Raines Hospitality was awarded the Marriott Horizon Award at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL. on Dec. 10. Ironically, Raines Hospitality founder, Mark Grey Raines, passed away on Dec. 6.

The monumental rainfall that inundated most areas of South Carolina over a five-day period in early October has been described as a “thousand-year storm.”

Volunteers and eligible donors can give a gift that can help save lives As millions of Americans make their final gift purchases this holiday season, the American Red Cross reminds eligible donors to give the most meaningful gift of all – the gift of life

Santa is getting a little extra help this holiday season from his friends at Farm Bureau Insurance, the Florence County Farm Bureau and Darlington County Farm Bureau.

The Christmas Club at Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate school delivered food to Lighthouse Ministries. Above are Rachel Warr and Matthew Warr.

Thanks to the support of the Pee Dee Land Trust conservation community, we have now surpassed the 22,000 acre mark in protected lands as of November!

Francis Marion University President Dr. Fred Carter has appointed Dr. Ruth Wittmann-Price as Dean of FMU’s new School of Health Sciences.

DUKE PROGRESS ENERGY presented the South Carolina Wildlife Association a $20,000 check to help with its Camp Leopold program.

Dr. Michael Carmichael, a McLeod cardiothoracic surgeon, has been traveling to China for more than 25 years to exchange medical information, educate Chinese physicians, perform heart surgery, and to share his faith.

Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School took top honors at the recent Pee Dee Regional High School Mathematics Tournament.

KING HONORED – University of South Carolina Board of Trustees member Dr. Eddie Floyd, left, presents the 2015 Florence County Gamecock Club Member of the Year Award to Reamer King at the recent Gamecock Club Fall Rally held at the Floyd Conference Center

Savannah Dynan, a senior at South Florence High, is pursuing a Gold Award, which is the highest award given in Girl Scouts.

Compassionate Friends of the Pee Dee will participate in the Worldwide Candle Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at St. Anthony Church, 2536 Hoffmeyer Road.

United Way of Florence County is now registering for their 3rd annual Biggest Loser competition.