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  • Eagles drop season opener

    The Eagle defense lines up against Cary Christian. Photo: Laura Bonds

    WINNSBORO – Cary Christian bested Richard Winn 50-16 in Winnsboro on Friday night in the Eagles’ season opener.

    Up 28-8 after the end of the first quarter, the Knights’ productive offense proved too much for the Eagles to overcome.

    Cary Christian held the Eagles scoreless in the second and third quarters, adding 22 more points for a 50-8 lead with only a quarter remaining. Richard Winn managed to find the endzone in the fourth, but the deficit was too great to overcome.

    The Eagles will travel to Newberry Academy for their SCISA Region opener this week. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

  • SC Dems attack McMaster’s ‘reckless’ Guard deployment

    In a state where tropical storms and military honor are serious business, S.C. Democrats were quick this week to criticize Gov. Henry McMaster’s Aug. 16 decision to deploy about 200 National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C., during the hurricane season.

    “Sending our National Guard troops away when S.C. families face the constant threat of hurricanes is reckless and irresponsible,” Greenville Democratic Sen. Karl Allen said in an Aug. 17 statement. “This is a dangerous political stunt that prioritizes Washington over the safety of South Carolinians.”

    On Aug. 11, President Trump declared a “public safety emergency” in Washington, federalizing local police and putting National Guard troops on the streets. McMaster deployed S.C’s. troops in support of that mission, saying the state was “proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation’s capital.”

    But with criticism mounting throughout the week — including an editorial in the state’s largest newspaper that called the move “political theater” — McMaster addressed the issue with reporters on Aug 21.

    “The 200 [Guardsmen] we sent were not part of our hurricane response plan,” he said. “We have hundreds allocated for hurricane duty, and they remain here, ready to respond if needed.”

    But state Democrats weren’t buying it.

    “Sending 200 SC National Guard troops to DC for a non-emergency is reckless,” Charleston Democratic Sen. Ed Sutton said in an Aug. 21 social media post. “Our Guard should be on standby for real disasters at home, not deployed for partisan optics.”

    McMaster has said he plans to call S.C.’s troops home in the event of an emergency.

  • Field & Stream Music Fest cancelled… again

    FAIRFIELD COUNTY – For the second year in a row, Field & Stream has cancelled its fall Music Fest, according to a statement posted on Field & Stream’s Instagram account.

    The festival, scheduled for October, was to feature Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Eric Church, and others.

    Instagram/fieldandstreamfest

     “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, Field & Stream Music Fest has been canceled,” the statement read. “The refund process will commence immediately and will cover all Field & Stream purchases tied to your order, including tickets, upgrades, camping, parking, add-ons, taxes, and fees.”

    Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Dillon Pullen said pulling the event will impact many of Fairfield’s businesses who were preparing for the thousands of visitors that were expected to attend the festival.

    “While we are certainly disappointed that the Field & Stream Music Fest has been cancelled in Fairfield County, we remain proud of our community and all that it has to offer,” Pullen said. “We recognize that the cancellation is a setback for many local businesses that were planning to accommodate the tens of thousands of people who would have been visiting the county for the event. Our Chamber remains committed to supporting these businesses and to highlighting Fairfield County as a welcoming destination for future events and visitors.”

  • Fortune Springs Park renovation underway

    WINNSBORO – Construction has begun on the long awaited Fortune Springs Park Stormwater Project in Winnsboro. A Notice to Proceed was issued on July 31, 2025.  Representatives with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) gave an overview of the construction and how it will proceed during the Tuesday night Town of Winnsboro Council meeting.

    The project’s design finalization and construction is funded by $2,715,569.90 from SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program (ASIP). In addition to restoring an existing stormwater pond, new 24-inch drainage pipe and structures, plus improvements to vegetative swales will be implemented in the park.

    Fortune Springs Park was established immediately following the Revolutionary War and acquired by the Town in 1880. The park includes walking paths, tennis courts, a county-run swimming pool, and an existing stormwater pond.

    Severe flooding occurs during rain events and has led to erosion and sediment control issues, making portions of the park inaccessible and unsafe. Additionally, stormwater runoff routinely impacts the historic Old Armory Building, which sits adjacent to the park.

    “The Fortune Springs Stormwater Project represents a major investment in the future of our town. This initiative not only addresses long-standing flooding and erosion issues but also preserves and enhances one of Winnsboro’s most historic and beloved parks,” said Winnsboro’s new Mayor Demetrius Chatman. “By incorporating nature-based solutions and improving stormwater infrastructure, we’re making our community safer, more resilient, and better prepared for the challenges ahead. I’m grateful to the South Carolina Office of Resilience for their partnership and support in helping us move Winnsboro forward.”

    The park is surrounded by several neighborhoods that rely on the recreation opportunities and flood risk reduction potential that the park offers. Notably, nearly two thirds of the households in the service area who are estimated to benefit from reduced flood risks earn low-to moderate-level incomes, said a SCOR official.

    “I look forward to the multiple benefits this project will bring to members of the community,” says Representative Annie E. McDaniel, SC House District 41. “By leveraging nature-based solutions, including wetland restoration and other flood risk reduction strategies, the park’s natural beauty is being preserved and revitalized for the citizens of Winnsboro to enjoy.”

    “To retain the benefits of green space for stormwater retention, release, and quality improvements, the project will rely heavily on nature-based resilient stormwater improvements,” said SC Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “These include bioretention swales and wetland cells, which utilize native plant species and strategic grading to channel water away from critical structures.

    “Additionally, construction of boardwalks, walkways, parking areas and other drainage improvements will be implemented to enhance the park’s passive recreation elements,” he said.

    “Part of this project aims to eliminate the erosion issues to which the park was originally susceptible,” Duncan explained. “This means our environmental impact in Winnsboro will be an improvement, rather than a negative impact.”

    Work Flow of Renovation

    According to the construction schedule, crews began work in mid-July taking down trees in Section 1 to create bio-swales – channels lined with rock and plantings – that will direct the flow of stormwater and will filter the sediment out at the same time. The bio swales will slow the stormwater flow and keep the sediment from ending up in the pond as it has done in the past.

    As the work flows from section 1 through section 3, crews will be taking out trees and building bio-swales. They will start at the top of the park where the majority of the stormwater comes in, cuts paths through the soil, and pours downward through the park, taking the sediment and dirt into the pond. So that whole area is where the work will begin.

    That’s the first priority in getting the water to move where they want it to move.

    After the bio-swales are in place, crews will begin constructing sidewalks and other plantings and paving in the top area.

    Along the way, crews will build sidewalks and establish new plantings and trees.

    Then crews will move to section four where they will re-establish the wetlands area above the pond. Next, they’ll work on the pond in section five. The pond elevation will be lowered slightly. It will be dredged and cleaned out. It will have a working fountain and be stabilized and be more aesthetically pleasing.

    Work will then begin on section six – the armory – where crews will landscape, add sidewalks and plantings, and finish the parking lot.

    A French drain will be added around the base of the building, and the park renovation is expected to be finished in April of 2026.

  • Three arrested in connection with Lake Wateree homicide

    After a 3-hour stand-off in Greenville County, the murder suspect, Jerry Jones was taken into custody. | Contributed

    WINNSBORO – Three suspects in the Lake Wateree homicide have been arrested, according to Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery.

    On Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a residence located at 1868 Durham Place Road in the Lake Wateree area of Fairfield County.

    Upon arrival, deputies entered the home and discovered one female unresponsive and another female suffering from a gunshot wound to the hip.

    The investigation determined that three males were present when an argument broke out. During the altercation, one suspect produced a handgun and shot one of the female victims in the neck. The same suspect then shot a second female in the hip before fleeing the scene with the other two men.

    The female victim, identified as Laporsha Jasma Farr, 37 of Lanier St in Spartanburg, succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while the second female was transported to Prisma Health Richland and remains in stable condition.

    Over the next two days, Benny Grady and William Mack were taken into custody without incident. After a 3-hour stand-off in Greenville County, the murder suspect, Jerry Jones, was taken into custody.

    By Aug. 14, 2025, all three suspects were in custody.

    Sheriff Will Montgomery stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this case and I am grateful for a swift resolution to this devastating crime.” He also expressed his gratitude to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Greenville and Greer Police Department for their assistance, as well as to the brave citizens of Fairfield County who came forward to help investigators uncover the facts in this case.

    Arrests and Charges:

    Jerry L. Jones, 41, Perry Avenue, Greenville, SC – Murder, Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime

    Benny L. Grady – Accessory After the Fact

    William E. Mack – Accessory After the Fact

    This investigation remains ongoing. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

  • Fairfield County shooting leaves one dead, one injured

    FAIRFIELD COUNTY – The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a homicide that occurred Monday at about 10 a.m., on Durham Place Road in the Lake Wateree area.

    Upon arrival, deputies discovered one female deceased and another one injured in the lower part of the body. Both victims had been shot, according to Fairfield County Sheriff Will Montgomery.

    Coroner Chris Hill confirmed on Tuesday that 37 year old LaPorsha Farr of Spartanburg, SC was pronounced deceased on scene of a residence on Durham Place Rd. An autopsy has been scheduled with Newberry Pathology in Newberry, SC.

    “We have reason to believe the suspects have fled the area, and at this time, we believe there is no immediate danger to our citizens,” Montgomery said. “This remains a very active investigation. With the assistance of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) our investigators are working tirelessly to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and pursue every lead.”

    This incident continues to be investigated by Fairfield County Coroner’s Office, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Department and SLED. Additional details will be posted as they become available.

    Anyone with information that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office at 803-635-4141 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.

  • Columbia Rd. and 4th St. intersection scene of double drive-by shootings

    Columbia Road and 4th Street was the scene of two drive-by shootings in the same week. | Barbara Ball

    WINNSBORO – Two consecutive drive-by shootings that occurred in daytime at the intersection of 4th Street and Columbia Road have residents in the area fearful for their safety.

    The first incident occurred just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, when the occupants of two cars  – one gray and the other white – shot at each other. While the suspects had left the scene before officers arrived, shattered glass and several 40-caliber shell casings were found on the pavement at the scene.

    Three days later, at the same location, at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, the occupants of two cars began shooting at each other as a man entered one of the cars at the intersection. Noting the shattered back window of one of the cars – a gray KIA – an eye witness said that vehicle appeared to be the same gray car involved in the Aug. 6 shootout.

    The alleged suspects were described as black males wearing Covid masks.

    The incidents are being investigated by both the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Ribbon cut on newly renovated courthouse

    Monday’s ribbon cutting was held at the courthouse’s new rear entrance with town and county council members, school board members, town attorneys and other town and county officials lined up behind the red ribbon, which was cut by County Council Chair Clarence Gilbert, Clerk to Court Dorothy Belton, and County Administrator Vic Carpenter.

    WINNSBORO – The newly renovated Courthouse in downtown Winnsboro was christened Monday afternoon with a ribbon cutting, speeches and refreshments.

    The new renovations to the circa 1823 Robert Mills designed Courthouse have brought a new look to the more than 200-year-old Courthouse – the back rather than the front.

    Because of safety concerns and other reasons, the stately front entrance to the Courthouse is no longer open to the public. The new glass, steel, and stucco entrance is at the back of the building where security is more easily attainable, and the look is more modern than classic.

    Monday’s ribbon cutting was held at the new rear entrance with town and county council members, school board members, town attorneys and other town and county officials lined up behind the red ribbon that was cut by County Council Chair Clarence Gilbert, Clerk to Court Dorothy Belton, and County Administrator Vic Carpenter.

    Following the ribbon cutting, those attending moved into the main hallway in the older portion of the Courthouse for official remarks from several county officials, then refreshments and photos.

    • County Administrator Vic Carpenter
    • Clerk to Court Dorothy Belton and House Dist. 41 Representative Annie McDaniel
    • Sheriff Will Montgomery and former Ridgeway Councilman Don Prioleau

    “Fairfield County is proud of the time and effort it has taken to make this project happen,” said Carpenter, the first of the several speakers that included Clerk of Court Dorothy Belton. “Countless hours of dedicated commitment have led to this ribbon cutting today for the Fairfield County Courthouse.

    “Courthouses represent the ideal we all strive for in this country,” he said. “Their purpose is the blind delivery of justice and the law. Two hundred years ago, this structure was first opened with that goal in mind.”

    Carpenter reminded those in attendance, however, that, sadly, the desired blindness has not always occurred. But, he said the people still, to this day, desire and work towards outcomes that treat everyone equally under the law.

    “Today, we rededicate this Courthouse with that goal in mind,” he said. “The leaders of our Courts and constitutional offices all are charged with upholding the Constitutions of both South Carolina and the United States. The preamble of the U.S. Constitution says it best:

    “‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’

    “We dedicate today this Courthouse with that overarching goal always in front of us,” Carpenter said. “May we always live up to the standards and expectations placed in front of us.”

    When It All Began

    According to City Directories and History, portions of the current Courthouse were designed by one of America’s early architects, Robert Mills, and built in 1823 by William McCreight & Sons of Winnsboro.

    “The Courthouse was originally only the two-story main court room upstairs with offices beneath. In 1938, a major renovation to the building added the back three story addition as well as the curving case iron stairways on the front.

    “The front section facing South Congress Street and the columns were added at a later date, and the circular stairs were added in 1939 when extensive restoration and enlargement were undertaken,” according to the City Directories and History.

    Jared Davison, Institutional Trust Consultant; Fairfield County Treasurer Norma Branham; Derek Raper, Commercial Banking Senior Vice President; Fairfield County Deputy Treasurer Rhonda Trapp
    • Jason Pope, Winnsboro Town Manager Chris Clauson, Tim Marthers and Darryl Adams
    • SC House Representative Annie McDaniel and Councilwoman Peggy Swearingen

  • Special Response Team converges on Cobblestone home

    BLYTHEWOOD – On Aug. 8, at approximately 12:15 p.m., the Richland County Special Response Team assisted the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), with a warrant on Crimson Queen Dr., in Blythewood’s Cobblestone Park neighborhood, according to the Richland County Public Information Office.

    A photo of the incident shows a Special Response vehicle and several officers with guns at the front door of a home. There were unconfirmed reports of drones overhead, but a spokesperson for DEA, the investigating agency, would not release any information on the incident, saying only that it was a court authorized law enforcement activity.

    The spokesperson said there were no arrests made at that location.

    “I don’t know anything that’s in the public realm, yet,” the spokesperson said. “When it does enter the public realm, I’m happy to circle back with you.”

  • Local forecaster joins WACH Fox

    Will Rowe forecasts aheat alert on his ‘Will’s Weather’ Facebook page. | Will’s Weather

    COLUMBIA – With 15,000 followers on Facebook, Will Rowe – maybe better known as Will’s Weather – has made a name for himself in the weather world. And the budding meteorologist just announced another addition to his resume: Weekend Meteorologist.

    “The moment you have all been waiting for,” Will posted on Facebook on Sunday. “I have accepted the Weekend Meteorologist position at WACH FOX 57 here in Columbia! I am extremely grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited to work with them!”

    In a 2023 interview with The Voice, then-17-year-old Rowe said he had an interest in watching weather forecast videos since he was in preschool – and, after watching weather forecasts on television with his grandmother, would play at being a weather man with an old road map and a dry erase marker.

    It was a visit to a local news station that opened his eyes to the world of video, he says – and he chose that as his next direction.

    “At that point, I had no intention of doing anything TV-related; I simply wanted to do the science and research meteorology,” Will says, “but seeing all the cameras and all that, I just thought, ‘Hey, this is pretty cool, I can set this up,’ so I just got a camera, a green screen, got a computer, and got it going.”

    It was in the spring of 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, that he began making his own forecast videos and posting them on social media.

    Over five years later, Rowe is now studying Operational Meteorology at Mississippi State University and Geographic Information Systems at the University of South Carolina. Rowe says he expects to graduate from both institutions by or before May 2026.