WINNSBORO – Two Fairfield County elected officials have filed incident reports against the Fairfield County Interim Administrator’s husband for posting what the two officials called threats against them and others. Fairfield County Treasurer Norma Branham and Fairfield County Councilwoman Peggy Swearingen both filed incident reports on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, against Otis Johnson, 53, the […]
After 13 months, Pauley calls surprise meeting to hire permanent administrator
January 17, 2024 By
Just minutes before press time Wednesday night during a special called meeting, Fairfield County Council failed to elect a new administrator. After two tie (failed) votes, one for Matt DeWitt, and the second for Laura Johnson, Johnson will continue to be the interim administrator, and a new search should begin, according to Councilwoman Shirley Greene. […]
Council facing financial emergencies: penalties, fines, late audit and more
January 11, 2024 By
WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Council held off on hiring a new administrator Monday night as the county continues to grapple with fallout from IRS fines and penalties totaling about $1.4 million, and Interim Administrator Laura Johnson’s unauthorized payment of those penalties without informing council until more than six months later. The criticism continued Monday night, […]
Court to hear two motions on MPA/Town lawsuits
January 11, 2024 By
Brock: A Lawyer Arguing in Court on Behalf of a Client Who Fired Him Just Doesn’t Make Any Sense BLYTHEWOOD – The Town’s outside attorneys were fired on Dec. 11, 2023, and the Town’s new government signed a settlement agreement with MPA Strategies’ owner and CEO Ashley Hunter on Dec. 29, 2023. However, the almost […]
News Analysis: Where can BW political candidates legally place campaign signs?
January 11, 2024 By
It’s probably not where you’re thinking BLYTHEWOOD – It has been the tradition in the Town of Blythewood, that 30 days before a town council/mayoral election, candidates’ campaign signs pop up all over the downtown area. They line the inside of sidewalks down Blythewood Road, Boney Road, McNulty Road, Main Street, and other areas. Multiple […]
PC approves preliminary plat for 108 homes
January 4, 2024 By
BLYTHEWOOD – With the approval of a preliminary plat by the Blythewood Planning Commission, Pulte Homes is on track to develop 108 single-family lots on approximately 91 acres located at 11017 Wilson Boulevard. But that approval didn’t come without considerable restrictions tacked on by the commissioners, including rezoning, the requirement for a detailed landscaping plan, […]
Who is responsible for Fairfield’s $1.4M IRS form assessments?
January 4, 2024 By
WINNSBORO – Interim Fairfield County Administrator Laura Johnson informed council on Dec. 18, 2023, that six months earlier and apparently without council’s knowledge or consent, she authorized $1,184,417.11 in unbudgeted funds to be paid from the general fund to the Internal Revenue Service for penalties and interest stemming from late, incorrect and unfiled healthcare tax […]
Fairfield County audit to be late… again
January 4, 2024 By
WNNSBORO – During the Dec. 11, 2023 county council meeting, Interim County Administrator Laura Johnson stated, “The audit is going well,” as she began her audit report. She next said that it was going to be late again this year. She said she doesn’t know how late, but that it definitely wouldn’t be ready by […]
Mackey, Pugh elected chair and vice chair of council
January 4, 2024 By
COLUMBIA – On Tuesday, Richland County Council officially elected new leadership for 2024. Former Council Vice Chair Jesica Mackey (District 9), who represents a small area of Blythewood, was elected as chair, and Councilman Derrek Pugh (District 2), who represents much of Blythewood, was elected vice chair. “I am truly humbled by my fellow Councilmembers […]
Town of Blythewood, MPA file to settle lawsuits
January 3, 2024 By
BLYTHEWOOD – The Town of Blythewood and MPA Strategies have reached a settlement. The settlement concerns MPA’s Freedom of Information lawsuit against the Town and the countersuit filed by the Town against MPA. It was signed Dec. 28, 2023 by both parties – the Town and MPA’s owner and CEO, Ashley Hunter. However, the Town’s […]
