Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America's "Small Business Person of the Year" for 2022?  If so, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants to hear from you. All nominations must be received by the South Carolina District office by electronic submission ONLY to the District's BOX account, no later 3 p.m. January 11, 2022. 

SHOP DARLINGTON AND ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $100 CASH!

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED! Secret Santa continues to sponsor adoption fees for approved adopters. Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com to see cats and dogs. Also HelpDarlingtonPets.com to see more photos, videos and bios of our dogs. Check sites often, pets arrive daily. Don't see what you are looking for? Apply online and tell us on the application the type of pet you desire. Be sure to talk about adoption with your family, as it is a serious commitment to love our Darlings furever. A meet-and-greet with your family can be scheduled. A trial adoption period is an option. Apply online DarlingtonHumane.org.

Black Creek Arts Holiday Market, a unique shopping experience featuring area artists and their original work, will be open at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6-8; from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; and from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10-12. Free admission. Thirty (30) percent of all sales will go towards Black Creek Arts programming. Info: BLACKCREEKARTS.ORG

Christmas Electric Extravaganza will be every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Dec.30 at 48 Public Square, Darlington. Closed Dec. 24-25. Trains, miniature village, and hot cocoa. Free admission.

New Year's Eve Block Party Downtown! Level 10 Band & Show will help Darlington ring in the New Year right as part of the DDRA's Bringing Downtown Alive! Concert Series from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Public Square. Balloon drop, car show, food, cornhole tournament, Pepsi, and more. Bring a chair. Be part of this event by sponsoring this event or having a vendor space! Info: 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

Today

The Black Creek Arts Center will host the Darlington County Photography Club at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, and on the first Monday of every month at 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville.

Darlington County Council meets at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 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 HERE. Info: 843-944-8270 or jbishop@darcosc.net

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. 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

Tuesday

Darlington City Council: 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and on the first Tuesday of the month except where noted (*). Due to COVID restrictions, there is limited seating in the courtroom with preference given to staff, council, and members of the media. Watch the meeting live HERE. You can find the agenda posted online by noon Monday prior to the meeting at https://www.cityofdarlington.com/city-council-agendas-meeting-minutes/. Submit comments to council by noon Monday prior to the meeting to be read aloud during the meeting to rock@cityofdarlington.com or by mail anytime to City of Darlington Planning, P.O. Box 57, Darlington, SC 29540.

PRAYER GATHERING: All are welcome to join fellow believers daily at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays as we pray for the upcoming revival at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

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 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.

Each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Darlington Country Club will hold 9-hole scramble. $10 per player goes into the pot for prize money. 843-393-0236

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

Call the Darlington Country Club to make your reservations for our Member Family Night Buffet. (843) 393-0236

Wednesday

Join Central Baptist Church Pastor Tim Coker each Wednesday at 9 a.m. for Flight Training, his mid-week Bible study, at https://cbcdarlington.com/.

St. Matthew's Church will hold a Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Purple Fish Coffee Company, 104 W. Hampton St.

Sunrise Rotary Club of Hartsville meets every other Wednesday at 7:30 am at the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 214 N. Fifth St. 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

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.

Test-N-Tune / N/T Grudge held every Wednesday night at Darlington Dragway, 2056 E. Bobo Newsome Hwy., Hartsville. Gates open at 5 p.m. Testing starts at 6 p.m. Spectator admission: $15. Testing Fee: $10. Info: 843-383-0008

Thursday

Vision for America 2021, a Keep America Beautiful livestream event, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Since 1986, the Keep America Beautiful® Vision for America awards have recognized companies and individuals who lead and drive actionable change toward renewable transformation. Join us as we honor visionary leaders who help shape communities across the country. This year, we're hosting an exciting interactive livestream, and by participating, you can vote for this year's winner of the Vision for America Social Impact Leadership Award!

PRAYER GATHERING: All are welcome to join fellow believers daily at 7 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays as we pray for the upcoming revival at Dominion Church, 1030 Pearl St., Darlington.

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Covered in Cotton, 2080 Society Hill Road, Darlington. Come out to enjoy hot chocolate and start Christmas shopping.

On Thursdays, Darlington Country Club will hold an individual points game (points based off your USGA handicap). Tee off anytime during the day and add $20 to the pot. Blind draw at 6:30 p.m., need not be present to win. Everyone participating must play with someone else that is in the game.

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

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

 

Friday

Coffee & Community: The City of Darlington Planning Department seeks input on "What direction do you want Darlington to grow? Where do you see the City in 2035?"  at a series of events from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at Joe's Grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dates are December 10, & 17, and January 7, 14, 21, & 28. Coffee or breakfast will be Dutch treat. Surveys also will be available at City Hall, 400 Pearl St. Pick up or drop off surveys at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., Darlington, or mail completed surveys to City Planning, P.O. Box 57, Darlington, SC 29540. For information, contact the Planning Department by email rock@cityofdarlington.com or by phone at 843-398-4000 or 843-992-1561.

Enjoy Steak Night with Joe's Grill  on Friday nights at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Dine-in only. Info: 843-944-0626

Fahrenheit 225 will have Trivia & Rock Bingo Night on Fridays beginning at 7 p.m. Pick up to-go orders at 26 Public Square, Darlington. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call in take-out orders at (843) 944-0321.

Enjoy Karaoke Night at Chianti's Wings & Things, 124 Cashua St., Darlington, beginning at 7 p.m. every Friday night. Come through and kick back, relax and enjoy yourself.

 

Saturday

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

House of Refuge and Refuge Outreach Ministry will hold a Garage Giveaway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at 1581 Society Hill Road, Darlington. Cost: $10 to enter. Each person can pick 10 items, such as boots, shoes, clothing for adults and children, what nots, furniture, wall pictures, rugs, decorative pillows, etc. Info: 843-624-3214

Santa Claus will visit Wells Park on South Main Street at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, for pictures in the sleigh, hot chocolate and cookies. Fun for all.

Drive-Thru Nativity the Light of Bethlehem will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 11-12, at Emmanuel Baptist Church of Hartsville, 949 N. Marquis Hwy. Info: 843-332-2271

 

Sunday

Start off this Christmas season by focusing on the true meaning for the season at Journey to the Manger at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Mt. Elon Baptist Church, 1132 W. Lydia Hwy., Hartsville. This interactive nativity walk thru is the perfect way to do that! After your family has journeyed through the different scenes of the Nativity, we invite you to hot chocolate, cookies, and a friendly petting zoo.

Women of St. Matthew's Church Luncheon will be Dec. 12 at St. Matthews Church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington.

Central Baptist Church will hold Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 512 Spring St., Darlington. Regular worship services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in the sanctuary as well as via livestream. Info: (843) 393-8581

Darlington Presbyterian Church holds service at 11 a.m. on Sundays with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. at the church, 311 Pearl St.

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 an In-Person and Virtual Church Service at 11 a.m. Sundays. Info: 843-393-4112

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: 843-393-2672

Mechanicsville Baptist Church will hold indoor church services and Facebook live service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 2364 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington. All are welcome.

Children's church for ages 6-12 will open back up at 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Northwood Family Worship Center, 1100 E. McIver Road, Darlington. Praise & worship, puppets, Rovercomer the Dog, Deputy Dugan, crafts, & many fun things planned for upcoming services. Parents are not required to stay for adult services but are welcome to stay and get spiritually fed as well. It's about the relationship and not the religion. Come as you are but not leave as you came. Adult services are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

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

St. Matthew's Church will hold Virtual Women's Bible Study at 7 a.m. on Monday live from the Purple Fish. Contact Janet Stoda via Janet@saintmatthews.us for study materials.

Story Time will be live at 10 a.m. Mondays at the Darlington Library, 204 N. Main St. Info: 843-398-4940

 

Mark Your Calendars

Lessons and Carols will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at St. Matthews Church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington.

Santa Claus returns from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23 to Joe's Grill at 306 Russell St., Darlington. Hot coco and cookies. Info: 843-944-0626

City of Darlington offices will be closed Thursday, Friday, and Monday, Dec. 23-27, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will re-open 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28. Trash will be collected on regular schedule the week of Christmas, Dec. 20-24. The following week, residential garbage will be collected on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Dec. 28-31.

County Operations Closed In Observance Of Christmas & New Year's Day Holidays - County Offices will close December 23-27 in observance of Christmas Holiday and January 3 in observance of New Year's Day.

Children's Christmas Workshop will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 23-24 at St. Matthews Church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington.

The Darlington County Landfill, Transfer Station, and Solid Waste Collection/Recycling Centers will close December 24 at 1 p.m. and all day December 25 in observance of Christmas Holiday and December 31 at 1 p.m. and all day Jan. 1 in observance of New Year's Day.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at Mechanicsville Baptist Church, 2364 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington.

St. Matthew's Church will hold two Christmas Eve services, Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24 and Holy Eucharist with Incense at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 at the church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington.

Christmas Morning Prayer will be held at 10 a.m. Dec. 25. at St. Matthews Church, 210 S. Main St., Darlington.

New Year's Eve Block Party Downtown! Level 10 Band & Show will help Darlington ring in the New Year right as part of the DDRA's Bringing Downtown Alive! Concert Series from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 at the Public Square. Balloon drop, car show, food, cornhole tournament, Pepsi, and more. Bring a chair. Info: 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

City of Darlington offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 31, in observance of New Year's Eve and reopen 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. City of Darlington residential garbage will be collected on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Dec. 28-31.

Darlington County Council will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 6 p.m., at the Courthouse Annex/EMS Building, 1625 Harry Byrd Hwy. (Hwy. 151), Darlington. The council shall elect a chairman, vice-chairman and chaplain.

Opening reception for Anonymous Ancestors, an installation by Susan Lenz, will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville

Anonymous Ancestors, an installation by Susan Lenz, will be on display from Jan. 6 to Feb. 25 at Black Creek Arts Center, 116 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Each snapshot is a frozen moment on life's timeline. Letters and words clipped from vintage print material allow one's mind to wander, envisioning forgotten friends, past holidays, ancient occasions, former cars, and hilarious fashion trends. Yet, all the images are anonymous. The photos come from yard sales, auctions, and abandoned locations. Who are these people? Who really knows? They are distant aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, siblings, and in-laws. They are society's family tree, our collective wall of ancestors.

Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County will be held Jan. 27 at Hartsville Center Theater. Interested in participating or volunteering? Email darlingtoncountydwts@gmail.com or call 843-615-1625. Proceeds benefit the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault.

The Darlington Country Club's Chafee Jones III Memorial Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for March 12. Info: (843) 393-0236

Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR May 6-8 at Darlington Raceway. You can get your tickets and camping lined up by visiting www.darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223.

Southern 500 Weekend Sept. 2-4 at Darlington Raceway. You can get your tickets and camping lined up by visiting www.darlingtonraceway.com or calling 866-459-7223.

 

GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

• 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.
• 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.
• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number (844) 684-6333, TTY (800) 462-7585. Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

 

CITY SERVICES

Darlington City Hall has reopened to the public at a limited capacity. Hours of operation remain 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Individuals may only enter through the front door of City Hall, 400 Pearl St.
• Individuals must wear a mask.
• Individuals must maintain social distancing of six (6) feet from others.
• A maximum of three (3) people will be allowed in the reception area at any one time. Others must wait outside.
• Restrooms will not be open to the public.

Individuals are still encouraged to do as much business by telephone and email as possible. City staff will be available, and essential services will not be interrupted. Below are the numbers to call for specific questions.

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

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 the week prior to your event. The DDRA office has moved to City Hall, 400 Pearl St. If you need us, call 843-992-1561 or email info@buildupdarlington.org. Thanks!

Established in 1956, family owned, Thad Weinberg's Sausage makes our sausage using our family recipe. We sell pork products as well as process wild game at 1014 Pearl St. In Darlington. (843) 393-2544