July 11, 2025

Laurens County Launches Back-to-School Supply Drive and Events

News Summary

Laurens County is preparing for back-to-school events, including a school supply collection drive hosted by the Sheriff’s Office. The drive encourages community members to donate various school supplies. The event coincides with anticipated weather changes. Additionally, the Back to School Bash will provide fun activities for families. Infrastructure repairs are also being addressed as a section of SC 101 will close for bridge repairs. The county’s emphasis remains on educational support and community safety as school resumes.

Laurens County Prepares for Back-to-School Events and Infrastructure Repairs Amid Weather and Safety Concerns

Laurens County is gearing up for a series of back-to-school events while also addressing essential infrastructure repairs. The local Sheriff’s Office is planning a school supply collection drive designed to benefit students in the upcoming school year. This initiative coincides with anticipated weather conditions reported for July 11, 2025, which include cloudy skies in the morning, with partial clearing expected later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm could also develop, with temperatures rising near 90°F and light variable winds.

The Fill the Cruiser School Supply Collection Drive will take place on Friday, July 11, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Chick-fil-A in Laurens, located at 917 E. Main Street. Community members are encouraged to drop off a variety of school supplies, including bookbags (both clear and regular), notebooks, paper, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, folders, binders, glue, crayons, and markers. This collection drive will be conducted as a drop-off only, with the collected supplies designated for distribution during the Back to School Bash set for July 25.

The Back to School Bash is scheduled for Friday, July 25, from 9 AM to 11:30 AM. It will be held at Upstate Gathering at Laurens, previously known as Hillcrest Baptist Church, situated at 216 Independence Avenue in Laurens. This free event will feature various activities, including bounce houses, games, snacks, and clothing giveaways from numerous vendors. Additionally, attendees may engage in Big Air street games and connect with various community organizations present at the bash. Registration is required to attend the event, and people can sign up online as instructed in the event details.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is preparing to close a section of SC 101 in Laurens County starting on July 15 to carry out essential bridge repairs over the Enoree River. This closure is anticipated to last until the end of November, impacting travel along this route. However, SC 101 will remain accessible to local traffic, except near the construction areas. Motorists are advised to remain vigilant while navigating through the work zones during this period.

In recent incidents concerning safety within the educational environment, a former educator from Laurens District 55 Elementary has been charged with serious allegations. The charges against Miranda Burton Stone stem from claims that she allowed students to use THC and nicotine products during classroom hours. Reports of this alarming behavior first emerged on February 28 and led to an investigation by local authorities. Subsequently, Stone was relieved of her duties and terminated from her position on March 4 amidst the ongoing inquiry. She was later arrested on March 11, facing charges that include contributing to the delinquency of a minor and unlawfully placing a child at risk. Prior to her termination, she had been teaching in-school suspension (ISS) at the school.

Laurens County, located roughly 45 minutes southeast of Greenville, South Carolina, is focused on ensuring a productive and safe environment as students prepare to return to school. The upcoming events and safety measures indicate local authorities’ commitment to community welfare and educational support.

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Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

CLINTON STAFF WRITER The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.