The first African American commander for the South Carolina Highway Patrol is now cemented in history on the very road's he serves.

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 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.

Click HERE to view the NEW July 2021 edition of Diversity Works Magazine! 

Thanks to the generous contributions of the City of Darlington, the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association continues its Bringing Downtown Alive! free Concert Series on Saturday, August 7! Thanks to everyone who came out to support our community! The concerts will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays on the Public Square with a different theme each month.

• August 7 - Back to School (The Rick Strickland Band will perform)
• September 4 - Race Week (Level 10 Band & Show will perform)
• October 2 - 80s-Themed Party (Bout Time Band will perform)

Funds raised by these events will go toward downtown revitalization efforts. Vendor Application. Info: info@buildupdarlington.org or 843-992-1561

Summer Reading & Learning Program runs through August 3 at all four county libraries. Call 843-398-4940 or register at www.darlington-lib.org.

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

Neptune Island Waterpark, 1109 Fourteenth St., Hartsville, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 12 noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

It's a Small World Summer Program, hosted by A Perfect Start Child Care, will be held through August 6 at 103 Saleeby Loop Road, Darlington, for children in grades K-6. Pay weekly or pay up front.

Today

Darlington County School District Board of Education holds a monthly work session at 6 p.m. on July 26 and on the fourth Monday of each month at DCSD Administrative building, 120 E. Smith Ave., Darlington.

The Darlington Conservation District meets at 7 a.m. on July 26 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.

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

The Hartsville Library will have the Drawing Animals Club at 2 p.m. every Monday at 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Call or visit the Hartsville Memorial Library to sign-up today! 843-332-5115

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 $9.95. 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

Come learn the South Carolina State Dance with Brenda Cranford at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 27, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. No partner needed. Cost: $10 per session. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Info: 843-944-0157

Take Action SC: Virtual Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon July 27. Event is open to all environmental educators and teachers. Environmental education lessons on recycling, natural resources, landfills, food waste, energy efficiency, and sustainability literacy will be provided. Register

SCACED Landowner Resources Workshop series continues at 5:30 p.m. July 27 and provides landowners and producers the opportunity to learn about USDA-NRCS funding programs, methods to increase profitability, how start an agricultural business, Agri-heritage tourism, and conservation planning. USDA staff will be on-hand to help guide landowners through and answer questions about the EQIP application process. All Landowner Workshops will be held virtually in 2021. Limited capacity. Each participant that attends a workshop will receive a $10 Subway gift card. Learn more here. All landowners in South Carolina are welcome to attend. Other dates: Sept. 7, and Sept. 28. For questions, please reach out to Ken Harvin ken@scaced.org or 843-579-9855 ext. 3.

Summer Story Time will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Hartsville Memorial Library, 147 W. College Ave., Hartsville. Sign-up is required. Registration will open one week in advance of every story time. This program is designed for pre-school children, but all are welcome. To register, please call 843-332-5115 or visit the front desk.

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

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice will hold mobile office hours from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at Society Hill Library, 114 Carrigan St., Society Hill. During mobile office hours, constituents can meet with members of Congressman Rice's staff for help with issues involving federal agencies, including veterans benefits and services, Social Security benefits, the IRS, obtaining passports and more. For directions or additional details regarding mobile office hours, please contact the Pee Dee District Office at (843) 679-9781 or the Grand Strand District Office at (843) 445-6459.

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

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.

Thursday

Notice of Public Hearing Concerning Application: On July 30, at 10 AM, the City of Darlington will hold a public hearing at the City Administration Building, 410 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC 29532, concerning an application to be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Grants Administration on or about September 15, 2021, for a Community Development Block Grant.  The City of Darlington is requesting a $750,000 grant that will be used in conjunction with local funds of $75,000 to complete approximately $825,000 in downtown streetscape improvements. All residents of the City of Darlington, of whom 51.4% are LMI, will benefit from the improvements. This public hearing and the matters to be discussed are subject to the provisions of the City of Darlington's Citizen Participation Plan, developed in anticipation of participation in the State of South Carolina's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, providing for the participation of the citizens of the City of Darlington in the planning and implementation of community and economic development projects which will involve CDBG funds. The Citizen Participation Plan and the application are available for review at City Hall, 400 Pearl St., between 9:00 and 5:00 weekdays. Persons with questions or comments concerning the public hearing or the Citizen Participation Plan may contact Kim Ethridge, Community Development Director, Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments, at 843-702-3139, or kethridge@peedeecog.org.

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

The Purple Fish Coffee Company, 104 W. Hampton St., will hold its Friday night live music and open mike sessions from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 30th:  Campbell Bridgeman. Free admission! (843) 944-0315

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.

Sunday

Central Baptist Church presents Destination DIG Vacation Bible School July 25-28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church, 512 Spring St. This summer kids will discover that Jesus' love provides a foundation that lasts. They'll learn to be wise builders who continue in what they've learned and firmly believe. And they will discover that He who began a good work in them will be faithful to carry it on to completion. You can register online here.

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 8 a.m. and 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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2227777676 or 843-393-2672

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.

 

Mark Your Calendars

The Darlington Police Department will hold the annual crime-fighting event National Night Out from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the corner of Pearl and Dargan Streets

The South Carolina Department of Commerce will hold a free webinar in its Export Training Series from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, August 5. This program will help you begin to understand how to use the Harmonized Tariff System for imports and the Schedule B listing for exports. The webinar will review the 6 General Rules of Interpretation used to classify every product, learn the difference between a Schedule B & HTS number and understand how to use the CROSS- Customs ruling on-line search system. The South Carolina Department of Commerce is providing manufacturers in the state with complimentary registration. Strict limit of two employees per company may register. Space is very limited. Please register by Monday, August 2. A link to the webinar will be provided after registration. 

You can purchase computers, clothes, school supplies, and a variety of other items free of Sales Tax during South Carolina's annual 72-hour Sales Tax Holiday. The 2021 Tax Free Weekend takes place Friday, August 6, through Sunday, August 8.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) reminds shoppers that eligible items can be purchased online and in-store without paying the state's 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes during South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend."

 

Purpose to Live Ministries will hold a Back-to-School Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, at the church on the Public Square in downtown Darlington. Program includes school supply giveaway, health screenings and vaccines by CareSouth Carolina and Genesis Healthcare, food boxes from Harvest Hope, and registration for parenting resources. Mask required for service. Info: First Lady Stacey Milling at 843-92-9038 or Tomeka Self 843-307-9061

Saturdays on the Square: The Rick Strickland Band will perform live for the first in the DDRA's Bringing Downtown Alive! Concert Series return from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 7, at the Public Square. Car show, food, cornhole tournament, Pepsi, and more. Bring a chair. Vendor Application. Sponsor Information. Thanks to City of Darlington for funding this project! Info: 843-992-1561 or info@buildupdarlington.org

The City of Hartsville is excited to announce that the 2021 Screen on the Green movie series is BACK! Grab a blanket or a chair and meet us at Burry Park for the summer movie series. Movie starts at dusk. Free.  Children and leashed pets are welcome. This event is held in an open-air park with plenty of room for social distancing.

• August 12th: National Night Out, Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse sponsored by LOL Steam Center
• September 11th: Aladdin (2019), sponsored by Sonoco
• October 23rd: Hocus Pocus sponsored by SPC Credit Union

Dobbins Softball Consulting & Development presents Carolina Collegiate Instructional and Exposure Clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Lamar Softball Complex, 600 Club Dr., Lamar. For ages 12-18. Cost: $150 per participant by July 16 and $175 each after that. Info: (432) 552-0490

Darlington Academy Reunion will be from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. August 21 at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Heavy hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. with band beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cash bar. Cost: $50 per person. Mail checks payable to Darlington Academy Reunion 2021, 1517 Cashua Ferry Road, Darlington, SC 29532. Head count needed by August 10.

Darlington Raceway will hold a Classic Car Show Saturday, August 21. Participants in the Classic Car Show will receive Dash Plaque, Awards & Prizes, Track Laps on the famous Darlington Raceway, 1 ticket to the Sport Clips VFW Haircut 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Sept. 4, and the 50 first entries will get to drive their car onto Victory Lane for a photo. Cost: $30 through June 30, $40 after. Info: Emily Webster at 843-395-8805 or email ewebster@darlingtonraceway.com.

Take your vehicle for a spin around the track Too Tough To Tame on August 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Benefiting Blessings in a Backpack. For just $20, you can take three laps around the unique egg-shaped oval. Track Laps proceeds will benefit Darlington Shares, a donor advised fund of The NASCAR Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable entity, that donates racing-related items and offers financial support to assist community outreach programs and other nonprofit charities. The last date for 2021 will be November 20, Benefiting Toys for Tots. REGISTER HERE.

The Red Fez Shrine Club Annual Bass Fishing Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 21, at Lake Robinson CPL Landing at Cloverdale Road, Hartsville. Register at the boat ramp at 6 a.m. with a 7 a.m. blastoff. Cost: $55 per two-man team. $5 of entry fee goes toward big fish winner. Pay out a percent to the top three places based on 20 boats. Info: Eddie Kirkley 843-680-0377 or Charles Howard 843-307-4345

Get ready for an elevated tasting experience at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Grand Old Post Office, 201 Pearl St., Darlington. In this Wine 101 course, you will learn about the "Big 6" of wine with Director of the Wine and Beverage Institute of the University of South Carolina, Sandy Strick. No prior wine knowledge needed - come join us for a good time! Tickets: $40. Must be 21+ to attend. Members receive discounted ticket price. Info: 843-944-0157 or at thegrandoldpostoffice.com

Darlington Raceway will host the third annual Terrence Carraway Memorial 5K presented by Brown's RV Superstore at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2. There will also be a one-mile Kids Run as part of the event. Runners can register online at darlingtonraceway.com/memorial5k. Early bird registration is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids Run through August 1. After that date, registration will be $30 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids Run.

Third Annual Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County Heroes For Health Golf Tournament will take place Thursday, September 23 at Darlington Country Club.

 

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.

The Covid-19 Vaccine hotline for the public to schedule vaccine appointments is 843-876-7227. The hotline is open every day from 7a.m. to 7 p.m. and intended only for those who cannot access online scheduling, having difficulties with online scheduling, or to help non-MyChart users cancel appointments

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
• 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. 

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

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!