Clarendon briefs, Jan. 24, 2026: St. Matthias' Church Oyster Roast, food giveaway and more

Clarendon County Archives needs your help

MANNING - Clarendon County Archives needs help in locating pictures and documents of Jordan School that served Black children in grades 1-8. The school closed in 1970.Remnants of the one-story brick school, which was off S.C. 260 on what is now King Road and less than one mile from Clarendon County Airport, can be seen today in a privately owned wooded area on the left side of King Road across from Union Cypress AME Church.

Family members of students who attended the school are looking for any pictures or information on the school.

Anyone with information on Jordan School can call Clarendon County Archives at (803) 435-0328 or email archives at ClarendonCountyArchives@clarendoncountygov.org.

St. Matthias' Church Oyster Roast returns Jan. 24

SUMMERTON - At this annual event, enjoy fellowship, oysters and other treats Saturday, Jan. 24, at Flowers Farm Tomato Shed off Highway 301 (K. W. Hodge Road) beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will also be catfish stew, beans, coleslaw, chicken bog, BBQ, desserts of all kinds and more while you enjoy bluegrass live music and mingle with friends and neighbors. Proceeds support the various ministries of St. Matthias' Church. Buy tickets at https://tinyurl.com/4d3yfv2p.

Food Giveaway Jan. 24

MANNING - A community resources event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at New Start Community Church of the Nazarene, 4686 JW Rhames Road.

The event will include free food distribution by Convoy of Hope, free food and clothing distribution by Well Watered Ministries, health and wellness tables, The Blood Connection, New Starts Sports Ministry, a children's craft table and more.

Win cash prizes during Bonus Bass at Santee Cooper Lakes

CLARENDON COUNTY - The Bonus Bass family run competition is all about fun and fishing on Santee Cooper Lakes. Tagged bass are hidden around the lakes, and kayakers, canoers, visitors and residents are invited to try to catch one. Just snap a photo of the tag and submit it to win cash prizes starting at $100, all the way up to $25,000. You must register before your catch to be able to claim a prize. Bonus Bass Open Tournament will be at Relaxed Retreat Outdoors on Jan. 24. Check out the website at bonusbass.com.

Residents can make use of or donate to blessing box

MANNING - In need of a blessing? Harvin Clarendon County Library has installed a Caring Box outside the library's doors that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those who need any essentials. Take what you need, and donate what you can. Donations of nonperishable foods, hygiene items and cold-weather essentials are welcome and can be taken into the library or placed in the box. The library is at 215 N. Brooks St., Manning.

2026 CATT Santee Cooper Spring Trail kicks off Feb. 7

SUMMERTON - The 2026 CATT Santee Cooper Spring Trail kicks off Feb. 7 at John C. Land III Boating & Sports Fishing Facility, 4404 Greenall Road, Summerton.

For additional information, visit www.cattteamtrail.com/divisions/catt-santee-cooper or visit the group on Facebook.

Valentine's Day Parade

TURBEVILLE - Join the Town of Turbeville's Valentine's Day Parade and raise money for Turbeville Children's Home. To participate, call Town Hall at (843) 659-2781 or text (843) 598-4449.

Library welcomes volunteers

MANNING - In this new year, why not try something new? You can volunteer at Harvin Clarendon County Library, 215 N Brooks St., and make a difference in your community. You can help with shelving returned items, assisting customers with the computers and providing tutorials to new computer users, according to the library's website. Volunteers will also learn about library systems, customer service and other job skills. If you'd like to start volunteering, ask at the circulation desk about available opportunities. All volunteers are required to complete a brief application, background check and drug screening before volunteering. Library staff will provide necessary links and forms. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Master Gardeners announce dates for tomato, flower sales

MANNING - You might want to keep these dates on your calendar so you're not too late and end up empty-handed. The Clarendon County Master Gardeners will hold their annual tomato plant sale on Good Friday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and their annual Flower Sale on Friday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Proceeds will go toward scholarships and county service projects. Contact Kenneth Phelps at (803) 825-2008. The sales will be held at Land Parker Welch Law office courtyard, 29 S. Mill St., Manning.

Striped Bass Festival returns

It is never too early to mark your calendar for the Clarendon County Striped Bass Festival. This year's festivities will be held April 24-25.

Become a member of Lake Marion Artisans guild

SUMMERTON - Enjoy art and spending time getting to know others who do, too? Lake Marion Artisans is recruiting new members from Summerton and nearby communities around Lake Marion. According to its website, the group is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the historic district of Summerton and operates the only art gallery in Clarendon County. The gallery is at 108 Main St., Summerton. "Members of the Lake Marion Artisans (LMA) are art enthusiasts who actively promote and nurture the arts in our community. Our endeavors provide channels of public recognition of local Artisans, celebrating their rich diversity through community projects that exhibit their talent," the page says. To become a member, read the guild's bylaws and fill out a membership form at https://tinyurl.com/y4upkn9u.