Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School were placed on temporary lockdown on Wednesday, August 26, following a report of a student potentially possessing a weapon. The Clinton Police Department responded immediately to investigate the situation. After a thorough investigation, authorities determined the report was unfounded, and no threat was identified to students, staff, or either school. Both schools quickly returned to normal operations.
Clinton Middle School Principal Jeff Parks communicated to parents that a hold was initiated at 12:30 PM due to a potential concern for a student’s welfare. This hold allowed normal business to continue while limiting hallway transitions. The hold was lifted shortly before 1 PM after the Clinton Police Department confirmed the call was without merit, and the instructional day experienced minimal impact.
Separately, a community-wide tailgate event, planned for Wednesday, August 26, to welcome Presbyterian College students and celebrate the start of football season, was canceled. The City of Clinton cited concerns for vendors, attendees, and staff due to a rainy afternoon. The event was intended to celebrate PC’s first home game and the annual Clinton versus Laurens game, featuring gift card giveaways for PC students, a raffle for PC football tickets, food trucks, drinks, a DJ, and games. The CHS game ball was also expected to arrive around 7 PM. This marks the second consecutive cancellation for the event, with organizers planning to reschedule.
The City of Clinton also reported power outages affecting several streets, including Davidson Street, Caldwell Street, McMillan Street, N. Adair Street, Shands Street, Chick Street, Phillips Street, Willard Road, Baldwin Circle, Tango Drive, Hwy 72 East, Trade Street, and E Florida Street. Electrical crews are working to restore power.
In an unrelated incident, the body of 68-year-old Larry Worthy of Laurens was discovered Tuesday morning in a storage shed on Hillcrest Drive. Authorities do not suspect foul play, and the incident remains under investigation by the Laurens County Coroner.
