40 years later: still remembering the tornado that plundered Winnsboro
WINNSBORO – Martha Wilkes doesn’t know exactly how long she was waiting for help on that day in March of 1984. But she remembers that it felt like forever. Her house gone, scattered as debris across the neighboring countryside, she was in what remained of her basement with her two youngest sons. It was hailing, […]
Prioleau steps down after 24 years on Ridgeway Council
RIDGEWAY – It was 24 years ago that Rufus Jones encouraged his lifelong friend Donald Prioleau to run for a seat on the Ridgeway Town Council. Prioleau ran and won, becoming the first African-American elected to the Ridgeway Town Council. “No one ever ran against him in all those years,” said Jones, who later served […]
BHS’s Will Epps finalist for SC Teacher of the Year
BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood High School’s Will Epps was surprised during a gathering in the Blythewood High School stadium on Thursday, March 15, to learn that he had been selected as one of five finalists for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year award. Under the guise of a fire alarm drill, the students, including the […]
Voice Publisher elected VP of SC Press Association
COLUMBIA – The Voice’s publisher, Barbara Ball, was elected vice president of weekly newspapers for the South Carolina Press Association last week after a vote of the Association’s membership during its annual meeting at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Ball, who owns The Voice of Blythewood and The Voice of Fairfield County, served as treasurer […]
Artisans market kicks off spring in the park
BLYTHEWOOD – With over 60 vendors, 500 people, and great weather, the annual Blythewood Artisans Market was a great event to kick off spring in Blythewood. Held at the amphitheater in Doko Meadows Park, the event included not only artisans and crafters, but Irish fiddle music (Jim Graddick) and the Randy Lucas Trio. Food vendors […]
Ridgeway moves ahead with museum renovation
RIDGEWAY – The March 14, 2024, Ridgeway Town Council meeting was the final one for Mayor Pro Tem Donald Prioleau, who – after 24 years on council – announced earlier that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming April town elections. A reception for Prioleau was held following the meeting. In other council business, […]
Kennedy named new CEO of Midland’s STEM Charter School
WINNSBORO – The Board of Midlands STEM Charter School (MSCS) announced the appointment of Dr. Lionel Kennedy as Chief Executive Officer of MCSC. “With a career spanning over 34 years in public education, Dr. Kennedy brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering academic excellence to the charter school,” said Board Chair […]
Winnsboro 1st UMC to host Holy Week services
WINNSBORO – The First United Methodist Church of Winnsboro (109 W. College Street) will host its annual community Holy Week Services March 25-29. Worship services will begin at 12 p.m. each day, followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall provided by members of local churches. Each service will feature special music from local musicians, prayers, […]
Governor McMaster signs new gun laws for SC
COLUMBIA – Effective Thursday, March 7, 2024, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed legislation that permits citizens to carry handguns without a permit. The enactment of this legislation, commonly referred to as “Constitutional Carry,” gives citizens of South Carolina the legal right to carry firearms in most public places. Changes under the new law Implementation: […]
Ridgeway brought Irish to town
RIDGEWAY – The Town of Ridgeway hosted its first St. Paddy’s Day celebration on Friday, March 15, and the town was awash in Irish music, good food and Irish beer. O’Hara’s House Band played Irish tunes on the patio outside the Olde Town Hall Restaurant & Pub. Attendees lined up to kiss the Blarney Stone, […]