Wedding & Event Venue Near Darlington, SC.

DARLINGTON, S.C. (WPDE) — Officials have confirmed that one person is dead following an officer-involved shooting Thursday afternoon.

No officers were injured, according to a Darlington County sheriff.

“At this point, the only thing I can tell you is there has been an officer involved shooting. Officers, they’re OK," said Sheriff Hudson. "You know, what we need to do now is just pray for the families of the deceased. And the families of those officers that are involved in the shooting incident. And we are going to continue to lead SLED work It. And work through it. And wait on the outcome.

As of 7:30 p.m., the scene has been cleared after more than a dozen deputies responded to the situation near the railroad tracks on McIver Road where it meets Old Florence Road in Darlington.

When the scene was active, community members said it appeared that officers were surrounding a man who was walking in the road with a gun.

ABC15 was able to speak with a resident, Will Ross, who claims that just before the incident started, the man came into his auto shop and asked to charge his phone.

After the man was able to charge his phone, he left the auto shop, and Ross said he saw him surrounded by officers roughly 15 minutes later.

“He pulled the gun out on the deputy sheriffs. And they asked him to put the gun down. He didn’t put it down he just kept back it up," said Ross. "Then he took off running. And they chased him down the road down there. So me and my brother were standing out in his yard. And after a while about 15 minutes later. Yes, about 15 minutes later. We heard about 10 or 11 gunshots.”

Several gunshots were heard by neighbors after the surrounded man was asked to drop his weapon by officers for roughly 20 minutes.

Community members said deputies have blocked the road and aren’t allowing anyone in the area.

Neighbors have complained for months about break-ins, shots fired and other crimes in the area of McIver Road.

"Police be up and down the street. Everyday and night you hear the sirens, on the weekends you hear the sirens and it's a lot of break-ins and stuff going on around here," said Ralph Simon; a resident living along McIver Road.

South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) officers arrived on scene around 1:30 p.m. Thursday. They said they are the lead investigators in the officer-involved shooting.

The Director of Public Information for SLED, Renée Wunderlich, sent the following statement to ABC15:

"SLED agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Darlington County. No other information is available at this time while agents continue to investigate."

Stay with ABC15 for updates.

DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Fiber Industries has informed Darlington County leaders of plans to lay off 250 employees as part of a reduction in force, according to information from the Worker Adjustment and Restraining Notification Act (WARN).

ABC15 got ahold of the WARN notice through Darlington County Administrator Charles Stewart.

The WARN Notice says, "on January 29, 2023 Fiber Industries will begin terminating employees affecting reduction-in-force and the employment losses related to this reduction in force."

Some people are questioning what led to the layoffs after a plant expansion announcement earlier this year.

Fiber Industries announced the $30 million investment back in January to expand its operations in January of 2023, which was said to create more than 50 new jobs.

The company produces polyester staple fiber for high-end performance fabrics, workwear, knit goods, the automotive industry and more.

At the time of the expansion announcement, the company employed more than 300 people.

Fiber Industries sent a release Tuesday that said the move is "a strategic transition to capitalize on what the company sees as promising opportunities for continued growth and expansion in the years ahead. As part of this realignment, Fiber Industries intends to temporarily suspend Polyester Staple Fiber production as it rebrands, advances its approach toward sustainability, and seeks to co-locate new enterprise partners to the Company’s Darlington facility."

Operations will resume once the transition is complete and market dynamics enable the company to leverage the scale of its assets, the release added.

During the transition, Fiber Industries said they will retain a core group of employees to drive targeted improvements and support an optimal restart.

Fiber Industries is taking these steps to enhance the long-term viability of company to diversify its product offerings and attract industry partnerships.” said Don Bockoven, CEO of Fiber Industries. “Fiber industries is deeply grateful for the entire team’s contributions to the company’s success during the past two-plus years of operations and looks forward to re-hiring personnel once manufacturing resumes.

The company also said they will use the period to build on and improve standard corporate operating procedures including those related to Human Resources - employee advancement, training and development - as well as Purchasing, Maintenance, Engineering and Capital Management.

SOUTH CAROLINA (WPDE) — The Pee Dee region had a record year in economic growth according to one regional development organization.

NESA, The Northeastern Strategic Alliance, is a regional non-profit development organization that serves multiple counties across South Carolina and North Carolina.

Friday, they released their report with economic growth and development updates, as they reviewed 2022.

According to the report, counties in South Carolina's northeastern region reported more than $1.106 billion dollars in new investment with 2,440 jobs created.

This data marks a record year for growth within the region.

Yancey McGill, a former S.C. lieutenant governor and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) executive committee chairman, said, “This has been a monumental year of announcements, job creation, and developing projects for our region. We are excited to see the amazing opportunities these announcements provide and the high potential for further growth and development.”

As of December 2022, the regional unemployment rate was 3.8%.

The lowest recorded unemployment rate for the year was 3.2% in April 2022, and the highest was 5.2% in February 2022.

In an interview with ABC15 News, Jeff McKay, NESA's executive director, said several factors played a role in different counties seeing success.

"Right place, right time, with right ingredients," said McKay. "The counties, such as Florence for instance, has put a lot of work and effort into developing a product for companies that are seeking new locations."

The report includes specific county-by-county updates for the following areas:

DARLINGTON COUNTY

Population: 63,433

Unemployment rate: 3.9%

Average annual wages: $51,200

GDP: $2,442,221,000

According to the NESA report, Darlington County completed certification for the Darlington County I-20 Industrial Park. The county-owned site opens the door for more and new industries to move into the area. Multiple Solar farm projects were also announced with combined investments nearing $37 million.

In 2023, NESA's expectation for Darlington County will assess and work to meet the needs of existing industries within the county through the Darlington County Economic Partnership. As part of the initiative, they're working to create innovative employee training.

PREVIOUS DARLINGTON COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

DILLON COUNTY

Population: 28,527

Unemployment rate: 5.1%

Average annual wages: $36,404

GDP: $727,734,000

In Dillon County, NESA is reporting the county continues to be a hotspot for traditional manufacturing and distribution operations. Dillion also welcomed a new economic development director, Matthew Elvington in early 2022. In 2023, NESA expects several infrastructure projects including widening S.C. Highway 34 and the construction of a QT at exit 190 on I-95 to be completed within the year.

They're also looking to develop recently acquired acreage in the industrial park that houses Harbor Freight Tools’ distribution center and Inland Port Dillon.

PREVIOUS DILLON COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

FLORENCE COUNTY

Population: 137,276

Unemployment rate: 3.6%

Average annual wages: $46,795

GDP: $6,623,945,000

Even with 8% inflation, NESA shows that Florence County had the biggest economic year in the history of the county. In 2022, there were more than $936 million in announced capital investments, and more than 1,872 new jobs were created. The major businesses involved in bringing economic growth to Florence County in 2022 include Cheney Brothers, Innovative Construction Group, Envision AESC, and Carolina Precision Foods, LLC, according to NESA.

In 2023, NESA expects Florence Count to continue moving forward in economic development. After noting Florence County Council's approval to issue a $22 million bond that supports industrial product development initiatives, they're expecting multiple industrial buildings to be completed within the year.

PREVIOUS FLORENCE COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

GEORGETOWN COUNTY

Population: 62,992

Unemployment rate: 3.9%

Average annual wages: $45,365

GDP: $2,383,763,000

In January 2022, Georgetown County hired a new Economic Development Director, Tiffany Harrison. According to NESA's findings, there were several new developments and announcements throughout the year representing over $30 million in capital investments; and created more than 150 jobs.

As various projects and developments move forward in Georgetown County, NESA's 2023 expectations have a positive outlook for growth. Some projects expected to be completed by the end of the year include rail access for GCBC, the industrial park near Highway 521, the development of 560 acres for Pennyroyal Industrial Park that would create barge and rail access, and reviewing the Georgetown County Airport as a third industrial site for the region.

PREVIOUS GEORGETOWN COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

HORRY COUNTY

Population: 344,865

Unemployment rate: 4.1%

Average annual wages: $42,508

GDP: $13,008,089,000

Horry County experienced strong economic activity with more than $124 million in investments and 268 new jobs coming to the county in 2022, according to NESA. Companies including, Carolina Food Service of Loris, Carolina Refractories Inc., DC Blox Inc., FedEx Ground, Moose Logistics & Distribution, Pepsi Bottling Ventures, and Shed Windows & More Inc., all announced bringing or expanding their existing business within Horry County.

Entering 2023, the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation is anticipating another prosperous year for Horry County, as NESA reports there are several sites and building development projects already underway.

PREVIOUS HORRY COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

MARION COUNTY

Population: 29,585

Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Average annual wages: $38,270

GDP: $554,381,000

NESA's 2022 report shows Marion County had about $20 million in new investments and brought 30 new jobs to the county.

With the growth in 2022, NESA is expecting the Marion County Economic Development Commission to strengthen and broaden the workforce pipeline. NESA reports that doing this will establish various avenues to assist residents with developing skills and certifications while building awareness of available jobs across the county.

PREVIOUS MARION COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

MARLBORO COUNTY

Population: 26,912

Unemployment rate: 7.7%

Average annual wages: $50,507

GDP: $714,898,000

Marlboro County Industrial Park completed a 50,000-square-foot speculative building in 2022; and is now available. NESA reports in 2023, The Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership is entering the year with efforts in place to support existing industries in the county. They also noted Marlboro County is developing Delta Site, the former Delta textile facility in Wallace, S.C. for heavy-duty industrial use.

PREVIOUS MARLBORO COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH STORIES:

McKay said, "As long as the communities recognize the value of growing their local economies through the locations expansion of the business community, then I think that's when they become successful."

Barring any national or global economic downturn, McKay added NESA believes these counties' economies will see another good year in 2023.

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Five candidates are running for District 5 and 7 seats on the Darlington County School Board.

The District 5 seat is held by Richard Brewer, who is seeking re-election, and the schools represented in this district are Darlington County Institute of Technology and Darlington Middle School. Brewer will be facing Amanda Thompsen for the seat.

The elections will be held on Nov. 8.

Brewer joined the school board four years ago. He is a Christian, married for 42 years, is a father, is a Navy veteran, and is retired from General Electric.

“I am a servant to my students, teachers, and staff,” Brewer said. “I do my utmost to make their experience in the school system the best it can be.”

Amanda Thompsen was born and raised in western North Carolina, attending T.C. Roberson High School in Skyland, N.C. then studying at N.C. State University and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta.

She and her husband moved to Hartsville in 2003 for his job at Sonoco. Shortly after, their son was born at Carolina Pines RMC and then two years later a daughter was born. The Thompsens have since made Darlington County their home. Amanda Thompsen and her children have encountered many loving and encouraging teachers, and it’s through this experience that she’s grown to appreciate educators as they face challenges.

Both of her children chose to attend Mayo High School. Their educational foundations were built at Washington Street Elementary, West Hartsville Elementary and Hartsville Middle School.

The District 7 seat is held by Wanda Hassler, who is seeking re-election, and West Hartsville Elementary School is represented by this district.

Hassler will be facing Jacqueline DuBose and Jimmie E. Epling for the seat.

Wanda Hassler was born in Rockingham, N.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Davidson College and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hassler served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1988 and reached the rank of captain.

Hassler and her husband, Terry, moved to Hartsville almost 30 years ago. Their four children all attended Darlington County schools. She has served on numerous boards in Darlington County, including the YMCA, the Billy Hardee Home for Boys, the Darlington County Education Foundation, St Luke United Methodist Staff Parish Relations, and president of the United Methodist Women. Her passion for education in Darlington County began while serving in various volunteer roles, including PTO president, co-founder and president of the Carolina Elementary School Education Foundation, co-chair of the Darlington County School District successful 2003 bond referendum and a school board representative for the 2020 South Carolina Accountability Advisory Committee. She also works as a registered nurse with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Jacqueline DuBose was born in Columbia and is the daughter of Lula Hicks and Woodrow Hicks. Her parents moved to Hartsville over 50 years ago and their family has been rooted in Hartsville ever since.

She and her siblings attended St. Mary’s School, Washington Street Elementary School, and Southside Elementary School. DuBose is a bus driver for the school district, a job she has done for over six years.

“I have observed the needs of the quality of children’s education,” DuBose said. “I feel that I can contribute to helping make changes that will benefit the children. My mission is to strive to be transparent as a board member in Darlington County School District with the wisdom of God and working alongside other board members to address the challenges, obstacles, and to help prevent the calamity like that was nationally shown.”

Jimmie Epling was born in Eastern Kentucky. He has over 40 years of library experience in a variety of roles. Epling holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education in history and economics from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in library science from the University of South Carolina. He earned the Kentucky certificate of management fundamentals in 2007.

He began his career in libraries at the Boyd County Public Library in Kentucky. He later worked in the reference and genealogy departments at Boyd County Public Library, cataloging the library’s historical document collection and developing a searchable computer database for the collection. He is director of the Darlington County Public Library. He began work on August 1, 2012, moving the library forward with a focus on services and technology, and making it relevant to the community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating a cluster of Legionnaires’ disease cases in Darlington County. To date, 13 people have been identified as part of this cluster.

Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella and includes symptoms of fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and muscle aches. People can get sick from Legionella by breathing in small particles of water containing the bacteria. Legionella is not spread from person to person.

“The risk of Legionnaires’ disease among residents of Darlington is low,” said Dr. Abdoulaye Diedhiou, director of DHEC’s Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology. “Most people exposed to Legionella do not develop Legionnaires’ disease.”

People over the age of 50, especially those who smoke cigarettes and those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or other chronic health conditions are at increased risk for Legionnaires’ disease.Those at higher risk of getting a severe infection should seek medical care early if they have the above symptoms. Health care providers should test for other causes of respiratory illness, including influenza, COVID-19, RSV and others as appropriate. Pneumonia caused by Legionella is treatable with antibiotics.

DHEC’s investigation includes efforts to determine the source of the disease cluster in the community. Investigations into these types of Legionnaires’ clusters are complex. It is often not possible to determine the origin of the bacteria that infected people. Water from cooling towers, hot tubs, misters, decorative fountains and plumbing systems are possible sources of infection.

“We are actively investigating all potential sources,” Diedhiou said.

People concerned about their risk can protect themselves by avoiding breathing in water mists from human-made water systems. Everyone is encouraged to seek medical attention if they begin having symptoms of pneumonia.

For more information about Legionnaires’ disease, please visit the CDC Legionella webpage. Health care providers are also encouraged to read the DHEC Health Advisory regarding this cluster.

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