Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Sports

REGION CHAMPIONS!

The Blackville-Hilda Hawks travelled to Neeses last Friday, October 30 for their last regular season game against the Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Trojans. Both teams entered the game with unblemished 3-0 …
Barnwell’s Rilee Sandifer selected for North-South All-Star Game
Each year, the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association and the South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports sponsor the SCCAWS North-South Volleyball game. The North-South game features …
JDA Raiders move to 11-0
The Jefferson Davis Academy Raiders hosted the Andrew Jackson Academy Warriors last Friday, October 30. The Raiders entered the game with a perfect 10-0 record and were looking to finish the regular …
Barnwell to face Edisto in playoffs
The Class A football playoffs will begin with an opening round matchup between the Barnwell Warhorses traveling to Edisto for a 16 seed versus 17 seed contest this Friday, November 6. Both teams …
Warhorse volleyball season ends
The Barnwell Warhorse volleyball team had a great 2026 season.  The Warhorses finished the regular season on a high note, winning the Class A Region 4 Championship and earned a #3 playoff …
Barnwell native scores success with book on Steve Spurrier
Spurrier Effect The Spurrier Effect: How One Coach Transformed Gamecock Football was written by Brent Silvia and Barnwell native Kevin Miller. The first printing run sold out and a second …
Obituaries
Jane Sexton
Jane Sexton
TENNESSEE - Jane Sexton, 79, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Jane was born at home on March 24, 1947, in Dunbarton, South Carolina to Marion and Katherine Weathersbee. Her life was …
Ron Darnell
Ron Darnell
BLACKVILLE - Ronald Edward “Ron” Darnell, 70, of Blackville, South Carolina, passed away at home on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Born in Barnwell County, South Carolina, Ron was the son of Bertha …
Mary Elouise Geter Davis
Mary Elouise Geter Davis
BARNWELL – Mary Elouise Davis, 86, of Barnwell, S.C., passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026. A celebration of life service was held at 11 o'clock a.m. Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, at …
Burl Fauchier
Burl Fauchier
BARNWELL - Burl Gordon Fauchier, 97, of Barnwell, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Born November 22, 1928, Burl was the son of the late Cecil Fauchier and Thelma Walker …
William Woodrow Bonnette Sr.
William Woodrow Bonnette Sr.
BARNWELL - Billy Bonnette, 80, passed away peacefully while under hospice care on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was born in Aiken on October 18, 1946, to the late Wallace Henry Bonnette and Lottie …
Education

Grannies Gone Wild Bring the Fun to JDA Pep Rally

Students and seniors at Jefferson Davis Academy were treated to a surprise performance during a pep rally on Oct. 29 when “Grannies Gone Wild” took center court with a lively dance routine worthy …

Denmark Tech climbs to highest enrollment in 11 years

Denmark Technical College is among the fastest-growing for Fall 2026 enrollment, according to the South Carolina Technical College System Preliminary Fall Enrollment Update. DENMARK, …

Blackville-Hilda High School Earns State Recognition as BCSD Celebrates Report Card Gains

October 13, 2026 - Barnwell County School District school and district representatives joined State Superintendent Ellen Weaver for a special announcement and celebration on Monday, October 12 at the …

Superintendent's Column: Joy Is Contagious

Recently, I came across a photograph of several staff members at Williston-Elko High School celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Dressed as the emotions from the movie Inside Out , they were quite a sight! I …

BCSD receives $9,516 in Tri-County Community Foundation grants

Barnwell County School District received 15 grants totaling $9,516 from the Tri-County Community Foundation to support health and early childhood educational …

Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards more than $100,000 to South Carolina

  Goodlettsville, Tennessee – On September 10 , the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) announced the award of more than $100,000 in youth literacy grants to South …

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

CARE Corner: Warm Hearts, Warm Coats

As the temperatures begin to drop and the colder months approach, many of us are pulling out our jackets, coats, and sweaters to prepare for the chilly days ahead. For most of us, staying warm is as …

‘Blackberry moments’ and other key lessons for living

A few people I’ve written about who had a message for living a better life: J.B. Jones of Lumpkin County, Georgia. His message: Work hard for the people who trust you and always do the right …

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 Governor of …

BBB Tip: Your Cloud Storage Is Full — Or Is It?

Imagine receiving an email warning that your online storage is full and your family photos, important documents, and other files could soon be deleted. The message looks like it came from a company …
Andy Brack

Brack: America’s fighting spirit is alive and well

America really is much bigger than you think.   Sure, you’ve heard it, but when you travel for days across a landscape that shifts from coastal plain to barren scrub to rusty mesas …
Editorials
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 …
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!

 

Web extras
4 retro-fueled room designs for fresh inspiration today
Houzz reports on four retro-inspired room designs blending past styles with modern touches, showcasing 1920s Art Deco, 1950s charm, 1960s Space Age, and vibrant 1990s aesthetics.
If you're going with a lower-cost health insurance plan, make sure to read the fine print.
Plans with cheaper premiums are risky business for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs
Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t – and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.
Why are school mornings so stressful? A psychologist explains, and organizers share what works
Closets by Design reports that school mornings are stressful due to time constraints and disorganization. 
Are you mentally healthy? 15 signs to look for
Rula reports that good mental health involves coping skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. 
What 8 hours on your feet really does to your body
KURU Footwear reports that being on your feet for eight hours can cause various physical issues like muscle fatigue, pain, and cardiovascular risks, emphasizing the need for varied movement and better workplace design to mitigate discomfort.