Lack of job seekers threatens livelihood of many local businesses

BLYTHEWOOD – “We made it through the pandemic shutdown. We made it through the months of carryout only. We built a patio to accommodate outdoor seating. We made it through limited seating. But this could end up closing our business,” said Carol Allen, owner of Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway. The “this” she is referring […]

Emergency broadband now available in Fairfield

A temporary FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program is now available to Fairfield County households who are struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic. The FCC has announced that Enrollment applications became available to consumers on May 12, 2021. The benefit provides: Up to $50/month discount for broadband services; Up to $75/month discount for households […]

Masks off in BW, effective May 1

BLYTHEWOOD – Wearing masks will no longer be part of the Town’s emergency ordinance, beginning May 1. Council voted 3 – 2 Monday night to amend the Town’s emergency ordinance to not require face masks in the town limits. Voting against were Councilmen Sloan Griffin and Larry Griffin. While masks will no longer be required […]

Fairfield County could receive up to $4.2M from American Rescue Plan

WINNSBORO – County and Town officials haven’t yet received official word, but, in total, they are in line for millions of dollars from the recently signed American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The county would likely qualify for up to $4.2 million in federal assistance through the $1.9 trillion program; the Town of Winnsboro is […]

COVID-19 statute fails… again

WINNSBORO – Members of the public are once again welcome at Fairfield County council meetings despite objections from some office holders. On Monday night, council members voted 3-3 on a motion to renew the county’s emergency COVID-19 ordinance. The tie vote constituted a failed vote. Councilman Mikel Trapp was absent. Council Chairman Moses Bell and […]

Pugh, Mackey host first of three testing and mask giveaway events

BLYTHEWOOD – Richland County Councilman Derrek Pugh and Councilwoman Jesica Mackey sponsored the first of three COVID testing and mask giveaway events last Saturday at Doko Meadows Park. “It is a cold and rainy day,” Mackey said in a statement on Facebook, “but thankful to partner with Councilmember Derrek Pugh and SC DHEC this morning […]

Fairfield County offers free rides to vaccination site

WINNSBORO – In a joint effort between Cooperative Health and the Fairfield County Transit Department, free transportation to vaccine appointments will be provided to those who do not have access to transportation. The following locations are currently scheduling and accepting vaccination appointments: Lake Monticello Family Practice 9017 Hwy 215 South, Jenkinsville, SC 29065 Call 803-298-2068 […]

Vaccine slowdown at Prisma Health walk-in sites

COLUMBIA – For those who are over 65 years of age or otherwise qualify for the 1A phase of SC DHEC’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule and have not so far been able to make an appointment, the wait may get longer. Prisma Health announced on Monday that it will not hold walk-in vaccinations for the remainder […]

McMaster, DHEC announce vaccine availability to 65+

COLUMBIA – On Wednesday, Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that beginning Monday, Feb. 8, any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can schedule an appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine. DHEC’s online tool at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator shows locations currently […]

Restaurants struggle to stay open amid pandemic

BLYTHEWOOD/FAIRFIELD COUNTY – It’s with a lot of hand-wringing that local restaurant owners talk about their steadily rising costs and abysmally slowing business. After nearly a year of business slowed by fears related to the Covid-19 pandemic, mandated shutdowns, and economic uncertainty, even restaurants that have been longtime fixtures in the community find themselves struggling […]

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