Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
Sports

Tigers Dominate in Homecoming Game

The Allendale-Fairfax Tigers hosted the St. John
On Friday, September 25, 2026, the Allendale-Fairfax Tigers (1-5) went to battle against the St. John’s Islanders (1-4). It was homecoming night for the Tigers as they looked poised to notch their first win of 2026.
Denmark Tech women’s cross country wins 2026 NSAC Championship
DENMARK - The Denmark Technical College women’s cross country team captured the 2026 New South Athletic Conference Championship on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Umatilla, Florida, led by individual …
Members of the Barnwell Warhorse cross country team traveled to Colleton County for a multi-team meet last week.
Barnwell cross country off and running
The Barnwell Warhorse cross country team is finally competing in cross country meets after weather conditions led to a slow start for the 2026 season.  Last Wednesday, September 23, the …
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks have been winning the battle up front. Jayden Peeples ran for 255 yards and scored 4 TDs against the Panthers.
Hawks battle but fall to Georgia’s Portal Panthers 39-38
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks and head coach Dwayne Garrick are not afraid of a challenge.  Last Friday, September 25, the Hawks flew a little farther from the nest as usual. Blackville-Hilda …
Hawks sweep HKT 3-0
The Blackville-Hilda Hawks hit the road last Tuesday, September 15 for a Region 4-1A clash with the Trojans of Hunter-Kinard-Tyler. The Hawks were not deterred by playing away from home and not only …
Barnwell volleyball keeps winning
The Barnwell Warhorse volleyball team played three matches last week and won all three to improve to 10-2 on the season and a perfect 7-0 in Region 4-1A play. The Horses hosted Silver Bluff and …
Obituaries
Joey Counts
Joey Counts
SPRINGFIELD - Joseph Eugene “Joey” Counts Jr., 65, of Springfield, S.C., passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services …
Grady Wilson Campbell
Grady Wilson Campbell
WILLISTON - Funeral services for Grady Wilson Campbell, 79, of Williston, S.C. will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Ashleigh Baptist Church, with the Reverend Joe Wilburn …
Perry Jacob Beasley
Perry Jacob Beasley
BARNWELL - Perry Jacob Beasley, 75, passed away on September 27th, 2026. He was born on June 12th, 1951 in Barnwell, S.C. to the late Ralph and Louise Hightower Beasley. He worked as a security guard …
Joe A. Gunnells
Joe A. Gunnells
WILLISTON - Joe Alexander Gunnells, 84, of Williston, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 25, 2026. A visitation will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, from …
George Louis Fechter III
George Louis Fechter III
FAIRFAX - Mr. George Fechter, 83, of Fairfax, S.C. passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026 after an extended illness. George served in the United States Air Force …
Education

Macedonia Elementary/Middle School welcomes 21 new National Junior Beta Club members

BLACKVILLE, S.C. — September 18,  2026 — Macedonia Elementary/Middle  School celebrated the induction of 21  students into the National Junior Beta  Club during a …

College Notes: SNHU announces Summer 2026 Dean's List

SNHU announces Summer 2026 Dean's List MANCHESTER, NH -- It is with great pleasure that  Southern New Hampshire University  (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named …

Blackville-Hilda High School Named National Beta School of Merit

August 26, 2026 - Barnwell County School District is  proud to announce that Blackville-Hilda High School is a  2025-2026 National Beta School of Merit . The school  earned this …

A Project for Everyone

On Monday morning, we gathered at Barnwell High School to cut the ribbon on our new FEMA Safe Room and Gymnasium, Warhorse Arena.  This project has been a long time in the making. The …
Barnwell High School crowned its 2026 homecoming court during halftime of the September 18 football game at Mac Wier Stadium. Pictured from left to right: Gracyn Carter, Journee Ford, 2nd runner-up Savannah Rountree, Miss BHS Homecoming Queen Kendall O’Berry, 1st runner-up Raylin Turpin, Jessica Williamson, and Rilee Sandifer.

Kendall O’Berry crowned 2026 BHS Homecoming Queen

Barnwell High School crowned its 2026 homecoming court during halftime of the September 18 football game at Mac Wier Stadium. 

KEES Reading Rodeo brings school community together through books and fun

Kelly Edwards Elementary School (KEES) celebrated a love of reading during its Reading Rodeo on Tuesday afternoon, September 15, 2026. Students, staff members, families and community partners …

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

From the mouths of babes often comes the best comedy

Our oldest granddaughter Ansley was busy waterproofing our decks, and I was assigned to babysitting Zoey, Ansley and Grant’s daughter and our great-grandchild.  Zoey will be 2 and a half …

Remembering Richard: A mother’s plea to reach out and save a life

Dear Editor and Citizens of Barnwell County, I don’t know how to write this without my heart breaking all over again, but I wanted to share this being September is Suicide Awareness Month. …

The challenge of trusting

Trust is a real hurdle to get over for all of us. We are brain fed as to why we shouldn’t trust anyone or anything. We are inundated with reasons and examples of those “ poor trusting souls” …

BBB warns: Be on the lookout for fake home warranty letters

BBB warns: Be on the lookout for fake home warranty letters A consumer recently shared a letter he received in the mail with BBB after noticing it urged him to confirm that his home warranty had …

The price of freedom, the power of prayer

Fifty-six men sealed their fate on July 4, 1776, to be remembered either as the founding fathers of a new world order or the turncoat traitors of a lost cause. The Declaration of Independence sparked …
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 …
I run a small mail-order nursery in South Carolina. I also run a garden design firm, and I’ve spent decades helping create two of the largest botanical gardens in the state — institutions that …
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. Trampled 5. Dashboard unit, acr. 8. “Be quiet,”  onomatopoeically speaking 11. Clean the whiteboard, e.g. 12. Morally …
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Web extras
How to stay healthier this year: Schedule your flu shot
(BPT) - It's that time of year again: Temperatures are dropping, kids are heading back to school — and cold and flu season isn't far behind. To help you and your family stay healthier this fall …
Running a small business means making sacrifices. Are they permanent?
Rocket Lawyer reports that small business owners often sacrifice time and income for flexibility and control, but these sacrifices can become permanent if not reassessed.
9 reasons your prescription may not be filled, and what to do about it
GoodRx reports nine reasons a pharmacist may not fill a prescription, including missing information, drug shortages, and insurance issues, along with solutions to prevent delays.
Sequoia Grove Winery’s playbook for elevating game day entertaining
(BPT) - For decades, hosting a football game meant the same thing: buffalo wings, a bowl of dip and a cooler of canned beer. But as the sport has evolved over the past 30 years, your Sunday spreads …
Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy
Unwrapping Holiday Shopping: What 44 Billion Emails Reveal About When Consumers Really Buy
(NewsUSA) - Analysis of more than 44 billion emails and 83 million text messages uncovers surprising patterns in when holiday shoppers buy, and what brings them backBlack Friday and Cyber Monday …