The SBA has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to all participating PPP lenders. PPP provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021, as set forth in the Economic Aid Act, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted.

Single Family Home Loans & Grants for Repairs Available

Darlington Country Club would like to thank everyone who played in our Tough Day Contest "Superintendents Revenge" tournament Saturday. While the greens were fast and pin placements tough, we still had some great scores. Congratulations to our Winners!

• 1st place gross Tommy Gainey - Erin Gainey 68
• T2nd place gross Ray Evans - Roy Thompson 69
• T2nd place gross Garret Spivey - Scott Spivey 69
• 1st place net Bobby Sowell - Lance Loe 63
• 2nd place net Stanford Hanna - Hugh Baker 64
• Skin winners:
• Jamie Stanley - Shane Polson #5
• Tommy Gainey - Erin Gainey #9
• Bradley Hamilton - Brook Gehrke #12
• Garret Spivey - Scott Spivey #16, #18
• Closest to the pin #9 Hamp Wallace

Carolina Plantation Rice's Farm-to-Dinner Plate Mission

Trinity Collegiate names new assistant director of marketing and communications: Ariadne Roberts, a Florence native, and a graduate of Trinity Collegiate school class of 2016 and Clemson University with a degree in Parks Recreation Tourism Management with a concentration in Travel and Tourism.

View the new January 2021 edition of Diversity Works Magazine HERE.

TRAFFIC UPDATES

• The intersection of Ave D and Old Florence is closed through Friday.
• The intersection of Orange and Wells Street near the Fire Department is closed until spring.

All in-person court proceedings statewide beginning on or after January 11 are hereby suspended until further Order of the Chief Justice, subject to limited exceptions. Read the full notice here.

 

Today

RECREATION YOUTH BASKETBALLL: Practice will resume on Monday, your coach will be in contact. If you have any other questions, please call Darlington Recreation at 843-398-4030 or 843-393-9005.

The Knitting & Crochet Club of Lamar will meet at 4 p.m. on Mondays at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

Monday Night is Spaghetti Night at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Served with salad, bread, and tea for $8.95. Info: 843-944-0626

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

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

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice will hold a Telephone Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 25. During the call, Rice will provide an update on current federal issues and answer questions from you on issues concerning the Seventh District.

 

Tuesday

Looking For Something Extraordinary To Do This Year? Come and learn about one of the greatest youth programs in the nation at a Civil Air Patrol Information Meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at American Legion Post 13, 1752 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Great opportunities to grow and lead others in your community and beyond. Amazing opportunities for adults and youth. Missions include Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. Cadet Program for Ages 12-18. Info: Captain Jane Proell at Jane.proell@scwgcap.org or 843-732-0227

Smart Growth America will hold a free three-day virtual summit of experts, practitioners and policymakers to discuss how to elevate improving racial equity in smart growth work from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 26-28. Improving racial disparities is at the core of a smart growth approach, but how can smart growth advocates better prioritize and center that work? Register here

The Darlington Conservation District meets at 7 a.m. on Jan. 25 and every fourth Monday of the month at the District Office in Room 228 at 300 Russell St., Darlington. Info: 843-393-0483 or marie.chaplin@sc.usda.gov.

Pace Makers, a faith-based community walking program, meets twice a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.  on Tuesdays and Fridays at Byerly Park in Hartsville. The purpose of this group is to build community through diversity. Info: Anna Grace Hubbs, Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County, 843-398-0060 or AnnaGrace.Hubbs@fmcdc.org

Temple Free Will Baptist Church's Don Squires will hold a weekly Bible Study and fellowship every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St., Darlington. Come at 8:30 a.m. for Dutch breakfast.

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

Joe's Grill celebrates Wing Night with 50-cent wings for supper on Tuesday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Wing specials, Drink Specials and Karaoke Every Tuesday Night at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington.

Pickle Ball at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington, will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.

Pee Dee Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #25 holds meetings on Jan. 26 and the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at Sara's Porch, 804 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. A variety of topics are explored by respected guest speakers, which have included National President Chuck Canterbury. Our Meet-and-Greet Social begins one-half hour prior to the meeting, at 7 p.m.

 

Wednesday

Senior Movie Mornings will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 27 and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lamar Library, 103 E. Main St., Lamar. Info: 843-326-5524

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.

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at Hampton Inn & Suites of Hartsville, 203 E. Carolina Ave. The Rotary Club of Hartsville is a part of District 7770 of the Eastern South Carolina. (843) 229-2729 or hartsvillesunriserotary@gmail.com

Enjoy Wine Down Wednesdays at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, from 4 to 9 p.m. with wine and wing specials. (843) 944-0880

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

Drive In Worship Service at 126 Pearl Street parking lot of Trinity United Methodist Church in Darlington at 8 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Hope to see you there! Listen on FM 88.7.

Carolina Nightlife & Grill will hold a Cornhole Tournament every Wednesday at 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Anyone can play. Register at 6 p.m. with play starting at 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Tournament is blind/random partner draw, double elimination format. Cost is $10 per person for the Advanced Bracket and $5 per person for the Tailgate Bracket. If you can average 2 in the hole every time, we recommend the advanced bracket. Cash prizes for winning teams.

 

Thursday

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at Taki's Diner, 609 Pearl St. Free for members and $5 for others. Members meet to network, make suggestions, and find out about upcoming events. **Masks and social distancing required**

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

American Express continues its webinar series at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, as The Economist Intelligence Unit will share information and insights to help you navigate the current business environment. Register here.

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

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

The Darlington County Board of Fire Control meets at 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 and on the fourth Thursday of every other month beginning with January at the County HQ, 137 N. Center Rd., Hartsville. Info: 843-339-9098 or rflowers@darcosc.net.

 

Friday

Darlington's own JEFF GATES will entertain with his Bluesy voice and his superb guitar talent on Friday, Jan. 29, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. This will be a night you don't want to miss. Tables of 8 are $200. Limited $25 individual tickets are available. Call the box office at 843-944-0157 or email info@thegrandoldpostoffice.com to reserve your seat. Doors open at 6 o'clock.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at the Darlington Moose Lodge, 1056 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. From country to beach to Motown and rock and roll, Christi and Jim will bring you all of your favorites!

 

Saturday

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

Carolina Reign returns for ONE NIGHT and ONE NIGHT ONLY on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. $10 at the door. Children and kids are welcome, there is food available for purchase. All proceeds made from the door goes towards recording their New Album.

Father Ryan Steahque 9th Annual Birthday Ball begins at 10 p.m. Jan. 30 at Studio 54, 937 Timmonsville Hwy., Darlington. Cost: $20 before midnight and $25 after. Cash only.

 

Sunday

Coker University will hold a Tennis Clinic Fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Hartsville Country Club, 116 Golf Course Road, Hartsville. Socially distant clinic and doubles play with instruction from former Pro Tour player Coach Chuck Waldron. Coach Waldron has developed more than 100 juniors into college tennis athletes and helped coach the Bryan Brothers as juniors. Cost is $25, and all proceeds go directly to Coker Tennis. Reserve your spot by calling or texting 864-923-3122.

Children's Activities begin at 5 p.m. Sundays with Kids for Christ at the Kid Central Building then share the love of God with them through teaching and songs from 6 to 7 p.m. for Children's Musical Practice at Central Baptist Church, 512 Spring St., Darlington.

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

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.

Lee Street First Church of God brings the Word of God to you. Connect via Facebook Live or Zoom 646-558-86-56 ext. 222 777 7676. Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. Tuesday midday prayer at noon. Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. Prayer Hotline 1-888-409-8880. Info: https://leestreetfirstcog.org/ or 843-393-2672

 

Monday

City of Darlington Historic Landmarks Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 1, May 3, August 2, and November 1 at City Hall, 400 Pearl St. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

Darlington County Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, and on the first Monday of the month at Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington. Due to COVID-19, in-person access is restricted. Watch meetings online at http://www.darcosc.com/government/county_council/index.php. Info: 843-944-8270 or jbishop@darcosc.net

 

Mark Your Calendar

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce has had to RESCHEDULE the Mayors Masquerade Ball for New Year's Eve Dec. 31, 2021, at the Grand Old Post Office.

City of Darlington Planning Commission meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Other dates for 2021 are March 16, May 18, July 20, September 14, and November 16. Info: rock@cityofdarlington.com

A TIME TO LAUGH from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington. Cost: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Childcare will be provided for $5 per child. Pizza, snacks and games will be provided. Catering by Jamie Beasley. Doors will open at 6 p.m. For any questions or to purchase a ticket, contact Jami Meyer (843)-260-7586.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St. Live DJ, food vendors, and cash bar, all in an amazing venue. Tickets are $25 per person. Info: 843-393-2641

S.C. Energy Office Offers ASHRAE Course, Evaluating HVAC System's Readiness to Mitigate the Spread of SARS-COV-2, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon March 11. Cost: $10. This course expands on the online ASHRAE COVID-19 details for reopening buildings and the Building Readiness Plan for HVAC systems. Register here.

S.C. Energy Office Offers ASHRAE Course, Commercial Building Energy Audits, from 1 to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29. Cost: $10. The seminar includes a summary of materials essential for performing ASHRAE Level 1, 2 and 3 audits, time-saving tips for every auditor, how to hire an auditor, what to ask for in a comprehensive audit report, and how to build a successful energy efficiency retrofit team. Register here.

 

COVID TESTING

• Downtown Darlington through January 31. Location: 212 Pearl St., Darlington, across the street from MUSC Health. When: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointment or referral needed. Pediatric testing available. Phone: 843-674-5000
• DHEC Sponsored Testing at Darlington County Health Department, 305 Russell St., Darlington. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays, with a break from 12 noon to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary. Preregistration encouraged: 1-855-472-3432 or scdhec.gov/gettested.

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.
• Looking for employment? Keep SC Works Pee Dee in mind. Currently open by appointment. Email scworkspeedee@eckerd.org or call (843) 407-9679 for the Florence office or call (843) 309-9817 for the Hartsville office.
• Darlington County Community Action Agency has several programs available to help those in need during these difficult financial times. Click here to download the flyers. 843-332-1155
• If you know someone facing eviction and they need assistance, South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) may be able to help. The CDC has halted evictions due to CVOID-19 concerns through Jan. 31, 2021. Call toll-free 888-346-5592 or by apply online at https://sclegal.org/.

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
• The COVID-19 Data Hub
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Resource Page 
• Taking the Pulse of American Households During COVID-19
• Providing Perspective During COVID-19 Using Census Data

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.

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.

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.