Monster Mash Halloween Bash Held At Amazing Grace Park
October 12, 2024 9:34 pm
Several people turned out for the Historic Marion Revitalization Association’s Monster Mash Halloween Bash at Amazing Grace Park in Marion on Saturday, October 12th. There were food trucks, a costume contest, desserts, music, games, fun, and more, It was a great time! PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge the photo.
Read More >Lake View Woman Arrested By Marion County Sheriff’s Office For Financial Transaction Card Fraud, Other Charges
October 10, 2024 5:34 pm
Naquiazia Reandrea Smith, 27 years old of Lake View, has been arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Smith is charged with Financial Transaction Card Fraud, value more than $500 in a six-month period, Financial Transaction Card Theft, and Banking/Federally Chartered or Insured Financial Institution Crime. It is alleged that Smith obtained the debit/credit card of her employer without the owner’s consent. It is further alleged that Smith used the debit/credit card to make personal purchases for a total over $3,600 without the owner’s consent. Lastly, it is alleged that Smith knowingly attempted to execute a scheme to defraud Fifth Third Bank, to obtain monies without the consent of the owner. Smith is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. **All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Read More >Marion County Makes Drug Arrests After 6 Month Investigation
October 4, 2024 2:06 pm
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division made three arrests on Tuesday, September 24th. The arrests come after a 6-month investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in Marion County. Toni Renee Mason, 29 years old of Mullins was arrested and charged with Malicious Injury to Property value less than $2,000 and Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. Michael Anthony McLellan, 48 years old of Mullins was arrested and charged with Possession of other substance in Schedule I, II, III or flunitrazepam, With Intent to Distribute- 3rd or subsequent offense. Steven Liston McLellan, 50 years old of Mullins was arrested and charged with Criminal Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin. This investigation is ongoing and additional arrests may be forthcoming. Federal agencies are assisting with this investigation. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Health, “South Carolina has seen a significant increase in opioid-involved overdose deaths over the last several years, with fentanyl and other synthetic opioids the most commonly associated drugs.” Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace vows that his office will continue to work tirelessly to rid Marion County of fentanyl or any other illegal substances and to hold those who sell it responsible. **All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Read More >Mullins Man Charged With Assaulting Correctional Officers
October 4, 2024 1:43 pm
A Marion County inmate has been charged with assaulting correctional officers. Kyrei Janeai Platt, 27 years old of Mullins, has been charged by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office following an assault on two Marion County Detention deputies on September 30th. Platt was charged with Assault and Battery 2nd degree and Assault and Battery 3rd degree following the incident. Both victims required medical attention but were later released to return to duty. Platt is currently incarcerated at the Marion County Detention Center on charges from Mullins Police Department. *All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Read More >Virtual Reality Flight Training Program Introduced To Schools, Local Officials
October 1, 2024 10:07 pm
By Betsy Finklea Marion County Airport Director Charles Taylor held a meeting at the Marion County School District Office today, Tuesday, October 1, to introduce the Virtual Reality Flight Training Program. Among the local people speaking were Dr. Kandace Bethea, Marion County Schools Superintendent, and Chavis Watford, Marion County Administrator. A presentation was made by True Course, a “high performance virtual reality flight training program.” This program was created to help students with a better way to fly with a virtual instructor. Students fly the simulator and master fundamentals flying maneuvers. It has a building block approach. Students learn the basics until they have built enough skills to actually pilot a real airplane and pass their flight test. They read an excerpt, watch a video, and then use the virtual simulator to test their skills. The simulator records their actions for post-flight analysis and instruction. Skeet Cooper, a South Carolina Aeronautics Commissioner for District Three, spoke about the Aeronautics Program in the Pickens County Schools. They have an aerospace program at their school for students who are interested in aviation and aerospace careers. Local officials are excited about the opportunities that this could provide for students in Marion County, Dillon County, Horry County, and possibly throughout the Pee Dee area. Eight schools were represented from the public schools in Marion County, Dillon County, and Horry County as well as Dillon Christian School and Pee Dee Academy. The simulator will be located at the Marion Vocational School because it is centrally located between Dillon County, Marion County, and Horry County. The virtual flight training program is another way that Taylor is trying to introduce aviation to the community. Taylor said while every student may not get their pilot’s license, this program broadens their horizons and opens the doors for other careers such as engineering, mechanics, airport security, airport fire service, and a realm of other good-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. Taylor also has plans to expand the airport and take actions to expand aviation in the community with the support of Marion County officials.
Read More >Mullins Wins Tobacco Bowl, 20-6, Over Marion
October 1, 2024 6:07 pm
The Mullins Auctioneers won 20-6 over the Marion Swamp Foxes in varsity football played on Monday, September 30, in Marion. The Auctioneers kicked off to the Swamp Foxes to begin the game. Marion started on their own 35-yard line. Marion faced a fourth down and 15 yards to go and elected to punt. The Swamp Foxes recovered a fumble on the punt on Mullins’ 40-yard line to have great field position. Once again, the Auctioneers prevailed, and Marion punted. Mullins’ Da’Karai Worley returned the punt to Mullin’s 25-yard line. After Mullins attained 3 first downs, a quick pass to Lebron Avant, Tyron Allen carried to the Marion 2-yard line. From there, Tyron Allen rushed for the 2-yard touchdown to give Mullins a 6-0 lead with 3:14 remaining in the first quarter. Tyron Allen rushed for the 2-point conversion that allowed Mullins to go up 8-0. The Mullins’ defense prevailed, and Marion punted to Mullins’ 20-yard line. After several plays and a completed long pass, Mullins was on Marion’s 5-yard line. Kenazzion Bethea rushed for the 5-yard TD with 10:38 remaining in the second quarter. The 2-point pass attempt failed. Mullins led 14-0. Marion’s Geo Warren returned the kickoff to midfield. Once again, Marion faced a fourth down and 5 yards. The pass was overthrown. Mullins took over at midfield. Marion’s defense dropped Mullins for 2 losses and then broke up 2 pass attempts to take possession of the pigskin. After picking up a first down, the Swamp Foxes found themselves facing a fourth down and 2 yards to go. Tyrice Davis picked up a first down. The Swamp Foxes fumbled on fourth down and 9 yards to go. Mullins took possession. However, the half ended with Mullins on top 14-0. At halftime, the Mullins band performed followed by the Marion band. Mullins’ Ny’zir Howard received the kickoff to begin the third quarter. Mullins’ Justin Reaves, Jr. grabbed a pass for a first down. He was stopped by Brennen Wilson. The Auctioneers received some help for a first down on a facemask penalty against Marion. Tyron Allen carried for a first down. Tyron Allen scored with 7:52 remaining in the third quarter. The 2-point conversion failed but Mullins was up 20-0 over in-county rival Marion. After Marion’s LaCoree Timmons made a catch, Geo Warren also grabbed a pass for a completion. Jaquan Ritter carried for a gain followed by Tahj Lathon who garnered a 4-yard touchdown pass. The PAT failed. Mullins led 20-6. After 3 quarters of play, Mullins held a 20-6 lead. Marion was forced to punt on fourth down as was Mullins. Once again, the Auctioneers forced the Swamp Foxes to punt. Marion recovered a fumble on Mullins’ 43-yard line. Marion moved the football to the 11-yard line. Marion threw an incompletion into the end zone. Mullins took over but Marion intercepted a pass with 4:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Swamp Foxes attempted 3 incomplete passes before facing and fourth down and long yardage. Malachi Graham was on the receiving end of a pass that came up short. Mullins took over and rushed four plays before the time expired. Mullins claimed the Tobacco Bowl trophy! Mullins will face Lake City on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m., and Marion will face Atlantic Collegiate Academy at 7:30 p.m. Support your team. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge the photo.
Read More >Marion County Collecting Items For Hurricane Helene Victims In Saluda County
October 1, 2024 1:08 pm
Marion County is collecting items for Hurricane Helene victims in Saluda County. Here are the details above.
Read More >Attorney General Alan Wilson Leads Silent Witness Ceremony to Honor Victims of Fatal Domestic Violence
October 1, 2024 11:51 am
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Attorney General Alan Wilson led participants through the 27th annual Silent Witness Domestic Violence ceremony held today at the South Carolina State Capitol Complex in Columbia. During the solemn ceremony, Attorney General Wilson called the names of 24 women and six men from across the state who lost their lives in the previous year as the result of domestic violence. Family members and friends carried life-sized silhouettes, each representing a victim. As the silhouettes were brought to the State House steps, a bell was rung to honor each victim. An additional silhouette (31) was carried to represent potential unknown victims. “Breaking the silence is the first step toward ending domestic violence. Each life lost to domestic violence is a call to action; let their memory fuel our fight for justice and change,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Domestic violence is not just a private matter; it is a public concern that needs our collective response. When we stand together, we can end domestic violence and create safer communities.” Last year, the Violence Policy Center temporarily suspended the state ranking usually contained in their annual report as the FBI transitions to a new report system. Its latest publication analyzes 25 years of data, from 1996 to 2020, in a special report released in October of 2023 that detailed data and trends from across the nation related to men killing women. In the report, South Carolina was in the top 10 states for 23 out of the past 25 years. In 2020 and 2022, the State ranked 11th and 23rd respectively. The Honorable Alan Wilson, religious leaders, and other community members made special remarks to highlight the problem of domestic violence in our state. A statistical breakdown for each county is available at http://www.scag.gov/criminal-domestic-violence-in-south-carolina. 2024 SILENT WITNESS VICTIMS Jamilla Smith 30 years old Aiken County Ruth Whitaker 70 years old Aiken County Marcella Caravello 69 years old Beaufort County Marissa Decker 46 years old Berkeley County Adiarylis Fowler 24 years old Berkeley County Nakita Baxter 25 years old Clarendon County Kadajah McKay 25 years old Darlington County Bethany Shaw 21 years old Darlington County Adam Ward 49 years old Darlington County Teaeshia Kirkland 34 years old Florence County Angelica Aquino 33 years old Greenville County Javaria Drummond 23 years old Greenville County Genesys Rice 18 years old Greenville County Anthony Robbins 52 years old Greenville County Elizabeth Todd 45 years old Greenville County Jordan Privette 20 years old Kershaw County Robert Lee Wedman 31 years old Laurens County Dominique Bolen 36 years old Lexington County Chastity Busick 48 years old Lexington County Mae Nicole Moates 34 years old Lexington County Antonio Bethea 47 years old Marion County Ajhai Yvonne Taraya Gambrell 28 years old Oconee County Barbara Dinkins 48 years ol Richland County Jaylan Sarah Hasty 29 years old Richland County CJ Antoine Sims 38 years old Richland County Wynter Straw 25 years old Richland County Nayda Pastrana Aguila 51 years old Spartanburg County Shana McClain 53 years old Spartanburg County Tyquirez Sims 21 years old Spartanburg County Dorothy Ware Brice 68 years old York County
Read More >Marion Man Charged With Arson, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, and Assault and Battery 3rd Degree
September 30, 2024 8:58 am
On September 29, 2024, Major Lee Cross, Jr. of Marion (36 years old) was arrested for an incident that occurred within the City Limits of Marion on September 28, 2023. It is believed that Mr. Cross did set fire to a building in the 500 block of West Liberty Street while knowing someone was asleep inside the building. Mr. Cross also allegedly barricaded the doors to prevent the victim from escaping the building. The victim did escape the building by breaking a glass which resulted in the victim’s hands being cut on the glass. Mr. Cross is charged with Arson – 1st Degree (Bond Denied), Attempted Murder (Bond Denied), Kidnapping (Bond Denied), and 3 counts of Assault & Battery 3rd Degree, with each Assault & Battery charge having a bond amount of $1,087.50. He is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center.
Read More >Golden Leaf Festival Provides Family Fun
September 29, 2024 8:27 pm
There was a great deal of family fun for all at the Mullins Golden Leaf Festival on Saturday. The event kicked off with a parade and then festival at Smith Haven Park where there were inflatables, food trucks, live entertainment, and more. A huge car show was held, which is featured in another story under “Marion County.” It was a fun-filled day. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge the photo.
Read More >Golden Leaf Festival Car Show Features Many Unique Vehicles
September 29, 2024 8:20 pm
The Golden Festival Car Show featured many unique vehicles and attracted a great deal of interest among the crowd who attended the festival. Here are some of the entries. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge the photo.
Read More >Marion Eagle Construction & Contracting Defeats Apply Pressure Barber Lounge
September 28, 2024 5:23 pm
The Marion Eagle Construction & Contracting defeated the Dillon Apply Pressure Barber Lounge in the 12U football played at the Dillon Parks & Recreation Fields located behind the Dillon National Guard Armory off Hwy. 34 in Dillon. Marion’s #5 kicked off to Dillon to begin the football action. Marion wasted little time in intercepting a pass on the second play of the game and returned it for a touchdown from the 14-yard line. Marion’s #2 added the 2-point conversion to give Marion an 8-0 lead with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter. After the kickoff, Dillon was picked off by Marion’s #5 who returned the pigskin for a touchdown with 2;23 remaining in the first quarter. Marion’s #34 was stopped on the 2-point conversion attempt. Marion led 14-0. Once again, after the kickoff to Dillon, Dillon managed to run one play before Marion’s #5 intercepted a pass. At the end of the first quarter, Marion was up 14-0. With 7:35 remaining in the second quarter, Marion’s #5 scored a 25-yard touchdown after the reception. The 2-point conversion failed. Marion was up 20-0. Dillon’s #56, a young girl, scampered 65 yards for the touchdown with 1:56 remaining in the first half. The 2-point conversion failed. Marion led 20-6 at halftime. Marion added 14 points in the second half, and Dillon added 8. The final score: Marion 34 and Dillon 14. Support your team. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge.
Read More >Marion F&O Samuel Estate 10U Football Team Defeats Dillon Farm Bureau
September 28, 2024 4:53 pm
The Marion F&O Samuel Estate 10U football team defeated Dillon Farm Bureau 34-8 in football played at the Dillon Parks & Recreation Fields off Hwy. 34 behind the Dillon Armory. With 3:19 remaining in the first quarter, Marion’s #2 scores. The 2-point conversion attempt failed. Marion led 6-0. With 3:08 remaining in the first quarter, Dillon’s Farm Bureau quickly responded with a kickoff return for 6 points to knot the score at 6. The 2-point conversion was good by #5. Dillon led 8-6. Marion responded with a TD and a 2-point conversion to take the lead 14-8. Marion followed with a reception by #5 as time expired in the first half to give Marion a 20-8 lead. The 2-point conversion was good to give Marion a 22-8 lead at halftime. The Marion team kicked off to Dillon to begin the third quarter. The football went to Dillon Farm Bureau’s 39-yard line where it was recovered by the Marion F&O Samuel Estate team. With 6:25 remaining in the third quarter, Marion’s #5 scored. The 2-point conversion failed. Marion led 28-8. After 3 quarters of play, Marion was up 28-8. Marion took over on downs. With 3:55 remaining in the game, Marion’s #5 scored. The 2-point conversion failed. Marion led 34-8. PHOTO GALLERY Photos by Johnnie Daniels/The Dillon County News, LLC Click to enlarge the photo.
Read More >Nichols Man Arrested After Five Hour Standoff
September 26, 2024 3:42 pm
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Kenneth Wayne Hursey, 57 years old of Nichols, after a 5-hour standoff earlier this morning. Hursey is charged with Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature and Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime. Marion County deputies were called to Hursey’s home off Old Mullins Highway shortly after 2:00 a.m. for a domestic disturbance with shots fired. Hursey had locked himself inside the home and threatened deputies. Finally, at 8:00 a.m., Hursey was taken into custody without injury. It is alleged that Kenneth Hursey had an argument with the victim, pointed a 9mm handgun, then fired the gun several times. It is further alleged that Hursey shot and destroyed the victim’s cell phone. Hursey is currently being held at the Marion County Detention Center. ** All persons are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Read More >Cadets and Students Named to The Citadel’s Spring 2024 Dean’s List
September 25, 2024 2:35 pm
CHARLESTON, SC (09/25/2024)– The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester. -Daniel Camp of Sellers, SC -Mecadeez Durham of Latta, SC -Timothy Johnson of Marion, SC -Gabriel Sherman of Latta, SC -Noah Williams of Latta, SC
Read More >Mullins Defeats Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada of Conway
September 23, 2024 9:08 am
The Mullins Auctioneers defeated the Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada of Conway 44-18 to pick up the fifth win of the football season in varsity action played in Mullins this past weekend. The Auctioneers, under the coaching of Head Coach Marc Lowery and his coaching staff, forced 6 turnovers from the Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada. These turnovers led to 2 touchdowns for the Auctioneers. Kanazzin Bethea’s pass to #6 Zayan Grant for a touchdown with about 9 minutes left in the second quarter gave Mullins the first lead of the game, 6-0, over the Atlantic Collegiate Academy. Kanazzin Bethea rushed for the 2-point conversion. Mullins led 8-0. With about 3 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Kanazzin Bethea rushed for a TD. The 2-point conversion failed. Mullins led 14-0. With about 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Kanazzin Bethea threw a pass to #4, Braden Hughes, for a touchdown. Bethea tossed a pass to Amier Lee for the 2-point conversion to give Mullins a 22-0 lead. As time was expiring in the third quarter with about a minute to go, Amir Lee’s fumble recovery was good for a touchdown. A pass to #19, Lonnie Alston, was good for the 2-point conversion. The Atlantic Collegiate Academy trailed 30-0. With 11 minutes to go in the game, the Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada rushed for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed. Mullins led 30-6. With about 8 minutes left in the game, the Atlantic Collegiate Academy once again hit pay dirt with a pass. The 2-point conversion failed. Mullins led 30-12. With about 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Mullins’ #6, Justin Reaves, Jr., intercepted a pass and returned it for a Mullins touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed. Mullins led 36-12. With about 2 minutes left in the game, the Atlantic Collegiate Academy Armada connected for a pass completion for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed. Mullins led 36-18. As the game was drawing to an end, Mullins’ Amir Lee rushed for a touchdown. Kanazzion Bethea’s pass to Lonnie Alston was good for the 2-point conversion. Mullins was up 44-18. Mullins will face Marion who has defeated Mullins for the past 5 times that they have faced one another. Mullins is undefeated for this football season. Support your team.
Read More >Kingstree Defeats Marion In Varsity Football
September 22, 2024 5:35 pm
The Kingstree Blazers defeated the Marion Swamp Foxes 52-16 for their first win of the football season on Friday, September 20, in Kingstree. This is the first time that Kingstree has won in the previous 5 home games played in Kingstree In October, 2023, Marion defeated Kingstree. Marion dropped to one win and 4 losses while Kingstree also has 1 win and 4 losses for this football season. Marion will host Mullins on Friday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. Kingstree will face Lake City on Friday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. Support your team.
Read More >Marion County Administration Voter Registration Office Releases Important Dates For Election
September 17, 2024 6:35 pm
The Marion County Administration Voter Registration Office has released some important dates for the upcoming election on November 5th, which inclufes the City of Mullins Mayor and City District 1, 3, & 5 races, and two town council seats in the Town of Nichols.
Read More >
Connecting All of Dillon County and Beyond
