AMERICAN HEART MONTH: FEBRUARY: The 2019 American Community Survey estimated there were 698,316 physicians, 107,710 physician assistants, 19,421 radiologists and 48,495 surgeons in the U.S.

Single Family Home Loans & Grants for Repairs Available

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.

TRAFFIC UPDATES

• The intersection at Old Florence Highway and D Avenue will be closed another week due to rain delays with the sewer construction.
• The East Broad Street roadwork is nearing completion. We are awaiting appropriate soil compaction before paving can be complete and the project finished.
• The intersection of Orange and Wells Street near the Fire Department is closed until spring. You will need to travel around that area via Dargan, Sanders, Liberty, and Pearl Streets.

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.

Town of Society Hill salutes former S.C. Gov. David Beasley

Start 2021 with a new career in EMS! Guardian Ambulance is partnering with Florence-Darlington Technical College to offer a FREE EMT-Basic course with free tuition, materials and certification fees supported by a grant awarded to Apprenticeship Carolina. To further remove barriers to a new career, Guardian is also offering a classroom wage and full benefits during the class with a two-year employment commitment. Accepting applications now through February 8. Classes start March 1. APPLY HERE

 

Coker University closes all on-campus sports events to fans. Attendance restrictions will include home and visiting spectators, family, students, faculty, and non-essential staff. Fans will be able to live stream over a hundred home athletic events on the Cobra Sports Network, a free service available on Coker's official athletics website www.cokercobras.com. Live stats for each contest will also be available.

 

Today

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

RECREATION YOUTH BASKETBALLL: Basketball practice resumes on Monday, and 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

 

Tuesday

Darlington Country Club holds its weekly family night buffet beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington.

Groundhog Day: February 2: According to NOAA, Groundhog Day originates from an ancient celebration midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox - the day in the middle of winter.

Darlington City Council: 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 and on the first Tuesday of the month except where noted (*). Remaining dates for 2021 are March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 13*, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 9*, and December 7. Due to COVID restrictions, only staff, council, and media are allowed in the courtroom. Watch the meeting live at at http://www.facebook.com/DarlingtonSC/live. 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.

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.

 

Wednesday

National Women Physician Day: February 3. According to the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS), there were 264,002 women physicians. Full-time earnings were $185,183.

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

Come out and join Downtown Hartsville's Partners in Business to celebrate the Hartsville location of Kevin Lear on Main at 4 p.m. Feb. 4 at 129 W. Carolina Ave., Hartsville.

Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 4 and every other Thursday at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Speaker: TBA. MASKS REQUIRED!

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

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

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Business After Hours of 2021 and introduce its new President Carla Elvington from 5:30 to 7 p.n. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the Chamber, 38 Public Square, Darlington. Refreshments will be supplied by South of Pearl.

The Bridge, a casual support group for first responders and veterans. Meets at 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 and on the first and third Thursday of every month at the Free Medical Clinic, 203 Grove St., Darlington. Registration required: 843-398-0060 or annagrace.hubbs@fmcdc.org

 

Friday

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.

 

Saturday

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

Welcoming a baby into the world is such an exciting time! Make sure you are prepared for delivery and newborn care by attending Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center Virtual Childbirth Class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. This class is taught via Zoom but is very interactive for parents-to-be. To register, call 843.339.4563 or visit https://www.cprmc.com/event/25. Facebook event info.

 

Sunday

Darlington Country Club will hold a Super Bowl Golf Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at the club, 125 Country Club Road. Two-Person Stableford System format tournament with individual point quota based off of your USGA handicap. Point System: Bogey = 1 point, Par = 2 points, Birdie = 3 points, Eagle =5 points. Thirty-percent (30%) of the field will be paid. Info: 843-393-0236 or proshop@darlingtoncountryclub.com

COUPLES TENNIS 101: Are you and your special someone looking for a safe, socially distant activity? Sign up for 6 weeks of beginner tennis instruction tailored for couples. Each clinic will be one hour and full of great instruction and lots of fun. Program begins at Hartsville Country Club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, and continues weekly through March 28. Cost is $30 per person and $40 for those who need a racquet.

Super Bowl Skins/Watch Party will be held Sunday, Feb. 7, at Hartsville Country Club. Modified Skins Game with the total pot to be divided by 18. Winning scores on every hole will be paid out, including ties. Watch the Game and eat with us after golf, kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 for guests to the watch party. Golf game will be $120 for members and $160 for others.

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: CLICK HERE or 843-393-2672

 

Mark Your Calendar

The DDRA Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, April 14, at Darlington Country Club! Join the DDRA for a tasty buffet lunch, 4-man captain's choice tournament, and plenty of networking opportunities. Thank you to our GRAND SPONSORS who have supported our event for years! Darlington Raceway, Carolina Bank, Fitness World Gyms, and Nationwide Insurance! Sponsorships and teams available. 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

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

The Hartsville Museum presents its Monthly Lecture Series at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, on Facebook Live, as Shawn Cannon, District Grand Master for South Carolina, talks about the history of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, and the impact of local chapters to our area and communities.

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.

Second Chance Ministries will hold a benefit to help raise money for Dean Asaro at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Temple Free Will Baptist Church, 1660 N. Governor Williams Hwy., Darlington. All proceeds goes to help with his medical expenses. Featured groups will be 2nd Chance Ministries, The Tyners, and Next Chapter. For more information call 910-995-8544

Carter Lybrand and his drummer Steve Osbourne will be coming to play some country tunes beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Cover charge: $5.

Join The Grand Old Post Office for a special treat for Valentine's weekend: All you can EAT and DRINK PRIME RIB buffet with LIVE entertainment from Darlington natives THE HOT SPRINGS BAND beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Cost: $40 per person or $75 per couple. Limited tickets to this members-only event. For membership information, call 843-944-0157, email info@thegrandoldpostoffice.com or visit the website.

My Saxxy Valentine Mask-querade Ball is just the Vaccine we need for that special someone or just a lovely night out with your peeps beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at The Darlington Tavern, 1125 N. Main St., Darlington. Cabaret style live music with dancing and special musical skits along with the Saxxy Keyz Band. Wings, Sandwiches and Cocktails for purchase. Tickets: $15 for individuals or $25 for couples in advance or $20 each at the door.

34th Annual Women's League Auction will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Hartsville Country Club. Get all gussied up in your favorite 20's attire and join The Hartsville Women's League for our annual auction honoring the Hartsville Center Theater. Tickets: $50 single or $90 per couple.

Brown v. Board: Cheryl Brown Henderson and the Legacy of the 1954 Supreme Court Case at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18. Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the first webinar in this series featuring Cheryl Brown Henderson, the founding president of the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research and one of the authors of the recently released "Recovering Untold Stories: An Enduring Legacy of the Brown v. Board of Education Decision." The series aims to broaden our understanding of Brown v. Board of Education through a series that will highlight the people, places, and stories from each of the states involved in the landmark case.

Get some Little Rusty in your ears beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Carolina Nightlife & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Cover charge: $7. Plenty of cold, adult beverages to be had.

Joe's Grill will hold a Chicken Bog featuring Joey Saleeby's recipe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. (843) 944-0626

Unlearning Systemic Racism Virtual Town Hall hosted by the Y's African American CEOs from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24. All Y staff and volunteers are invited to participate, and the event is also open to the public. Register here.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 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!

The Grand Opening of Sassy Girl Vintique will be celebrated beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, March 1, at 212 Pearl St., Darlington. Enjoy eclectic vintique style in the heart and home of Darlington!

 

Cooks are needed to compete for the title belt of Best Chili in Town as Joe's Grill's Annual Chili Championship returns on Saturday, March 6, at the grill, 306 Russell St., Darlington. Proceeds from the $5 tasting wristbands go toward the Darlington Fire Department. (843) 944-0626

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.

Shiftin' Gears, an exciting, innovative, party cover duet, brings the full, powerful band experience to the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, March 19, 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!

Ladies Night Gone Wild Magic Experience comes to Darlington from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 2, at Carolina Night Life & Grill, 2244 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington. Show supports St. Jude's Children Hospital Research. Tickets on sale now. Cost: $15 general admission, $25 VIP, and $45 Queen.

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. 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.