FIREWORKS RE-SCHEDULED
The Senior Fireworks Night sponsored by The City of Clinton has been re-scheduled to June 18 (because of the possibility of tuinderstorms on May 29).
On Exhibit Now Through July 26
Almost 130 years ago, textile mills became the center of community life and livelihood in many South Carolina towns. On Saturday, June 7, the “From Cotton to Craft: The Story of South Carolina Textiles“ exhibit, on loan from the SC State Museum, opened at the Laurens County Museum, 116 South Public Square, Laurens, SC. The exhibit has artifacts from the five Laurens County cotton mills - Clinton Mill, Joanna Mill, Laurens Mill, Lydia Mill, and Watts Mill, in addition to items from other textile related industries in Laurens County. As always, there is a hands-on section for children to practice weaving and learning other skills.
The “From Cotton to Craft: The Story of South Carolina Textiles” exhibit and the Laurens County Museum are free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through July. Exhibit hall hours are 10 am until 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday. The Laurens County Museum is a non-profit membership association. For more information about this exhibit and the museum, call (864) 681-3678 or visit LaurensCountyMuseum.org or Facebook.
E-mail free to run What's Happening & Church notices to:
JUNE 13 - 14
Juneteenth will be held down town Public Square, Laurens, SC on June 13 and 14, 2025. The event will begin Friday with a talent show in the Capitol Theatre at 7 p.m. Juneteenth will continue Saturday morning with a breakfast in the Magnolia Room of the Museum at 9 a.m. The festival will continue from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. with family fun of live performances, line dancing, comedians, African dancers, food trucks, vendors, band, saxophonist and more. The Kids Zone will be located on the east side of the Square with Big Air and many activities for youth. The parade will begin at 2 p.m. from the Laurens County Library and proceed down West Main Street to the Square.
Transportation to the festival on Saturday will be provided via shuttle. Pick up locations will be Spring Street apartments (bus shelter), Laurens Terrace Apartments, Family Dollar on South Harper Street, Green Street Mini Mart, Green Street (corner of Green Street and Jersey Street) Hilltop Apartments, Watts Community (corner of North Harper Street and Highway 49), Hunters Court (corner of North Harper Street and East Hampton Street).
June 14 - Bluegrass & BBQ at The Lumberyard, 115 Gary St., Clinton, 4 pm - flyer on Page 10.
June 16 - The June meeting of the Laurens County Airport Commission will be held Monday June 16 at 6 pm at the Laurens County Airport.
HR Connect
Luncheon
June 17, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (EDT)
Description
HR Connect is a new quarterly luncheon series designed to empower and connect HR professionals and business leaders across Laurens County. These events offer valuable insights on workforce trends, labor law updates, employee retention strategies, and more—helping you stay ahead in today’s evolving job market. It’s also a chance to network, share best practices, and find real solutions to common workplace challenges. Whether you’re an experienced HR leader or a business owner managing your own team, you’ll leave with practical takeaways to improve your company culture, compliance, and success.
Our next HR Connect features guest speaker Jim Shew, Vice President of Employee Health and Benefits at Marsh & McLennan Agency, and is proudly sponsored by Founders Federal Credit Union. With a strong background in labor relations, human resource law, and organizational design, Jim brings both national and international HR expertise to the table.
Registration is required—don’t miss this opportunity to invest in the future of your workforce!
Contact Information
Roper Staffing
Name: Lee Anne
Kitchen
Phone: (864) 983-2500
Email: Leeanne@roperstaffing.com
June 17 - 19 - Great Laurens County Bake-off 4-H Day Camp, 9 am - noon, at Extension office - ages 9 - 13, $25, 4-H membership required.
.JUNE 19 - June - October Food Truck Third Thursday, 5 - 9 pm -- Thursday, June 19, W. Main Parking Lot in Uptown Clinton. Music & Good Food. Reserve Space: 864-833-7500, visit our websote: www.cityofclinton.com
June 20 - Woodbridge of Clinton will have an Alzheimer Fundraiser for The Longest Day on Friday, June 20, 7 am to 1 pm. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Fabric, craft items, furniture, pictures, and lots of misc.; popcorn, cotton candy, food tables, and fun activities available. It will be a huge community yard sale.
June 23-26 Session I, July 14-17 Session 2 - Quinton Ferrell Basketball Camp at Templeton Gym, $200 per child.
June 27 deadline - Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Training Offers a Critical Opportunity to Make a Difference
Laurens – The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, is offering FREE ONLINE TRAINING to those interested in becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Laurens County. The training will provide participants with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to advocate for children’s best interests in the courtroom and throughout their journey through the Family Court system. There’s no better time to get involved and make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need of advocacy. (Page 5)
The ongoing need to protect vulnerable children and provide them with safe, loving environments is greater than ever. By becoming a GAL volunteer, individuals can directly contribute to ensuring that children involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services have a voice through some of the most difficult times of their lives. So, take a stand for children who need someone to speak up on their behalf. Join a dedicated group of volunteers who are making a difference every day by advocating for children in the Family Court system. There is no better time than now to get involved and take action.
Details of the Volunteer GAL Training:
•Date & Time: Begins June 30, 2025, Morning and Evening Sessions offered
•Location: Virtual Training
•Registration Deadline: Application Deadline June 27, 2025
•Requirements: Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of your time for a child. Visit gal.sc.gov for more info and to download an application. Follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook or contact communications@childadvocate.sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area.
Contact Erin Riddle Petrella, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the GAL program, at (864) 381-3725 or Erin.Petrella@childadvocate.sc.gov for more information.
Together, we can create safer, brighter futures for children.
June 28 - The Clinton Chronicle Hometown Heroes event, 10 am - 2 pm, at 513 N. Broad St., Clinton - free to the public - and Blood Drive (the Blood Connection).
July 1 - South Carolina 208th Army Band, 7 pm, at The Depot in Clinton presents patriotic music.
July 3 - Laurens Freedom Fest starts at 5 pm with Steel Toe Stiletto, The Havana Daydreamers, the Davidson Brass Band and American Idol standout Freddie McClendon; also, Big Air and street performers — fireworks start at 10 pm.
July 18 - Something magical is happening in Fountain Inn this summer—and your family’s invited! Join me, Kate Taylor, a local children’s book author, illustrator, and homeschooling mom from Laurens County, for my very first book reading and signing at Steam Coffee & Cream on Thursday, July 18 at 5:30 pm. I’ll be reading my brand-new picture book, A Scavenger Hunt Through the Greenville Zoo—a playful, interactive story about three siblings exploring the zoo on a fun-filled scavenger hunt. It’s designed to be read at home or brought along on your next real-life zoo trip! The book is packed with animal facts, charming illustrations, and a whole lot of adventure—perfect for ages 3 to 8 (and their grown-ups too!). This cozy event will include: A live storytime; Book signings; Free coloring sheets & bookmarks; A fun free raffle for a small giraffe stuffed animal; Plus, coffee and treats from Steam Coffee & Cream. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or fellow homeschooler, I’d love to see you there. Come grab a treat, listen to a story, and take home something special. Thank you for supporting local authors, small businesses, and imagination! Let’s make this a sweet summer evening to remember. With love and excitement, Kate Taylor, Author & Illustrator, Clinton.
AUGUST 1 - First Day for students, School District 55.
AUGUST 5 - First Day for students, School District 56.
Aug. 21 - 23 - Laurens County Youth Livestock Show at the Agriculture Center, 137 Fairgrounds Rd., Laurens -- Cattlemen’s Association and Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Aug. 22 - Clinton High varsity football @ Woodruff in season opener; Aug. 29 @ Laurens, 7:30 pm, county championship.
Sept. 13 - First Presbyterian College Home Football Game vs. Erskine. (9-20 v Bluefield and 9-27 v. Morehead State.)
Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus is launching a statewide town hall initiative this summer aimed at deepening engagement, listening to constituents, and expanding Democratic reach, not just in their own districts, but also in communities currently lacking Democratic representation in the State Senate.
As part of the initiative, Democratic Senators will host town halls and meet-and-greet events in all 21 South Carolina counties without current Democratic Senate representation. In addition, each Senator will hold public events in their own districts to ensure continued connection with their constituents at home.
The Caucus is working closely with local Democratic Party chairs and community stakeholders to organize these events, ensuring they reflect the unique needs, character, and energy of each county.
“Every South Carolinian deserves to be heard, whether they’re represented by a Democrat or not,” said Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto. “Our caucus is committed to showing up, listening, and building relationships in all 46 counties, because progress can’t be partisan, and opportunity shouldn’t depend on your zip code.”
“We’re not just building relationships where Democrats are already elected, we’re going beyond, to engage new voices and ideas,” said Assistant Minority Leader Ronnie Sabb. “These town halls are about community listening and partnership, learning what people care about and working together for real solutions.”
Each event will feature updates from the Statehouse, open Q&A sessions, and community-led listening opportunities. They aim to both inform and empower voters while fostering dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing South Carolinians across the state.
Senate Democrats are committed to doing public service differently, not just talking at people, but talking with them. Each event will be planned in close collaboration with local party leaders, with logistical and promotional support from the Caucus.
This tour underscores the Caucus’s long-term commitment to grassroots organizing, local empowerment, and rebuilding Democratic strength from the ground up.
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