Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Sports

Hawks ground War Eagles 34-28 in overtime

Ahmad Brown threw 2 TD passes for the Hawks.
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks took their 5-1 record on the road to the brand-new stadium occupied by the undefeated Wagener-Salley War Eagles for a battle of two of South Carolina’s top “A” …
Blackville-Hilda Volleyball closed out their regular season with wins over North and HKT.
Hawks win back-to-back matches
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks finished the 2026 regular season with back-to-back wins. The Hawks had two home matches against North and Hunter-Kinard-Tyler, both Class A Region 4 teams. With playoffs …
The JDA Raiders have won 4 straight as they look to stay hot and ride their winning streak into the playoffs.
JDA volleyball wins 4 straight
The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders volleyball team is getting hot right at the perfect time. With the South Carolina Independent Schools Association volleyball playoffs right around the corner, the …
The Blue Devils defeated Fairfield Central and Hampton County and now look forward to the playoffs.
Blue Devils defeat Fairfield Central and Hampton County
The Williston-Elko Blue Devil tennis team has concluded the regular season with recent wins over Fairfield Central and Hampton County and wait patiently for the playoff brackets to be set by the …
JDA’s Marquel Williams ran for 306 yards and 4 TDs in the Raiders’ 46-12 win over Richard Winn Academy.
Raiders stay undefeated after 46-12 win
The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders stay perfect on the season at 8-0 after their impressive 46-12 win over Richard Winn Academy. The win last Friday, October 9 capped off the Raiders’ homecoming …
Hawks’ running back, Jayden Peeples is getting used to seeing the officials signal TD. Peeples added 4 more TD runs Friday night.
Hawks soar to 7-1 after 36-10 win over Saints
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks welcomed the Saints of Calhoun County last Friday, October 9 for another Region 4 1-A contest. The Saints may have marched into Blackville looking for a win, but they …
Obituaries
Ralph Waldo Cail Jr.
Ralph Waldo Cail Jr.
ROSWELL, GA - Ralph Waldo Cail Jr., a deeply spiritual and private man, peacefully entered his new life on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my …
Connie Preacher Martin
Connie Preacher Martin
COLUMBIA - Connie Turner Preacher Martin, 89, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, at the Blake at Woodcreek Farms senior living facility in Columbia, South Carolina. A few days before her …
Betty Hammett Sargent Bannister
Betty Hammett Sargent Bannister
BARNWELL - Betty Hammett Sargent Bannister, 83, of Barnwell, S.C. passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 o’clock p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2026 in …
Marc Clarendon Black
Marc Clarendon Black
BARNWELL - Marc Clarendon Black, 63, passed away in the early morning hours on Sept. 28th, 2026. Marc Black worked for Barnwell County Sanitation recycle site on Spur Branch Road in Williston, …
Melvin Harvey Gunnells
Our beloved baby boy, Melvin Harvey “Ducky” Gunnells, infant son of Angelica Crane and Wesley Gunnells, was born at 20 weeks on September 27, 2026, at Well Star in Augusta, GA. He lived for three …
Education

BBB tip: Fall home maintenance—your to-do list for a worry-free winter

Fall has officially arrived. While cooler temperatures may take their time getting here, now is a good time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Our winters may be relatively mild, but …

Superintendent's Column: The heart of a principal

October is National Principals Month, a time set aside to recognize and celebrate the individuals who lead our schools. As I reflect on the incredible principals serving Barnwell County School …

Denmark Technical College and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions celebrate newest nuclear operator apprentices

Denmark Technical College and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions recently celebrated the latest completers of its Nuclear Operator Apprenticeship Program, recognizing 12 apprentices who completed …

WEHS senior Hayden Stephenson explores World War II history through Normandy Academy

Williston-Elko High School senior Hayden Stephenson traveled from New Orleans to Normandy, France, this summer through Normandy Academy, an educational program offered by The National WWII Museum. …

Barnwell County School District partners with STARS College Network to expand college advising for students

BARNWELL, S.C. — Barnwell County School District students will have access to additional individualized college planning and advising support through a partnership with the STARS (Small Town and …

Community Changers: Seeing possibilities in every student

When we think about people who change a community, we often picture leaders, volunteers, business owners, or people who organize large projects. We do not always think about students with special …

2026 Best of the Best of Barnwell County

2026 Best of the Best of Barnwell County

Pet of the Week
'Pecan' & 'Amber': Twice the Love, Still Waiting
Pecan (right) and Amber (left) are 8-month-old Karakachan mix sisters with a story of resilience and second chances. Surrendered at just 6 weeks old, both girls fought through severe parvo and …
Hulk is a 10-year-old chocolate lab and the oldest male at the center—but don’t let his size fool you. While he may look intimidating at first glance, Hulk is truly a gentle giant who just wants …
Vintage is a 10-year-old coonhound with a resilient spirit and plenty of personality. This senior girl is deaf and considered special needs, but she hasn’t let that slow her down. When Vintage …
Opinion

Christian complacency

The South has often been referred to as the Bible Belt, which has a nice ring to it, that is if you’re a believer in Jesus Christ and follow Him with enough humility of spirit to actually listen to …

The Sanctity of Life

I got rid of my TV 12 years ago and have yet to miss it, however yesterday, I saw on a news channel while on  YouTube, something that shocked me into needing to write this article.  The …
Andy Brack

Brack: October trip to showcase listening across America

Imagine what you would learn about the United States if you took a three-week road trip from South Carolina through Texas to California, returning with stops in Oregon, South Dakota, Nebraska, …

BBB Tip: A recommendation isn’t enough — check before you hire

Need someone to replace a roof, paint your house, trim trees or tackle a remodeling project? These days, many consumers start by asking friends, neighbors or members of a local social media group for …

Great people make the difference

One of the most important responsibilities we have as a district is making sure great people are in the right places to serve our students. That means not only recruiting talented employees to …
Editorials
For 250 years, America has been writing its story. History books often begin that story in places like Philadelphia, Boston and Yorktown. They tell us about presidents, generals, battles and …
Animal Welfare
Educational factsheet produced by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States). Reposted for public information.
Educational factsheet produced by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States). Reposted for public information.
Do you need help with pet food, boarding or veterinary care? Here's what to do:
Educational factsheet produced by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States). Reposted for public information.
Calendar of Events

Community Calendar


Ongoing & Recurring Events

Aluminum Can Drive (Ongoing)
Local firefighter Missy Cato is collecting aluminum cans for the Southeastern Firefighter’s Burn Foundation. Proceeds help provide lodging, transportation, medications, anti-scarring garments and more for burn patients and their families. To arrange pick-up, call 803-671-4973.


Weekly Events

First & Third Sundays
GIFT: Growing In Faith Together! Grief and Loss Women’s Group, 3-4 p.m., First Baptist Church, Building A, Room 200. An all-women’s small group offering support and encouragement after the loss of a loved one.

Mondays
Narcotics Anonymous meetings, 10:30-11:30 a.m., The Axis I Center, 179 Fuldner Road, Barnwell. Free and open to the public.

Mondays & Thursdays
Strengthening Families Program, 5:30-8 p.m., Rosemary Baptist Church, 3242 Fellowship Road, Williston. For Barnwell County families with at least one child between the ages of 7-17. Register at childrensplaceinc.org/sfp or call 803-641-4144.

Tuesdays
Free Food Distribution, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Long Branch MBC, 922 Hopewell Road, Gifford. Food products available while supplies last.

Every Third Tuesday
Barnwell County Lions Club, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. speaker, YMCA board room. New members welcome.

Tuesdays & Thursdays
Senior Dance Lessons, 3-4 p.m., Blackville Community Center. For Barnwell County seniors ages 60 and older. Call 803-259-4592.

Thursdays
Allendale Line Dance Classes, 6-7 p.m., Allendale National Guard Armory, 368 Court House Square, Allendale. Free classes open to anyone ages 18 and older. Sponsored by Allendale County Office on Aging and led by Angela Doe Youmans.

Every Second Thursday
Generations Unlimited Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Generations Unlimited board room.

Every Fourth Thursday
Barnwell County Leathernecks regular meeting, 7 p.m., Detachment Headquarters, 4115 Barnwell Road, Williston. Meetings are open to members in good standing, active-duty Marines, active reservists, FMF Navy Corpsmen, chaplain veterans and honorably discharged Marines interested in membership. For more information, contact Shawn Deason at 803-944-2464.

Fridays
The Gateway Church Food Pantry, 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers are also needed. Leave Pastor Jamie Sheppard a message at 803-450-6825.

Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays
Virtual Dancing For Joy classes. Mondays, 3:45-4:50 p.m.; Thursdays, 9:15-10:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Free virtual exercise classes. To get Zoom information, email Elizabeth at egalaida@yahoo.com or text 301-473-3418.


July Events

Tues.-Thurs., July 21-23
Revivalists: Elder Forell Brown of Morris Chapel Baptist in Barnwell on July 21, Rev. Lester Myers of Tabernacle Baptist in Blackville on July 22, and Rev. Audrey Lofton of St. John Baptist in Barnwell on July 23. 7 pm nightly. 

Fri., July 24
Flag football ages 5 to 8, $35. Tackle Football ages 9 to 12, $45. Volleyball and cheer ages 7 to 12, $35. Sign up at Blackville Town Hall (803-284-2444). They will also have open sign-ups at Jaquell Holman’s Football Camp July 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. located at the Blackville-Hilda High School football stadium.

Sat., July 25
• Kline Back to School Bash Book Bag Giveaway 10am-1pm
Location: Kline Town Hall Bring your kids out to receive free school supplies and some refreshments! Kids must be present to receive the supplies!

• Barnwell Police Department School Book Bag Giveaway
9am-1pm Location: Fuller Park There will be food prepared by Tony Dicks, music by Gary Brantley and the Police and Fire Departments will be there for the kids.

Sun-Thurs., July 26-30
Revival at St. PeterMissionary Baptist Church, Elko — 7pm
Speakers:
July 26 Rev. Joseph Williams
July 27 Rev. Darrel Blocker
July 28 Rev. James Duncan
July 29 Rev. Curtis Blocker
July 30,Rev. Franklin Williams

Tues., July 28

One-Night Revival 7pm Springfield Missionary Baptist Church Highway 278, Barnwell Speaker: Minister Marshall Gordon, pastor of God Way Ministries, Barnwell.

 


 

Monthly Events

First Saturday of Every Month
Kids Park Ministry, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Williston Town Park. Includes Bible lesson, free lunch, fun and games. Hosted by White Pond Baptist Church. All kids and parents are welcome. Call 803-508-4724 with questions.

Second Saturday of Every Month
Food Distribution, 9 a.m.-noon, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1077 S.C. Highway 39, Williston. Canned goods and meat will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Emergency food appointments are available by calling or texting 803-508-0430.


August  Events

Sat., Aug. 1
Science Saturday 10am-1pm Hosted by Savannah River Ecology Laboratory/Univ. of Georgia Riverview Park Activities Center, 100 Riverview Park Dr., North Augusta, GA Free family-friendly event! Get an up-close look at reptiles, amphibians, plants, and more. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-saturday-presented-by-savannah-river-ecology-lab-august-1-2026- tickets-1993028094682

Sat., Aug. 8
10th Annual DIG STEMM Festival & Back-to-SchoolBash 11am-5pm13030 Main Street, Williston A day full of hands-on STEMM
activities, exciting exhibits, community partners, giveaways, inflatables, entertainment, and school supplies for local students and families! As part of our Back-to-School Bash, we are collecting school supplies and bookbags to help ensure local students start the school year prepared and confident. For volunteer or exhibitor information, please contact Shon Crawford at scrawford@digdp.org.

Sat., Aug. 15
9th Annual The Distinguished Men Who Cook & Mix 4pm Blackville Community Center, 19464 Solomon Blatt Ave., Blackville. All proceeds benefit the non-profit work of the Community Uplifting Alliance Project. For more info: www.upliftingalliance.org. 

Sat., Aug. 22
Barnwell County Democratic Party Annual Fashion Show
4pm Ned Branch Missionary Baptist Church (10620 Dunbarton Blvd., Barnwell). Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For anyone interested in modeling or tickets, please contact: Jean at (770) 875-3401, Betty at (803) 300-9488, or Ethel at (803) 671-3121

  


September Events

Fri.-Sat., Sept.18-19
Barnwell High School Class of 1986 40 Year Class Reunion Location: Two Moon Junction. Meet and greet on September 18, 2026 at Barnwell Caribbean. For more information, please contact Michelle Butterfield Young at 404-667-0009 or young.michelle@comcast.net. We look forward to seeing
everyone there!


 Save the Date

Oct. 22-26
Rural Health Conference, Spartanburg.


Just Read

If the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow, recommended by Amanda, Barnwell County Public Library manager.


Barnwell County Library Events

Mon., Aug. 3
Barnwell County Library Board Meeting— 3:30pm Meeting will be held in the conference room.

Tues., Aug. 4 5
Friends of the Barnwell County Library Board Meeting— 2:30pm Meeting will be held in the conference room

Wed., Aug. 5
Unearth A Story! Summer Reading Ends-Don’t forget to turn in your reading logs!

Tues., Aug. 18
Adult Craft Night 5-7pm Create a beautiful Vintage Tiered Tray during this fun adult craft program! This program is sponsored and will be taught by Jo’s Creations. Space is limited to 25! Registration is required. Please call 803-259-3612 to reserve your spot.

Thurs., July 23
After Hours: Hide and Seek - Escape the Extinction 7-8:30 pm Can you out-hide the dinosaurs? Join us after hours for a Jurassic-inspired hide-and-seek challenge in the library.

Sat., Aug. 29
Join us for an epic adventure where you become the hero! Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to D&D, we’ve got a spot for you at the table.

Tues., July 28, Aug. 8 & 22
Meet us at the Barnwell Farmers Market for free books, hands-on crafts, and an interactive nutrition experience. Explore the connection between healthy eating and lifelong learning!

 

Entertainment

Crossword Puzzle

CROSSWORD PUZZLE clues ACROSS 1. Diver’s acronym 6. *Bat wood 9. 1970s “pet” 13. *High-flying fly ball 14. *Tampa Bay player 15. Round loaf, in Paris 16. …
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Web extras
8 personal banking tasks you should automate to save time and money
Mercury reports on automating personal banking tasks to save time and money, highlighting eight tasks like automatic savings and payment setups.
How a smarter home can help families reclaim their time
(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …
10 best cities to rent rather than own a house in 2026
TheZebra.com reports that Salt Lake City, Denver, and Austin are among the top 10 U.S. cities where renting is more affordable than buying.
6 Ways to Create a More Sustainable Bathroom
(Feature Impact) Conserving water, energy and resources is key to running an environmentally friendly household, and one of the best places to start is your bathroom. As one of the most frequently used rooms in the house, it's a small space that makes a big difference. Every flush, shower, twist of the tap and restock of restroom essentials is an opportunity to manage your ecological footprint.
What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …