Upon receiving a grant of $14,050 from the Volunteer Strategic Assistance Fire Equipment (V-Safe), the Blackville Fire Department was able to purchase lightweight wildland fire gear for firefighters. …

Long Branch Baptist Church in Williston spent $9,000 in postage – a staggering amount for the small, rural church. Since 2022, members and friends have filled 900 boxes packed with girls’ …

The Blackville Police Department is down to one officer and is relying on other agencies to help fill the gaps in coverage.  Freddie Washington, who assumed the role of chief in early …

In many rural areas, community members note a lack of opportunities for youth — but too often, talk isn’t followed by action. In Barnwell County, a group of dedicated and passionate …

A traffic stop in Williston that began over a turn signal violation ended with a 30-year prison sentence for Carlos Badger, whose drug trafficking conviction has been described by prosecutors as one …

The Blackville Town Council held its monthly meeting on July 21, highlighting town improvements, honoring the memory of a former councilmember, presenting the business of the month, and more. …

Filing is underway for municipal seats across Barnwell County. All seven municipalities have town council seats up for grabs while the towns of Snelling and Williston also have mayoral seats on …

88.3 WAFJ, a North Augusta-based Christian music station, visited Barnwell on July 25 as part of its Hometown Hello summer tour across the CSRA. Radio staff met with residents, plus gave away …

Jefferson Davis Academy Lower School Principal Sally Bowers and Head of School Carla Jackson, along with the entire faculty and staff, were excited to welcome students back for the 2025–2026 …

The gymnasium at Blackville-Hilda High School was buzzing with excitement on Friday, August 1, 2025, as staff from across Barnwell County School District came together for the District Welcome Back …

Barnwell County Council has approved the final budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, which includes a millage rate increase, the elimination of unfilled positions, and a cost-of-living raise for …

Four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the 2019 shooting death of 22-year-old Steven Ansley, who was killed during a botched robbery in Williston. The sentencing hearings took …

Scrolling and driving will be illegal in South Carolina starting Sept. 1 as the state’s new  hands-free driving law  goes into effect. For the first six months, anyone stopped …

A Barnwell teen has graduated from the S.C. Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics. Amolik Sinha grew up in Barnwell where he excelled academically, including attending the Duke …

The Barnwell Sundial Festival Committee donated $1,000 to Circle Theatre, Barnwell County's community theatre. T h e d o n a t i o n w a s part of the committee’s c o m m i t m e n t t o g i v …

Benjamin Jenkins Jr., a 17-year-old rising senior from Williston-Elko High School, has been awarded a scholarship to attend P27 Academy, a prestigious baseball development program that combines …

Over 35 reptiles were on display for kids and adults to enjoy at the Reptile Encounter event held July 23 at Fuller Park in Barnwell. "I wanted to hold an event to give kids a fun and learning …

Meet Biscuit, a 2-year-old silver-coated American Pit Bull Terrier who needs a second chance. Originally adopted as a pup- py from the shelter, her story took a devastating turn after her …

 Each summer, the Bethlehem Baptist Union (BBU) brings together students from across Barnwell, Bamberg and Allendale counties for its annual summer enrichment program—a two- week …

Law enforcement from across South Carolina a r e u n i t i n g t o h e l p Barnwell County students head back to school. The annual Law Enforcement Expo is scheduled for this Saturday, August 2 from …

Shawn Howze, chief of police for the Town of Blackville, has announced his resignation, effective Aug. 1. Howze, a native of Blackville who was appointed chief in July 2024, cited a recent incident …

Alex Quintero and Jack Yon, co-owners of the new NAPA Auto Parts store in Williston, say their unexpected business venture is as much about community as it is about commerce. The pair originally …

Amanda Pressiegill was declared the winner of a special election for Allendale Town Council on July 15. However, by July 17, when The People-Sentinel reached out to schedule an interview, Pressiegill …

Th e S o u t h C a r o l i n a Highway Patrol needs the community’s help after a fatal hit and run. On July 23, between 2:30 a.m. and 4:10 a.m., a pedestrian was struck by an unknown …

Rhonda McElveen of Barnwell County has been honored as the 2025 Clerk of Court and Registrar of Deeds of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Clerks of Court & Registers of Deeds …