MUSC Health Florence Medical Center has been recognized as a High by U.S. News & World Report.MUSC Health Florence Medical Center earned "High Performing" ratings for congestive heart failure and congestive obstructive pulmonary disorder, in recognition of care that was significantly bet…

Kids will explore new foods and adopt healthier eating habits with this week’s 4‑H at Home activities on food and nutrition! Visit the links to learn more about the activity and check back every Monday for new ideas and hands-on, educational resources for all young people.

During the Coastal Carolina University board of trustees meeting on Aug. 7, the board approved granting authority to the administration to enter into four-month leases, each with renewable terms, with off-campus student housing properties near campus, effective Aug. 15 through Dec. 14, 2020.

Francis Marion University will hold in-person commencement ceremonies for its spring and summer 2020 graduates this September.

In her remarks to graduates during Coastal Carolina University’s summer virtual commencement ceremony on Aug. 7, speaker Carolyn Dillian, a professor of anthropology and recipient of CCU’s 2020 HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer Award, encouraged them to be prepared to face various c…

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,011 new confirmed cases and 7 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 18 additional confirmed deaths and 7 new probable deaths.

Joe N. Hazel was born in 1921. In 1943, the Army drafted him, and he went to Florida for basic training. He spent some time in Fort Meade, Maryland, before traveling to Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, where he joined the 42nd Infantry Division. Hazel trained as an infantryman and as a wireman, with t…

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Evidence is increasing about the high rates of infection in people who do not have symptoms and don’t know they are infectious. This places everyone at risk of getting the virus or unknowingly transmitting it to someone else. The South Carolina Department of Health and Envir…

DHEC today announced 1,178 new confirmed cases and 6 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 67 additional confirmed deaths and 6 new probable deaths.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,265 new confirmed cases and 10 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 21 additional confirmed deaths and 5 new probable deaths.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today it will begin awarding more than $400 million in grants under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) to 266 non-profit organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico an…

Rafael Hirtz grew up in France and spent much of his early childhood traveling. He visited the U.S. on two occasions before his family made the decision to move permanently to California. Although no longer living in Europe, Hirtz’s family continued to travel back and forth to France and Eng…

Jesus Holguin was born on a farm in Anthony, Texas, Aug. 6, 1919. Holguin was one of six children, having two sisters and three brothers. Holguin’s brothers all served in in World War II.On Feb. 21, 1942, at the age of 22, the Army drafted Holguin. He served with 35th Infantry as a rifleman.…

For many people, signing up for Medicare Part B doesn’t require you to leave the comfort of home.  Please visit our Medicare Part B webpage if:You are already enrolled in Medicare Part A.You would like to enroll in Part B during the Special Enrollment Period.You can complete form CMS-40B (Ap…

Today's COVID-19 business information compiled by your SC Chamber TeamThis week’s COVID-19 business information compiled by your SC Chamber Team includes: Hundreds of South Carolina Businesses Call on Federal Delegation to Pass Liability Protections, Federal Stimulus Bill Negotiations Ongoin…

 Introduction to the American Community SurveyDiscover the detailed social, demographic, economic, and housing statistics that the American Community Survey (ACS) provides for every community every year. Join UsYou will learn about basics of the yearly estimates and datasets produced from th…

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) has published an updated fee schedule for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing. The fee schedule is available above and here on SCDHHS' COVID-19 website. 

Below you will find a Florence Chamber COVID-19 Business Update message. The latest information offered by the Greater Florence Chamber comes from various sources including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and local newspaper reports. We hope this material…

Skin cancer can develop anywhere from the scalp to the bottom of the feet, even under a  fingernail or inside the mouth.  It is both the most common cancer in the United States and the easiest to spot because it begins on the skin, where you can see it.

Coastal Carolina University will hold its Summer 2020 virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m., featuring a recorded message from Carolyn Dillian, a professor of anthropology and recipient of CCU’s 2020 HTC Distinguished Teacher-Scholar Lecturer Award.

Francis Marion University’s Board of Trustees ratified a reopening plan for the school at its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday on campus.

The transition from July to August has always been a touchstone for communities as it signals that school is just around the corner. This year, due to COVID-19, these few weeks have and will continue to be momentous as governments, school districts, educators, and families decide on in-perso…

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,295 new confirmed cases and 30 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 44 additional confirmed deaths and 9 new probable deaths.

Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery served in Army’s 12th Armor Division in World War II, receiving the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor. After the war he joined the Mississippi Army National Guard. Montgomery mobilized with the 31st Infantry Division during the Korean War, ultimately retir…

FLORENCE, S.C. – Thirteen Lake City High School students recently became the first class from the school to ever graduate from Florence-Darlington Technical College’s (FDTC) Early College Program and earn their associate degrees.

At MUSC Health, the safety of patients, families, care team members, remains the number one priority. Close monitoring of the COVID‐19 pandemic continues at the MUSC Health – Florence Division. The following information pertains to MUSC Health Florence and Marion Medical Centers only. The MU…

SUMTER, SC (08/04/2020) Central Carolina Technical College announced that qualifying students across Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties will have access to free mobile hot spots and monthly internet service through South Carolina’s Online Learning Initiative.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,175 new confirmed cases and 23 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 45 additional confirmed deaths and 5 new probable deaths.

More questions have been raised about the legitimacy of this year's election than at any time in modern history. The Electoral College itself has faced political and popular scrutiny like never before. Many Americans take issue with the fact that it isn't the American people who directly ele…

The Education Department of the Florence County Museum announces the following programming:

WASHINGTON D.C. – Five high school students from across the country have been chosen from among thousands of award-winning poets to serve for a year as National Student Poets, the nation’s highest honor for youth poets presenting original work.

Our available school supply lists are for students attending elementary and middle schools. High school students will receive information from their teachers regarding the school supplies that are needed for each class.Elementary SchoolView ListMiddle SchoolView ListHigh SchoolHigh school st…

South Carolina’s 2020 Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend. Beginning at midnight on Friday, August 7 and continuing through Sunday, August 9, a variety of school year essentials are exempt from State and Local Sales Tax online and at retailers statewide.The SCDOR encourages you to help slow th…

During these COVID-19 times, it’s troubling that patients with lower limb-threatening conditions, such as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), delay care or go without it altogether.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced 1,168 new confirmed cases and 7 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 52 additional confirmed deaths and 2 new probable deaths.

Summertime is hot. And exercising in hot weather makes us sweat. But why? And how do we replenish what we lose in sweat to stay hydrated?Our bodies work best when kept at a temperature of about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When we get hotter than that, our brains signal the body to cool itself o…

Sumter, SC — J. Mac Summers of Sumter County has stepped down as chairman of Central Carolina Technical College’s 12-member Area Commission, the college’s official governing board, after 15 years of service. Paul Napper of Kershaw County has been appointed as the new chairman.

Summers has a long history of serving on CCTC’s Area Commission Board. He was originally appointed to serve as a board member in 1988 and served on and off, due to a work-related move to North Carolina, in the 1990s. Summer was appointed chairman in 2005 and served until May 2020. Summers considers the hiring of two exceptional presidents, Dr. Tim Hardee and Dr. Michael Mikota, as his top accomplishments during his tenure with the commission. “The commission gave them [Hardee and Mikota] direction to grow the college’s influence and they both did that very well,” said Summers.

Even with his time as chairman ending, Summers hopes to see the college continue to grow in its influence, particularly in terms of its impact on workforce development. “I would like to see the college continue to work with our local businesses and industries, to ensure they have the skilled employees they need to be successful. Central Carolina is a vital part of bringing new business and industry to the area,” said Summers.

Summers retired in 2014 after 34 years serving as Director of Human Resources for the North America Operation of Apex Tool Group. Summers previously served as the chairman of the Santee-Lynches Workforce Investment Board and as president of the Sumter Human Resources Management Association. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, Santee Senior Services and the United Way.

As the governing body of the college, the CCTC Area Commission is responsible for development and operation of Central Carolina in accordance with Act 743 of 1962 as last amended by Act 49 of 2015 and the standards set forth by the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education. The CCTC Area Commission consists of 12 voting members appointed by the Legislative Delegation.

Paul Napper of Kershaw County has been appointed as chairman of the Central Carolina Technical College’s 12-member Area Commission, the college’s official governing board.

Paul Napper of Kershaw County was officially appointed as chairman at the July meeting of the Area Commission. Napper is a Kershaw native and brings extensive professional and community service to the commission. Napper retired in January after 40 years serving as the executive director of the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center.

Napper has served as a member on the CCTC Area Commission since 2015. During this time, he has recognized the important role the college plays in training and growing the area’s workforce, particularly the health care sector. “I am honored to assist the college as it fulfills its comprehensive educational mission and I have complete confidence in the staff and faculty,” said Napper. His priorities as chairman are to hire a new college president and to help continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, volunteer work has always been a priority for Napper. He remains deeply engaged in the community serving as a member of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, chairman of the Sandhills Medical Board, representative for the Selective Service System and a board member of the Jackson Teen Center. Napper previously served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Kershaw Health Hospital.

In January 2020, Napper received the Order of the Silver Crescent from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, the highest civilian honor for community service. It is awarded to residents of South Carolina for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community.

Columbia, S.C.—The American Red Cross of South Carolina is pleased to announce a new Regional Chief Executive Officer after the departure of longtime CEO, Louise Welch Williams. Rod Tolbert, who has been with the organization for over 20 years, will assume the roll effective July 27th, 2020. 

HCS offers NO COST BREAKFAST and LUNCH to children 18 years old and younger and special needs children up to age 21 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Pick up on Tuesdays, will consist of 2 breakfast meals and 2 lunch meals. Pick up on Thursdays, will consist of 3 breakfast…

Army Veteran Terrence Hayes is the director of communications and public affairs for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has worked in public affairs for over 20 years, as a soldier and civilian alike.

Richard Sherman joined the Aviation Cadet Corps in January 1942. After basic training, he attended bombardier school in Santa Ana, California, and in Kirtland Field near Albuquerque, New Mexico. He also trained as a navigator, a secondary role that many bombardiers served. Sherman initially …