Wedding & Event Venue Near Laurens, SC.

After earning his 20th No. 1 hit with “Half Of Me (feat. Riley Green),” Thomas Rhett released a brand-new single to Country radio that was inspired by his wife Lauren Akins.

The country superstar took to social media on Friday (Jan. 20) to share the exciting news of his new radio single with fans via a clip on Instagram.

“Angels coming soon to a radio station near you!” he captioned the video on Instagram.

Angels coming soon to a radio station near you!

turn it up: https://t.co/z33U1u3tdQ pic.twitter.com/yPmpG1JcyA

— Thomas Rhett (@ThomasRhett) January 20, 2023

In the clip, Rhett, wearing a red flannel and an Edley’s BBQ hat, told fans that his next single is “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)” and asked them to request the tune at their local radio stations.

“What’s up everybody? Good Morning, I just wanted to hop on here and say that ‘Angels’ is going to be our next single to go to Country radio,” Rhett revealed. “God, I remember the day I wrote this song, I was like ‘There’s something special about it’ and ever since the record came out, it is kind of just raised it hand the entire time. It’s resonated with a bunch of y’all, so thank y’all for loving it. Start requesting it on your local radio station.”

He went on to tell fans to listen to the tune and learn the words, so that they can sing-along loudly when he performs it on the road.

“Until it goes to radio, y’all make sure you crank ‘Angels.’ Me and the band are kind of working on it right now for our tour and we can’t wait to hear y’all sing that song back to us. So thank y’all for the support on this song and man I’m so pumped. Hope y’all have a great day. Peace out!”

Co-written by Rhett alongside Julian Bunetta, Teddy Swims (whose real name is Jaten Dimsdale) and Josh Thompson, “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)” celebrates unconditional, patient love.

Previously titled “Angels,” the track first appeared on Thomas Rhett’s critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Where We Started.

“This is my favorite song from the album. I wrote it from a personal perspective, but I think it will resonate with a lot of people,” Rhett shared in a press release.

He continued to reveal how the tune was inspired by his wife, Lauren Akins, who he’s been married to for 10 years. “It’s about how none of us are perfect, and how lucky we are to have those people in our lives who show up and love us despite our flaws. I often look at my wife and think she’s truly an angel, for the love and grace she shows me every single day,” he explained.

Thomas Rhett will soon return to the road after a lengthy break from touring. The Georgia native will bring his Bring The Bar To Your Tour to Canada in February with special guests Jordan Davis and Kameron Marlowe.

The Canadian trek is scheduled to kick off on February 9 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC and will continue through February 25, where the tour will wrap up in Ottawa, ON at the Canadian Tire Centre.

“It’s been an absolute blast being back out on the road this summer and we are so excited to take the tour to Canada next year,” Rhett shared when the tour was announced. “It feels like forever since we were last able to play for those fans. They always bring an insane amount of energy and we cannot wait to get up there and see them again.”

Later this year in the Spring, Thomas Rhett will embark on his highly anticipated Home Team Tour 23.

Produced by Live Nation, Presented by Dos Primos Tequila and Fueled by Marathon, the trek kicks off on May 4 in Des Moines, IA at Wells Fargo Arena and continue through September 29, where the tour will wrap up at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

The Home Team Tour, which will feature support from Rhett’s longtime friend Cole Swindell and his “favorite new artist” Nate Smith, will visit 40 different cities and 27 different states.

“Being on the road is one of my favorite places to be,” Rhett shared. “I can’t wait to see the joy on y’alls faces next year and with my buddies Cole Swindell and Nate Smith. We’re definitely gonna have a good time.”

Both of the stints come in support of his latest album, Where We Started, which arrived on April 1, 2022. The project features collaborations with Katy Perry, Riley Green, Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson.

Where We Started features 15 tracks, including Rhett’s latest chart-topping hit, “Half Of Me,” a duet with Green, “Slow Down Summer,” as well as his current single, “Where We Started,” a duet featuring Perry.

Tickets for the Home Team Tour 23 are on sale now. For ticket information visit Thomas Rhett’s official website HERE.

See a full list of Thomas Rhett’s upcoming tour dates below.

Bring The Bar To You Canadian Tour

2/9/2023 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena 2/11/2023 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place 2/12/2023 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome 2/16/2023 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre 2/17/2023 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre 2/18/2023 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre 2/21/2023 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens 2/22/2023 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena 2/24/2023 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre 2/25/2023 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre

Home Team 23 Tour

5/4/2023 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena 5/5/2023 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena 5/6/2023 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse 5/18/2023 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center 5/19/2023 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center 5/20/2023 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center 6/8/2023 – Albany, NY – MVP Arena 6/9/2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 6/10/2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena 6/15/2023 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena 6/16/2023 – Lafayette, LA – CAJUNDOME 6/17/2023 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena 6/22/2023 -Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena 6/23/2023 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum 7/6/2023 – Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center 7/7/2023 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena 7/8/2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden 7/13/2023 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum 7/14/2023 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena 7/15/2023 – Knoxville, TN – Thompson-Boling Arena 7/20/2023 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum 7/21/2023 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena 7/22/2023 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena 7/27/2023 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center 7/28/2023 – Chicago, IL – United Center 7/29/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena 8/3/2023 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center 8/4/2023 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center 8/5/2023 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 8/17/2023 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center 8/18/2023 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena 8/19/2023 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena 9/14/2023 – Estero, FL – Hertz Arena 9/15/2023 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena 9/16/2023 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center 9/21/2023 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena 9/22/2023 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center 9/23/2023 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center 9/28/2023 – Birmingham, AL – The Legacy Arena at The BJCC 9/29/2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

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At Piedmont Technical College’s recent fall commencement exercises, outstanding students were honored for academic achievement as County Award Winners.

Jeffrey Breazeale was the honoree for Laurens County. He received an associate in applied science degree in business administration with a management concentration.

The City of Clinton Department of Public Works Sanitation Division will revise the garbage collection schedule for the week of January 15, 2023 due to observation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 16, 2023.

City offices will be closed and no residential garbage will be collected on Monday, January 16, 2023.

Monday's route will be collected on Tuesday, January 17

Tuesday's route will be collected on Wednesday, January 18

Wednesday's route will be collected on Thursday, January 19

Thursday and Friday routes will be collected on Friday January 20

For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works by calling (864) 833-7520.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of creating "the beloved community" drives Presbyterian College's celebration this year to honor King's incredible legacy.

Following this year's national theme – "It Starts With Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems" – the PC community of students, faculty, and staff worked together to develop an entire day of events for the Jan. 16 holiday.

Dr. Selena Blair, PC's Ingram-Rogers Vice President for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, said her first celebration of MLK Day on campus is a shared community event.

"I am elated about everyone's eagerness to come together and honor the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," Blair said. "As we work together to establish a more welcoming, empowering, and nurturing environment at PC for all who live, learn, work and visit here, it is befitting that our focus on MLK Day and in the days to follow are on providing a plethora of opportunities for learning, open dialogue, and community engagement."

MLK Day at PC gets underway with community and on-campus service events. "Service in Action" is from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday through partnerships with Keeping Laurens Beautiful, the Clinton Community Garden, and Bethany Presbyterian Church.

On campus, participants can help make cards from 9 a.m. to noon in Springs Campus Center for each resident at the local retirement center, Clinton Presbyterian Community.

The Blue Hose Athletics Department is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Greenville Dining Hall parking lot. The Blood Connection will offer donors a $20 eGift card and a bonus $50 eGift card.

PC's National Coalition Building Institute affiliate team is leading a workshop from 1-4 p.m. The NCBI is an international leadership organization that provides diversity, equity, and inclusion training for organizations, schools, college campuses, corporations, and law enforcement.

The college community can also engage in dinner and dialogue during dining hours in GDH. Each table will have conversation starter cards prompting conversations about diversity, unity, strengthening communities, and the role of individuals in manifesting change at PC.

The college's celebration of MLK Day culminates with a keynote address by Thornwell president, the Rev. Myron Wilkins, at 6 p.m. in Edmunds Hall.

Wilkins began serving as Thornwell's 10th president in March 2022 and is a passionate advocate for children, youth, and families impacted by trauma, poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and other life challenges. Through his extensive work and training, he has gained a broad knowledge of the obstacles to prosperity experienced by many in the U.S. He is a proven innovator in developing strategies that impact underserved communities.

A Philadelphia, Pa., native, Wilkins earned a bachelor's degree in social work from West Chester University in Pennsylvania and a master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. He and his wife, Anna, have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of three adult sons.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Europastry, a global leader in baked goods, today announced plans to establish operations in Laurens County. The company’s $23 million investment will create 155 new jobs.

Headquartered in Spain, Europastry specializes in high-quality bakery products, delivering pastries and baked goods to wholesalers around the globe. The company serves more than 80 countries worldwide.

Located in Hunter Industrial Park in Laurens, Europastry’s facility will produce an assortment of brioche bread products.

Operations are expected to begin by the end of November. Individuals interested in joining the Europastry team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. The council also approved a $150,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Laurens County to assist with the costs of building improvements.

QUOTES

“Europastry, a world leader in bakery products based in Barcelona, Spain – with U.S. headquarters in Long Island, New York – is proudly announcing a new investment in a plant in Laurens, South Carolina. Laurens has become a strategic location, allowing the company to expand its footprint in the U.S. The new plant will start up operations soon, and more details will be provided in the following weeks.” -Europastry Senior Managing Directors

“When a global industry leader like Europastry locates in South Carolina, it proves that South Carolina offers companies the recipe for success. Congratulations to Europastry, and we welcome them to the Laurens County community.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“This is a big win not only for Laurens County and its workforce, but also for the overall economy of South Carolina. We are proud to welcome Europastry, and we look forward to the great things the company will accomplish here.”-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“I’m pleased to welcome Europastry to the South Carolina agribusiness community. Agribusiness is the state’s largest industry, and it’s growing all the time.”-South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers

“We are grateful that Europastry chose Laurens County for their new location. We continue to be a place that business and industry thrive, and we look forward to working with Europastry for many years and wish them much success.” -Laurens County Council Chairman Brown Patterson

“Hunter Industrial Park continues to grow, and international investment continues to make Laurens County thrive. We are pleased to have Europastry locate in the city of Laurens. The city looks forward to working with them for many years and wishes them much success.”-Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has included Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) in the Waterford Upstart Family Engagement Project grant.

The program empowers parents and caregivers of young learners as the first teacher in the home. The learning model uses research-based early learning software technology. Four-year-old kindergarten (4K) students will be provided with computer-adaptive instruction at home alongside personalized support from Waterford Upstart’s family education liaisons.

This initiative will provide young learners in LCSD 55 additional support to ensure kindergarten readiness. Each four-year-old student will receive a highly-personalized curriculum in math, science, and reading aligned with the South Carolina Early Learning Standards. To achieve desired outcomes, students need to use the program 15-20 minutes a day, five days a week.

As a result of the grant, this program will be offered at no cost to each 4K student’s family. Each participating student will also receive a computer to use at home.

Waterford Upstart representatives will hold parent orientation sessions in district schools. The orientation will include an overview of the program, distribution of electronic devices, and providing a hotspot if needed.

Belen Reyes, a 4K parent at Waterloo Elementary School (WES), is already looking forward to this program to help her child, Kivi. Reyes said, “I appreciate this being offered. I will do what I can at home to help Kivi learn.”

Tom Adkins, another 4K parent at WES, said, “Anything on top of the 4K program offered outside of school is something I greatly welcome.”

Participation in the Waterford Upstart Family Engagement Program does not require classroom time. LCSD 55 teachers will be the encouragers and cheerleaders for promoting the use of this program in the homes of all 4K students.

Some district teachers participated in the Waterford Upstart program overview virtual meeting on January 4. Teachers will also receive training on how to utilize the various reports that will be beneficial to offer support at school.

Abigail Kittrick, a 4K teacher at WES, is very optimistic about the program. She said, “I believe the Waterford program will benefit students who actively participate. This is great for low-income areas such as Waterloo and Laurens District 55. This will show parents the step-by-step process on how to help their children succeed.”

E.B. Morse Elementary School 4K teacher Haymes Harlan adds, “This program will help students continue their education outside of school with the help of their parents. I believe that the Waterford program will be very beneficial to all 4K students. With this access at home, students will be able to grow academically by furthering their education in alphabet recognition, letter sound recognition, number recognition, and beginning how to read. With Waterford, students will be able to come in the next day refreshed and educated.”

Laurens Elementary School 4K teacher Heather Coggins said, “Any program that encourages academics in a fun way and includes the family as a whole is beneficial for all students.”

LCSD 55 invites parents and guardians of all four-year-old children in the community to register for the district’s pre-kindergarten program, a high-quality learning experience designed to build a solid foundation for their student’s future success. Waterford Upstart at home, coupled with the district’s 4K program, will help prepare students for kindergarten while building confidence in early learners and their parents/guardians to support them academically.

The SCDE and LCSD 55 share a mutual interest in the education of four-year-old students through the Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP). As part of the Waterford Upstart program, parents/guardians will participate in support sessions and receive one-on-one support.

"Waterford Upstart is a fun, engaging program that provides many educational resources to our families and students at the beginning of their educational journey,” noted Jennifer Abercrombie, Executive Director of Elementary Education. “We are delighted to provide this jumpstart for success to all our 4-year-old kindergarten students and families."

“We know that early childhood experiences are important and affect the development of the brain’s architecture. This development provides the foundation for all future learning. We want every child to have the best foundation possible so they can start kindergarten with the skills necessary to be confident individuals ready to learn,” stated Dr. Ameca Thomas, LCSD 55 Superintendent. “We are so excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our early learners to give every child, in every classroom, a strong start to be successful in school and life. This is also a wonderful opportunity and support system for our parents.”

Enjoy an hour of folding fun on February 22 at 4pm at the Clinton Library.

Paper crafter Sam Hobbs will teach the basic folds used in the Japanese art of origami then lead participants step-by-step through the creation of cute critters.

Designed for all ages, participants will make simple dog figures perfect for young attendees and exotic birds for everyone. The library will supply the materials, you bring your creativity.

For more information contact the Clinton Library at 864-833-1583, located at 107 Jacobs Highway in Clinton.

This program is free and open to the public.

Most coaches would take notice of 24 wins over 2 seasons. Upstate SC college football coaches certainly did as three of them offered scholarships to five Clinton High varsity football players.

The Red Devils - 13-1 in 2022 with a region championship and 11-2 in 2021 - impressed the coaches at up and coming Anderson University, and long-time football schools North Greenville University and Newberry College enough to make the offers on National Signing Day.

All 5 players are All-Laurens County Team members and 2 - Bryson James and Hezekiah Kinard - played in the Touchstone Energy Bowl in Myrtle Beach; James was the winning North teams’ leading rusher. Dre’ Aiken was a standout on an offensive line that blocked for more than 5,000 yards rushing. Jishun Copeland and Justin Copeland are speedsters capable of playing in all 3 phases - offense, defense and special teams.

James, Kinard and Aiken signed with Anderson University.

Anderson’s inaugural football season will be in 2024, and the program will have its first Football Jamboree, a fund-raising dinner, Feb. 16.

Justin Copeland signed with North Greenville University.

NGU was 4-7 last season and plays in Conference Carolinas.

Jishun Copeland signed with Newberry College.

The Wolves were 9-2 last season and defeated Mars Hill for the South Atlantic Conference Championship.

All 3 destinations are within easy driving distance of Clinton for home games.

Red Devil Football Head Coach Corey Fountain, whose teams have lost just three times in the past two seasons, said, “According to the NCAA website 7.3% of students who graduate high school will play in college and just 4.8% will play at Division I, that’s out of over 1 Million student-athletes in the country. The young men we have today are a special group of young men. They have embodied our core values since they began their careers at the high school - love, integrity, toughness, effort, pride - they have represented their family and school with pride in everything they do since they’ve been here. On behalf of all the coaches, it’s been a blessing watching them grow not only as football players but as young men … go out and be great so people will realize what great young people we have here in Clinton, South Carolina.”

The 5 signees indicated that small college programs in the Upstate area were looking at them, with some interest coming from Coffeyville, Kansas. Each had their own unique reasons for making their pick.

Dre’ Aiken said 5-6 schools were interested but Anderson “stood out and caught my attention; the coaches show love, the campus is beautiful.” He expects to play on the offensive line, and said this past senior year was his most memorable experience - “You want it more.”

He expects to major in business marketing and management and become an entrepreneur.

Justin Copeland said North Greenville’s football facilities and campus stood out to him. “If I get hurt, I could fall back on school; that’s the No. 1 thing.” He is recruited as an athlete and expects to play safety. His game against Woodruff this past season is his most memorable moment.

He expects to major in business entrepreneurship and wants to develop his own clothing brand.

Bryson James said he chose Anderson because “I want to put God in my life more.” He expects to be a running back for the Trojans and said he wouldn’t mind playing a little defense from time to time. His most memorable moment was “all of it since we started in our freshmen year.”

Hezekiah Kinard said Anderson “felt like a home; once you’re on the Anderson campus, you feel like that’s home.” He expects to play on the defensive line, and like James said, “all of it, how we all came together” is his most memorable moment. He expects to major in physical education - with an eye to teaching and coaching.

Jishun Copeland said he visited Newberry last Wednesday and found its facilities, football program, and academics “fit me best.” He expects to play at slot receiver and running back. His most memorable moment is “just being here with these boys; it was a great experience.”

He expects to major in business management.

Anderson University has announced 56 signees from last Wednesday’s National Signing Day.

Newberry College has posted a signees roster of 48 student-athletes.

North Greenville University is posting its signees on Twitter.