Dear Reader,
As we move into another busy fall season in Clarendon County, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the exciting stories and publications we’ve been working on here at The Manning Times. Our small but dedicated team is committed to bringing you timely news and stories that reflect the heart of our community.
Recently, we featured a special “Back to School” edition where we filled our front page with “First Day of School” photos submitted by families from across the county, capturing the excitement and smiles of the first day back in class. We’ve also continued our coverage of town and county meetings, including every session from county council to the school board, voter registration board, and planning commission. Our goal is to keep you informed about the decisions being made that directly impact our community.
In an investigative story, we explored the years-long effort to secure a $1 million rural infrastructure grant for Barrineau Public Utilities, shedding light on the challenges small towns face when securing funding for essential projects and the political dynamics that often follow. Another highlight was our “Clarendon Votes” special section, published ahead of the June primary. In it, we featured interviews with every candidate on the ballot. As the general election approaches, you can expect two more special sections in October—one focused on school board candidates and another with interviews from candidates running for state and county offices.
Our team has also put together several special publications, including our women’s magazine, Clare, which featured “Voices of Leadership,” a compelling story about the women who are leading Clarendon County’s Town Councils. For sports fans, we delivered The Huddle, a comprehensive preview of the high school football season across Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Florence counties, featuring exclusive interviews with more than ten head coaches. These publications are free and can be found in businesses around the county or stop by our office to grab a copy and say hi!
And there’s more to look forward to! Our semi-annual agricultural magazine will be released by mid-September and will include a feature on Manning High School’s Future Farmers of America program, as well as a heartfelt piece by local columnist Lee Reaves. You won’t want to miss it.
One of my favorite parts of this job is being out on the road each week, delivering our papers across the county. After we pick up the papers from the printer in Lumberton, NC, we make our rounds through Turbeville, Gable, Alcolu, and Manning. There’s a stretch of US-301 where the sun sets over the farmland, and every time I drive down that road, I’m reminded of the beauty of our county and the hardworking spirit of its residents. It’s moments like those that remind me why I love what I do.
We hope you’ll continue to follow and support us as we work to keep you informed and inspired. And if you’ve ever considered subscribing, now is the perfect time! Subscribe during the month of September, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card to Piggly Wiggly.
Warm regards,
Melissa McCoy
Managing Editor
