this bittersweet night as we have one last hoorah before we close to move to The Station.

Come worship and learn together with like-minded women at Fifth Annual Women's Conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at The Free Will Baptist Bible Church, at Orange Street and Liberty Street, Darlington. Dr. Brenda Robinson will lead the conference. Cost is $10 and includes all conference materials and a catered lunch. Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, the conference is open to the first 50 registrants only! So, make sure you sign up ASAP. Use the link provided in the tickets section to register. (843) 393-7231

McLeod Mobile 3D Mammography Unit will be at the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 500 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28. Register in advance by calling 843-332-0422.

The Rotary Club of Darlington meets at noon on Thursdays at the Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road. On Oct. 1, Mr. Goodson will give a presentation on the new history museum to be built in Darlington.

Join your friends and family for a wonderful fall evening to raise funds for Darlington County Humane Society's Raise the Woof Campaign to build a proper animal shelter on Friday, October 9, at Oak Manor Inn, 314 E. Home Ave., Hartsville. VIP Hour: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. General Admission: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

 

BUSINESS OPERATIONS & CAPACITY

Click here for a list of what businesses are operating and at what capacity. Please send information to info@buildupdarlington.org or text 843-992-1561 to update a listing. We will continue to update this link, www.buildupdarlington.org/covid19, as we get information.

• Darlington County Courthouse will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4100
• City of Darlington Offices will be restricted to appointment only to maintain social distancing requirements. Call 843-398-4000
• Palmetto Disaster Recovery Offices are opened in Marion and Conway with limitations. To apply, applicants must contact one of these two offices to schedule an appointment. For residents of Darlington County, applicants would need to contact the Marion Office at 803-609-1164 or 843-731-3550.

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

For general information about COVID-19, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are trusted sources of information. We encourage you to visit their websites for the most current and correct information.

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control
• S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control

DHEC Careline 855-472-3432: Get answers to common questions about the Corona Virus from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

If you are sick, MUSC Health offers a Virtual Visit to determine if you should leave home to seek medical attention if you think you may have been exposed to the Corona Virus. Use promo code "COVID19" at this link.

 

CITY SERVICES

While City Offices will be restricted to staff and appointments until further notice, individuals are encouraged to do all business by phone or email during this event. City staff will be available by phone and email, and essential services will not be interrupted. You can find updates here.

All City offices are restricted to essential personnel only.

You may call the following numbers with service-related issues

• Emergencies, call 911
• Business Licenses - 843-398-4000 ext. 101
• Permits - 843-398-4029
• Water/Sewer, Normal Business Hours,  - 843-398-4040
• Water/Sewer, After 5 p.m.,  -  843-758-1127
• Fire, Non-emergency - 843-398-4013
• Police, Non-emergency - 843-398-4026
• Municipal Court - 843-398-4004
• Streets & Sanitation - 843-398-4035
• Media Inquiries - 843-992-1561

You may still pay your utility bill or traffic citation online here. City staff will disinfect public areas more frequently and have hand sanitizer available in public buildings. Garbage, recycling, and yard debris collection will remain on regular schedule.

CITY COURT RESUMES. Municipal Court will be held twice a day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington.

Due to COVID-19, the following rules will be in place:

• Only 25 defendants in the courtroom at a time.
• Everyone will be required to wear a face mask before entering.
• Social distancing will be enforced.

Download the DDRA Membership Application here. Download a Map Location Form for your business. Return to info@buildupdarlington.org or DDRA, P.O. Pox 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

To have your event listed on our websites, please email info@buildupdarlington.org or call 843-398-4000 x 103 by the week prior to your event.