At the Manning Rotary Club meeting on August 25th, members had the opportunity to hear from Dennis Cyphers, the Executive Director and Government Services Chief for the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments (SLRCOG). Cyphers, who oversees a four-county region including Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter, shared insights into the role of Santee-Lynches COG as a critical resource for local governments. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to acting as conveners, consultants, and strategic solution providers, particularly in areas such as transportation and housing within the Clarendon area.
Cyphers elaborated on how the COG collaborates with federal and state agencies to secure and administer grants for various community-based programs and economic development initiatives. He noted that Santee-Lynches offers unique solutions to regional issues, providing technical assistance, access to capital, job training, housing improvements, and resources for aging populations. The COG’s recent focus on transportation projects, such as improvements at the 261 and I-95 interchange, and efforts to develop attainable housing in partnership with developers, are prime examples of their ongoing work in the region.
He also discussed the COG’s efforts in securing funding for community-based programs and economic development initiatives, focusing on their advocacy at both the state and national levels to improve the quality of life in the region.
In addition to the guest speaker, the Rotary Club announced upcoming events, including a community trash pickup on September 14th. Manning Rotarians will join the youth group from Manning United Methodist Church (MUMC) for this effort, focusing on Hwy 260, between Haseldon Drive and Oak Grove Church Road. Members of both Rotary and MUMC are encouraged to see Sergeant of Arms Leigh Ann Maynard for further details.
Looking ahead, the Manning Rotary Club will host a candidate forum for the upcoming Clarendon County School Board election on October 10th at 6 p.m. at the Weldon Auditorium. The event will feature all 27 candidates who have filed with the county’s Voter Registration office. Depending on attendance, the forum will include either a timed introduction followed by platform speeches or a brief Q&A session. Afterward, attendees will have the chance to engage directly with the candidates during an informal meet and greet, with light refreshments provided. The Rotary Club has distributed promotional flyers and encourages candidates to share them within their networks to ensure a strong turnout.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Manning Rotary Club continues its work in the community.
