Officials working to restore bus service in Darlington County town

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."

Thanks to the generous contributions of the City of Darlington, the Darlington Downtown Revitalization Association kicked off its Bringing Downtown Alive! free Concert Series on Saturday! 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. Info: info@buildupdarlington.org or 843-992-1561

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.

Today

The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Capital Access will host a webinar series for small business owners to discuss the COVID EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) program's small business loans. The COVID EIDL program is a Federal small business loan program designed to support small businesses to recover from the COVID-19 economic recession by providing accessible and borrower-friendly capital.  

• Noon Monday, August 2, Click here to register.
• 6 p.m. Monday, August  2, Click here to register.  

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

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.

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

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

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.

Darlington City Council: 6:30 p.m. on August 3. Watch the meeting live here. You can find the agenda posted online by noon Monday prior to the meeting here. 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.

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

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

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

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. 

Darlington Kiwanis Club will meet at 1 p.m. August 5 and the first and third Thursday of the month at Darlington Country Club, 125 Country Club Road, Darlington. Speaker: Packing Backpacks for Students in Need

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.

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: https://al-anon.org or 843-992-2981

 

Friday

Darlington Library Adult Programming presents Needle Nuts at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 6, and on the first Friday of every month at the library, 204 N. Main St., Darlington. Bring your current knitting, crochet, cross stitch project and create with others while making new friends. 843-398-4940

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. Free admission! (843) 944-0315

Joe's Grill will REOPEN on Friday, August 9, at 306 Russell St., Darlington. 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.

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

Sunday

Gospel in the Park Series aims to Bring Unity Into Our Community through a series of outdoor events on Aug. 8 and on the second Sunday of the month through September and then on the first Sunday of October, at Pride Park, 630 S. Sixth St., Hartsville. Free. your lawns chairs and an open heart, God is still on the Throne! Live Gospel Entertainment from Groups from around the State. Devotional Service, Give-aways. Health Awareness. (843) 409-5241

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: 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.

 

Monday

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

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's own Sarah Hardee, owner of Boards & Bakes, will be teaching a charcuterie class at The Grand Old Post Office at 6:30 p.m. August 16. Come join us for a fun time and learn the art of building a cheese board! GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE IT SELLS OUT! Tickets are $50. Please call us at 843-944-0157 if you need assistance purchasing tickets.

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

DDRA Members Breakfast: 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 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.

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. Our partner at Simply Timing will offer a virtual course option, and participants will receive a medal for completion.

SCACED Landowner Resources Workshop series continues at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7 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. 28. For questions, please reach out to Ken Harvin ken@scaced.org or 843-579-9855 ext. 3.

Come join the Grand Old Post Office for our first annual Small Business Expo and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at 201 Pearl St., Darlington. Retailers, crafts, samples, raffle, prizes, food truck and more. If you are a vender looking for space, please call for details or email for an application to join this event. Spaces will fill up fast. info@thegrandoldpostoffice.com or 843-944-0157

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

On October 9 at 9 a.m., the 3rd annual Panting for Paws 5K will take place beginning and ending at the Fitness World Gym on Pearl Street. There is also a virtual 5K if you cannot make it. This race benefits the Darlington County Human Society and their efforts to build a new shelter with indoor facilities for the homeless dog and cat populations in Darlington County. You can register HERE.

 

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 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Centers for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control https://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
• The COVID-19 Data Hub https://covid19.census.gov/?utm_campaign=20201106mspuls1ccdtanl&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
• 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!

Rental Assistance Application

Wheelchair Ramp Assistance Application