General Sessions Court had greetings for a man who was arrested yesterday by Fountain Inn Police. 39-year-old Donald Ray Culbertson II of 200 Sumter Street, Laurens was charged with Forgery from an alleged incident at 909 South Main yesterday.

In a Forgery warrant, Fountain Inn Officer Joel Rivera states that on August 23rd the defendant falsely made, forged, counterfeited or uttered as true a forged check drawn on Capital One and made payable to himself and that he willfully and unlawfully produced the check in exchange for $981.43 at the Handee Mart on South Main in Fountain Inn.

A cash or surety bond was set at $7,500 on the forgery case. Donald Ray Culbertson II is also on hold for Laurens County Drug Court. Judge Don Hocker issued an order from General Sessions Court stating the defendant has not complied with any of the requirements of Drug Court. Consequently, he was to be held at the Laurens County Detention Center until his case can be resolved.

The post Forgery Suspect Held for Drug Court appeared first on WLBG.

A night-time burglary along with a domestic assault with a kidnapping this month are alleged from an arrest yesterday by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office. 35-year-old Marcus Arjectrick Johnson of 109 Terry’s Park Drive, Laurens was charged yesterday with 1st Degree Burglary, Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature, Possession of a Weapon during a Violent Crime and Kidnapping.

Deputy Adam Galloway states that on August 1st Mr. Johnson broke into and entered the dwelling of a victim on Oakwood Drive, Waterloo at night with intent to commit a crime therein. In additional warrants, Deputy Galloway states that on August 19th Johnson struck the same victim in her face multiple times with a closed fist while in possession of a metal golf club and threatening to use it to hit her. This was described as domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life that would reasonably cause a person to fear either great bodily injury or death. Marcus A. Johnson is further accused of kidnapping this victim on August 19th by unlawfully seizing, confining, kidnapping or abducting her at the Oakwood Drive residence.

Marcus Arjectrick Johnson was being held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending a bond hearing on his four charges.

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The Laurens County Council meeting in the Historic Laurens County Courthouse was just one of the events happening on the square Tuesday evening.

The Common-Sense Coalition for Better Schools held a note “No” rally at the Capitol Theatre across Main Street, with about 100 people on hand.

People leaving one event or arriving at the other had to make their way past a local pastor who was issuing rants through a bull horn. Accompanied by three others, they were apparently protesting the confederate monument on the square. People reportedly identified as from the Sons of the Confederacy were also on hand, waving their flag in response to the pastor’s protest. No problems developed from the activity, which was monitored closely by a large number of officers from Laurens City Police and the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.

Inside the Capital at the “No” vote rally, flyers were handed out questioning if the District 55 School Board and Administration are competent to properly manage a $109 million venture.

The post Rally, Protest & Counter-Protest appeared first on WLBG.

The Musgrove Mill State Historic Site this week announced a Labor Day Weekend tour of the historic battlefield trail. The August 19th, 1780 battle was a significant patriot victory, instrumental is leading to the larger victory by patriot forces at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

The tour will include a ranger-led hike of the 1.3-mile battlefield trail at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. Space for the Battlefield Tour is limited, so reservations are required in advance. The tour will depart from the park’s visitor center at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 2nd and will last approximately 2 hours. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are recommended.

Unless already fully booked, the deadline for reservations is 4 p.m. next Friday, September 1st. Admission for, and the hike cost per person is $2.00 or bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the “Hunger Takes No Vacation” Food Drive

.  More information is available or reservations can be made by contacting the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site at (864) 938-0100, by e-mail to  mgmillsp@scprt.com or by visiting online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com.

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Funeral Services were held yesterday afternoon for 74-year-old Elaine Martin of Laurens, who died Monday following a struggle with cancer. She was remembered for her love of her family and for her 57 years of service to the Laurens County Library.

After decades of serving Laurens County as the Bookmobile Librarian, Elaine Martin focused her energies on discovering and preserving the history of the county and its people. Following retirement, she continued working to preserve local history. That work was recognized with the naming of the Elaine Martin Local History Room at the library on West Main in Laurens.

Elaine’s involvement included participation in the Laurens County Genealogical Society and as a founding member of the Laurens County Museum Board. Over the past year, she has been working in preparation of the upcoming 200th Anniversary of First United Methodist Church of Laurens, where she was a lifelong member.

The post Services for Laurens Historian appeared first on WLBG.

There are a number of agencies that become involved when circumstances in a household reach the point where children in that household have to be removed, for their own protection. These range from law enforcement to the Department of Social Services to the Courts, as well as people who serve as a guardian ad litem, appointed to represent the child during court proceedings.

A group of folks in Laurens yesterday learned about another component in South Carolina regarding the care of children who end up in foster care. Michelle Betette, Director of the Children’s Law Center at the University of South Carolina School of Law, spoke with the Laurens Rotary Club about the center’s work. She said the center encourages communication between the various stakeholders in the issue of foster care, noting, for example, of the importance that people with the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Social Services work together to represent the best interest of children they’re both involved with. In addition, she noted, the Children’s Law Center provides training for people from the various agencies in how to best advance the interests of children in foster care.

Michelle Betette was introduced at yesterday’s meeting by her father-in-law, Laurens Rotarian Phil Betette.

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The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday arrested a man for an alleged assault by auto on his girlfriend. 51-year-old Shayne Gray Duckworth was booked as living at 334 Sumter Street, Laurens and charged with Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature.

Mr. Duckworth is accused of assaulting the victim by using his vehicle as a weapon, striking her by running over her foot. The incident reportedly occurred in the presence of a minor. The warrant states that both he and the victim are in a dating relationship and living in the same household on Summer Place, Waterloo.

Shayne Duckworth was released yesterday on posting a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

The post Assault by Auto Alleged appeared first on WLBG.

Laurens Police this week had another report of a scam where someone claimed to be calling from the police, saying a grandchild of the victim was in jail. This week’s incident dispatched Officer Shane Martin late Tuesday morning. The victims reported they had received a call that supposedly was from the police department, advising them that their granddaughter had been arrested. The caller said that they needed to pay $2,000 to bail her out, and that this could be done by phone. The complainants told police that they were instructed to purchase four gift cards at $500 each, and to then read the card numbers over the phone to finalize the transaction.

An investigation reportedly revealed that the number given to the Laurens couple was a bogus number from Canada.

Laurens Police Chief Sonny Ledda has frequently issued warnings about this kind of scam. He has pointed out that police never ask for money over the phone.

The post Another Grandparent Scam appeared first on WLBG.

The Board of Trustees for both Laurens County School Districts 55 and 56 will be holding their regular monthly meeting for August this coming Monday evening. Earlier in the day, however, some members of the District 55 school board will be hold a press conference, where they will be acting in their capacities as citizens. The individuals participating are to present a prepared statement regarding the September 5th referendum in District 55. That will be followed by a brief question and answer session for questions from reporters in attendance.

The post Statement on Bond Referendum Monday appeared first on WLBG.

Three Cross Hill area residents – a man and two women – were arrested by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office yesterday on charges that included Trafficking in Methamphetamine. Warrants served on each of the three allege that they knowingly were in possession of approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine yesterday. Charged with Trafficking in Meth or Cocaine Base were 38-year-old Helen Jane Livingston of 74 Echo Drive, 37-year-old Scott Allen Livingston of 1553 Watts Bridge Road and 49-year-old Janet Hallmark Rose of 154 Bethabra Church Road, all Cross Hill.

Helen and Scott Livingston were both also charged with Possession of a Firearm during a Violent Crime, accused of knowingly and willfully possessing and displaying what appeared to be a firearm during the alleged trafficking yesterday. Helen Jane Livingston had a third warrant served, charging her with Possession of a Controlled Substance. It states she was in possession of amphetamine and dexro-amphetamine, 20 mg extended release yesterday.

All three were being held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending bond hearings today.

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South Carolina Congressman Jeff Duncan is adding a new twist to his annual Faith & Freedom BBQ this year. The congressman’s office yesterday announced that this year’s event will include a charity auction where proceeds will go to benefit groups who work with either veterans or first responders. A limited edition, commissioned artwork is to be auctioned.

Representative Duncan will personally serve as auctioneer for the event. Prior to election to Congress, Duncan ran a real estate, marketing, and auction firm based here in Laurens County.

All veterans, first responders and their families are to be admitted to this year’s event at no charge.

This year’s 7th Annual Faith & Freedom BBQ will take place this coming Monday, August 28th starting at 6:00pm at the Anderson Civic Center.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, with special guests including Governor Henry McMaster, Lt. Governor Kevin Bryant, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson. Tickets can be claimed or purchased at www.JeffDuncan.com.

The post Jeff Duncan Returns to Auctioneer appeared first on WLBG.

Clinton Public Safety charged a local man with Theft of or Tampering with City Utilities last Friday. 32-year-old Anthony Perry “Andy” Wilson of 315 Beauregard Street, Clinton was arrested Friday and charged with Theft or Tampering of City Utilities.

Wilson is accused with tampering with a Clinton power meter and defrauding the city from fees from use of city utilities. This allegedly occurred Friday at 315 Beauregard Street in Clinton.

A $1,000 personal recognizance bond was set on the Theft charge, but Mr. Wilson remained in the Laurens County Detention Center due to a Bench Warrant on a Driving under Suspension conviction. It indicates a sentence to be served that requires with a cash payment of $666.93 or 30 days in jail.

The post Utility Theft appeared first on WLBG.

Two women were arrested Friday, accused of keeping children in deplorable living conditions. 32-year-old Danielle Kay McCarthy and 66-year-old Donna Marie McCarthy, both of 109 Terry’s Park Drive, Laurens were charged with three counts, Unlawful Neglect of Children.

They are each accused of placing three minor children at unreasonable risk of harm by exposing the child to deplorable living conditions which were a health hazard. The residence was allegedly infested with roaches and other insects and the minor child was covered in insect bites and had numerous open sores.  The children were noted as under ages 2, 6 and 12.

Danielle Kay McCarthy and Donna Marie McCarthy were each released Saturday on personal recognizance bonds totaling $15,000.

The post Deplorable Conditions for Three Children appeared first on WLBG.

A woman was delivered to the Laurens County Detention Center Friday from the South Carolina Department of Corrections, to face court action on additional charges.

Clinton Public Safety has charges of Possession of Less than a Gram of Meth and Possession of a Controlled Substance for 40-year-old Lisa Ann Long of 25 Lashae Street, Fountain Inn. Cash or surety bonds were set totaling $10,000 on the two drug charges. Lisa Ann Long remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning. SCDC has a hold on her into September.

The post Back for Charges appeared first on WLBG.

The Sheriff’s Office booked a man Friday evening, to hold him for General Sessions Court. 38-year-old Daniel Herrera Martinez of 37 Pigeon Drive, Ware Shoals was served a Bench Warrant that states he failed to be present in court April 28th of this year to face a charge of Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor under Age 11. Martinez is ordered to be held until the case can be settled by due course of law.

The post Court Appearance Pending appeared first on WLBG.

Multiple drug charges were served on a woman the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office arrested yesterday. 21-year-old Karen Louise Simmons was booked as Homeless, also noting an address on Calhoun Street, Joanna. She is charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute along with two counts, Unlawful possession of a Controlled Substance.

Deputy Jonathan Brown states that on August 27th Ms. Simmons aided, abetted or conspired to distribute, dispense, deliver and possess marijuana.

Deputy Brown states that Ms. Simmons yesterday was also in unlawful possession of Diazepam, a schedule IV controlled substance, and three pills of Acetaminophen and Hdrocodone Biatriate, a schedule II controlled substance.

Karen Louise Simmons was being held overnight in the Laurens County Detention Center, pending a bond hearing today.

The post Marijuana Possession with Intent? appeared first on WLBG.

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest Saturday in connection with alleged drug violation in the county 2 ½ years ago. 23-year-old Christian Ryan Crawford of 311 Goldsmith Road, Simpsonville is charged with Possession of a Narcotic and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2nd Offense.

Warrants state that on February 19th of 2015 Mr. Crawford knowingly and intentionally possessed Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, a schedule II Controlled Substance, without authority to possess it. On the same date he also allegedly was in possession of Alprazolam, without authority, and that he has a prior conviction for possession of such a drug.

Christian Ryan Crawford was released Sunday afternoon on cash or surety bonds totaling $8,000.

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A young Simpsonville man was delivered to the Laurens County Detention Center this morning on drug and firearms charges. Fountain Inn Police yesterday arrested 23-year-old Kyle Richard Kelly of 215 Two Gait Lane, Simpsonville. He has been charged with Possession of Meth with Intent to Distribute, with Possession of a Controlled Substance and with Unlawful Carrying of a Pistol.

Officer James Shelton states that on August 27th Kelly unlawfully possessed 3.1 G (gross) of off-white crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, with intent to distribute. This was reportedly discovered during an inventory of the contents of a motorcycle. The warrant adds that a clear glass pipe with residue and a digital scale were found in the same containers as the crystal-like substance. Six pills classified as controlled substances were also allegedly found. Officer Shelton further states that the defendant unlawfully carried about his person, in his waistband, a Glock .45-caliber pistol.

With cash or surety bonds set yesterday totaling $33,500 on the three charges, Kyle Richard Kelly was being held in the Laurens County Detention Center.

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Both Laurens County School Boards will hold their regular monthly meetings this evening. The District 56 School Board meeting for August is to begin at 7:30 this evening.

The District 55 School Board meeting starts at 6:00 in the Board Room of the District office. That segment of the meeting is to consisting  an executive session. The District 55 Trustees begin their open session at 6:30 in the training room at the District Office on Hillcrest Drive.

Some members of the District 55 School Board are meeting with local news media at the Vote Yes Office in another block of Hillcrest Drive earlier this afternoon.

They are to issue a prepared statement regarding the School Bond Referendum, then they indicate they’ll take a few questions from the media.

The post School Board Meetings for August appeared first on WLBG.

Two men have been charged with a Mob Assault on a woman. Clinton’s Department of Public Safety arrested the two Friday, in connection with an alleged assault back on June 27th of this year.

20-year-old Austin Lee Clark of 18,860 Highway 72 East, Clinton and 19-year-old Brandon Lee Clark of 306 Bailey Street, Clinton were charged with Assault and Battery by a Mob, 3rd Degree. The two codefendants are accused of simultaneously assaulting a victim by striking her about the head, causing injury to her head, including a concussion. This was allegedly done in the city of Clinton on June 27th.

Brandon Lee Clark remained in the Laurens County Detention Center this morning, with a cash or surety bond set at $10,000.  Austin Lee Clark was released Friday afternoon on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.

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