By Betsy Finklea
The beginning of the new year is the time that many reflect on the past 12 months.
As is the custom of The Dillon Herald, we will take a look at some of the notable events from 2018 such as the opening of Inland Port Dillon, the announcement of some new economic development prospects, and much more. Dillon County produced a State Championship Academic Challenge Team from Latta, a State Championship Baseball Team from Latta, a World Series Winning Softball Team, and many more people with outstanding accomplishments.
There were also many twists and turns on the political front in 2018 that will surely set the tone for an exciting 2019.
Here are some of the happenings from 2018:

JANUARY
JANUARY 2: Dillon County Sheriff’s Office receives $5,000 grant.
JANUARY 4: Latta Town Councilmen Jarett Taylor, Brian Mason, and Trudy Drawhorn, and Latta Mayor Nancy G. Brigman take oaths of office…Kaymyn Jones is first baby of the New Year born at McLeod Dillon.
JANUARY 9: City of Dillon receives audit report…Snow blankets Dillon County… Armed robbery occurs at Alco store.
JANUARY 11: Solar farm about 85 percent complete…DCHI providing free plants and seeds.
JANUARY 16: Two people, John Quinn and Ina Ruth Quinn, die as a result of structure fire…Economic Development Director Tonny McNeil resigns post…Stevie Grice elected Dillon County Chairman, T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., elected vice-chairman…Wreck claims life of James L. Rogers of Blythewood… Dillon Historic School Foundation elects new officers.
JANUARY 18: Dillon County Council Chairman Stevie Grice wants council to work together to make Dillon County better…McLeod OB/GYN Dillon holds ribbon cutting and open house…Sheriff’s Office investigating number of vehicle break-ins…Casey Cooper sworn in as new Latta Police officer.
JANUARY 23: Theatre awarded grant from Arts Commission…Red Cross assists two Dillon families with fires.
JANUARY 25: Two area bridges to be replaced due to heavy damage from Hurricane Matthew … West Countryside Road closes… Northeastern Technical College receives USDA grant to enhance distance learning.
JANUARY 30: Man faces several drug charges after search warrant is executed on his residence…Lake View mayor expresses displeasure over funds transfer; County Councilman Jack Scott responds.

FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY 1: Flu activity continues to rise… Bridget Thornton hired as City of Dillon downtown coordinator…Latta man charged with making bomb threat in Darlington… Dillon County Council proclaims February as Black History Month…Christian Britt is Dillon County 4-H Honey Bee Project winner.
FEBRUARY 6: Three people shot, five-year-old died in shooting incident; woman charged with attempted murder in shooting of one victim…Nation, state, and county in midst of opioid crisis.
FEBRUARY 8: State Park is not for sale; Bids go out to repair Lake Norton, other improvements planned… Target dale for opening of Inland Port Dillon is April 1…Linda Thornton named Dillon County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year; other awards presented.
FEBRUARY 13: Man charged in shooting death of five-year-old girl…Kaitlyn Britt studying abroad in Tanzania.
FEBRUARY 15: Two suspects arrested in connection with vehicle break-ins…Two-hour parking being enforced in City of Dillon… City of Dillon planning Saint Patrick’s Day event…New City of Dillon water tank now online…NESA region announces record $857 million in investment for 2017…Business owner approaches Dillon City Council about sidewalk sales…Latta water and sewer plan discussed at meeting.
FEBRUARY 20: Suspect wanted in murder in Harmon Park shooting turns himself into police… Sheriff’s Office investigating rumored threat at Dillon High School… Animal Advocate Groups join forces for Heartworm Eradication Program for dogs at Dillon County Animal Shelter…Former Dillon County trio share 105-year career.
FEBRUARY 22: District Four Superintendent commits to taking all school violence threats seriously…Dillon Historic School Foundation discusses goals at meeting…DHS FCA to hold moment of prayer.
FEBRUARY 27: Marquis Antoine McRae, who is charged in the shooting death of five-year-old, waives extradition…Kip Herlong gets 500th win.

MARCH
MARCH 1: Gerome McLeod wins Dillon County Council District Six Primary… Woman shares the story of her battle with cancer…World War II veteran Willie Williams honored for service to the country.
MARCH 6: Almonzo Lowery sentenced for kidnapping, carjacking, and assault and battery…Groundbreaking held for Latta Church of God sanctuary…Dominion Energy’s newest natural gas infrastructure projects meet growing energy need in South Carolina…Arts Guild meeting has great turnout.
MARCH 8: Conner Miles’ father says he has witnessed a miracle of the Lord…Deputies investigating shooting in mobile home park in Latta.
MARCH 13: Local embellished “true” storytelling coming to EPAC…Sunshine Week being observed.
MARCH 15: Latta Schools holding first induction into Athletic Hall of Fame… Heartworm campaign at animal shelter is success…One person, Elouise Brown, found deceased in house fire.
MARCH 20: Several candidates file to run for office…Work continuing at Inland Port Dillon…City holds first Saint Patrick’s Day event.
MARCH 22: Voters must be registered by May 13th to vote in the primary election… Gasoline demand sets March record.
MARCH 27: Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting in Little Rock…Latta High School wins State Championship of Academics… Dillon High School student charged with simple possession of marijuana and carrying weapon on school property…Law enforcement agencies issue joint statement on multiple unfounded threats and actual school incidents…Wildcats honored with ring ceremony.
MARCH 29: County introduces several new initiatives in effort to live up to Alive on 95 slogan…Man charged with attempted murder for shooting in Little Rock…Bat potentially exposes four people and one pet to rabies in Latta area.

APRIL
APRIL 3: Herald wins newspaper awards…Grand opening ceremony for Inland Port Dillon is April 16th…Newly graduated Latta Police Officer Kyle Kelly is following family tradition of law enforcement service… School safety discussed by local officials…Golf course lease discussed by Dillon City Council.
APRIL 5: New cornerstone placed in wall of Dillon County Courthouse…City of Dillon looking to ramp up efforts for remainder of year…Road to Inland Port Dillon’s main corridor under construction.
APRIL 10: Jenni Hunt gets 15 years for wreck that injured Dillon Police Officer Jacob Richardson and killed her passenger…Eric Dixon, age 20, shot to death at store on Lester Road…Optimism is high in Town of Lake View…First Latta High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction held.
APRIL 12: Senator Kent Williams says Inland Port Dillon is investment in future of area and its people… Judge denies bond on man who shot five-year-old child… Man2Man organization supporting fathers and families.
APRIL 17: Grand opening of Inland Port Dillon held… Inland Port Dillon Ceremony highlights opportunity and bright future.
APRIL 19: The facts on Inland Port Dillon revealed…Surgical patient has long-term follow-up with doctor… Dillon Pentecostal Holiness Church holds fifth annual Sportsman’s Banquet… Another active hurricane
APRIL 24: SCDOT plans two bridge replacements on Lester Road…Reading event to be held at Gordon Park…Large crowd turns out for Latta’s Annual Springfest.
APRIL 26: Four McLeod Dillon Nurses earn Palmetto Gold Award…NETC to award 60 scholarships to 2018 graduates in Dillon County.

MAY
MAY 1: Inland Port Dillon will mean new opportunities for county…Celebrate Main Street held… National Day of Prayer proclaimed in county…Dillon County ATEC Mechatronics students placed second in regional welding sculpture competition… Golf course lease taken up by Dillon City Council again…Dillon County LTRG fixing first home. MAY 3: Congressman’s Rep talks with council about I-73…Body found by firefighters in structure fire…Gerome McLeod wins District Six County Council seat…Home invasion occurs in Latta.
MAY 8: Dillon man sentenced to federal prison… Local baseball and softball teams enter playoff.
MAY 10: Julius Watson III and Heather Watson struck by car and killed on interstate…Dixie Court fire victim identified as Guy Lane…Law Enforcement week proclaimed…Gerome McLeod takes oath in office.
MAY 15: Sheriff’s Office warns public about jury duty scam… ATEC students do repair work on Old West School…Latta Councilman Trudy Drawhorn graduates from Advanced Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government.
MAY 17: Detention officer assaulted by inmate…Concrete work taking place on Highway 301…East Elementary butterfly release held.
MAY 22: The Crisis Pregnancy Center of Dillon County is a ministry…Latta Baseball team brings home state championship.
MAY 24: Dillon County Administrator’s contract remains in place…Pet Adoptathon to be held on grounds of Pruitt Health…SCEMD releases Official 2018 Hurricane Guide…Former Dillon resident, Andre Rogers, named special assistant to Columbia International University President…McLeod Health Dillon earns prestigious Baby-Friendly designation.
MAY 29: Dillon County Administrator Rodney Berry resigns…Memorial Day observance held…Armed Robbery occurs at local garden center…Burglaries being investigated by Sheriff’s Office…The Dillon Herald’s special graduation issue released.

JUNE
JUNE 5: Sheriff’s Office investigation stabbing…Local team wins second place at International Agbot Challenge.
JUNE 7: Primary elections are Tuesday… Relay for Life exceeds goal.
JUNE 12: Latta Police Department seeking several outstanding warrants… Sheriff’s Office seeking identity of armed robbery suspect… Dillon native Derrick Pugh to serve as youngest deputy director in history of South Carolina Youth Challenge Academy.
JUNE 14: Grice and Jackson to be in runoff for Dillon County Council District 7…Trico offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for new users.
JUNE 19: Chief Justice James Lockemy’s portrait unveiled at special session of S.C. Court of Appeals.
JUNE 21: Man arrested for pointing a firearm…7-on-7 football underway… Run-off election in Tuesday… Anderson Brothers Bank opens bank in Dillon.
JUNE 26: Jonathan Douglas Brown pleads guilty in felony DUI case… Samantha Evans named Lake View High School Teacher of the Year…Construction on Latta Church of God sanctuary underway…Dr. William J. Walker among 2018 Great Moments honorees.
JUNE 28: Stevie Grice wins Dillon County Council Seven Democratic Primary run-off…Sheriff’s Office conducting investigation of the death of Preston Benjamin…Shooting occurs in Latta…Red Cross assisting family in Dillon after storm damage.

JULY
JULY 3: Container Maintenance Corporation announces plans to open new facility in Dillon County… Ceremonial flag burning held…Out-of-district tuition fees discussed at Latta School Board Meeting.
JULY 5: Ronnie Bracey wins Dillon County Tomato Contest…NAP group meets on Wednesdays
JULY 10: First responders targeted by fireworks at Sunflower Apartments…Harry G. Spirides arranges $5 million hotel construction loan for new Holiday Inn Express in Latta area…Gildan closing Hamer operation by end of July…Paving projects announced by SCDOT.
JULY 12: Road named in memory of Henry T. “Tommy” Smith…County Detention Officer charged with misconduct in office, contraband.
JULY 17: City of Dillon residents to pay increased fees under new budget…Opioids are issue in our state and county…Operation Southern Shield underway…Hospital auxiliary partnering with county library on “Grow With Books” literacy project.
JULY 19: Teachers learn importance of family farms and farmers at SCFB institute… Historical project seeks information on Dr. Vera McBryde.
JULY 24: Gracen Grainger represents South Carolina at Girls Nation…Armed robbery occurs at local convenience store…Trailer, customer’s truck, and other items stolen from Dillon Muffler…New cabin unveiled at State Park.
JULY 26: Dillon’s Main Street Committee putting a work plan in action…Chickens in the city discussed at council meeting.
JULY 31: High school football teams previewed. Rev. Stan Rankin now serving as pastor of Hamer Church of God…Senator Grey Hembree has excellent prognosis after small aneurysm.

AUGUST
AUGUST 2: Purple Heart recipients recognized…S.C. Sales Tax Holidays are August 3-5.
AUGUST 7: Dillon man arrested for second degree murder in Robeson County… Inland Port Dillon is fully operational…Latta 12U Ponytails (Team South Carolina) win World Series.
AUGUST 9: Two Dillon High School football players help Main Street United Methodist Men construct ramp…Josh Walters struggles to tell the story of Baby Landry… Former car dealer, Brandon Davis, sentenced on multiple counts of breach of trust with fraudulent intent.
AUGUST 14: Local public school teams participate in Jamboree in Lumberton… Latta Police Department warns of IRS scams.
AUGUST 16: McLeod Health Dillon celebrates 75th anniversary…Open Space Land Institute, Pee Dee Land Trust, and Ports Authority protect Little Pee Dee River Property…Senator Kent Williams among those honored for support of state’s agriculture industry.
AUGUST 21: Marlboro Development Team constructs Class A Industrial Speculative Building in county…SLED continuing DNR officer involved shooting investigation in county… Clifford Cole and Rhonda Sue Cole’s vehicle goes off road into ditch near bridge.
AUGUST 23: Purple Heart recipient Frank Hayes says he is not a hero…District Four Superintendent Ray Rogers well-pleased with smooth opening of school…Latta Police Department seeking suspect.
AUGUST 28: Pet adoption event continues at Animal Shelter… Adrian Contreras of Latta charged with homicide by child abuse… Dillon County Council passes budget with raises for employees, fire fee increase, and tax increase
AUGUST 30: SCHP seeking information on fatality on Highway 57…Trash pick-up in Newtown discussed at Dillon County council meeting…Tour, meeting held to emphasize importance of Inland Port Dillon.

SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 4: Ribbon cutting and dedication held for new solar farm…Ali Huggins named East Elementary Teacher of the Year…Lonnie Bethea identified as hit and run victim…Jacqueline Smith named Dillon Middle School Teacher of the Year.
SEPTEMBER 6: Quick Shop robbed at gunpoint…Lake View Rescue Squad donated AED to Lake View High School in honor of Principal Edison Arnette…Red Cross helps Dillon family after house fire…MANN + HUMMEL completes acquisition of Tri-Dim Filter.
SEPTEMBER 11: Deputy strikes utility pole while heading to call…Three-year-old dies after being left in vehicle…Dillon County Theatre announces upcoming season…Preparations being made in anticipation of Hurricane Florence.
SEPTEMBER 13: September 11th Memorial Service held…Need to know information given out as Hurricane Florence nears.
SEPTEMBER 18: Clerk shoots suspect in attempted armed robbery…Ta-Sarah Matthews charged in death of child left unattended in vehicle…Hurricane Florence dumps rain, brings high winds to county.
SEPTEMBER 20: Commissioner of Agriculture and Congressman take aerial tour of hurricane damage, meet with farmers…MEC Trust sets up fund for disaster relief…President Donald Trump expected to fly over area to see storm damage.
SEPTEMBER 25: Coroner identifies man found dead in truck as Charles Andrew Carter…Sheriff’s Office responds to several property crimes before, during, and after hurricane…Several disaster relief groups in area.
SEPTEMBER 27: Miracles occur at Dillon County Animal Shelter…Information given to assist Hurricane Florence survivors.

OCTOBER
OCTOBER 2: Business Recovery Center opens in Dillon County…Maurice Robinson named Dillon High Teacher of the Year…Sandy Stephens named Stewart Heights Elementary Teach of the Year…Red Cross assisting Lake View family with storm damage and Dillon person with home fire.
OCTOBER 4: FEMA Recovery Center opens in Dillon County…County takes action on mosquito problem…Dr. Wade Brown chosen as District Three Teacher of the Year.
OCTOBER 9: Woodmen Life 120 presents annual community awards…Abbott Shelley named Latta Rotary Club Citizen of the Year…National Newspaper Week being observed.
OCTOBER 11: Help For Veterans Health Fair to be held…Kayce Wong receives letter from the President of the Unitized States…Teen Read Week observed…Victoria Gray is South Elementary School Teacher of the Year…District Four Chorus among those funded by Hootie and The Blowfish Foundation.
OCTOBER 16: Mike Grice elected as new chairman of Dillon County Election Commission…Callen Outen joins Clemson Extension as new Horticulture Agent…Jacorie McCall elected to student government at Wofford…Shrimp Net Casters contest held.
OCTOBER 18: Ali Huggins named 2018-2019 Dillon District Four Teacher of the Year…Anstide Nizeyimama, Dillon District Four student, recognized for 2018 SC Ready Perfect Score…Dillon Team South Carolina Day held.
OCTOBER 23: Help For Veterans Health Fair held…Mosquito spraying begins in Dillon County.
OCTOBER 25: Coach Jackie Hayes and Coach Kevin Roller selected for Shrine Bowl…The Etudier Club of Dillon enjoys reunion…City of Dillon Police Department reports on hurricane crimes.
OCTOBER 30: Andrew Dunham dies as result of motorcycle wreck…George C. McIntyre added as Marlboro Development Team independent board member…Former Latta Mayor Allan P. Brigman passes away.

NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 1: Attempt to serve warrant results in chase, two damaged sheriff’s vehicles, and wreck in North Carolina…Coroner identifies person killed in Dillon house fire as Delton Junior McKenzie…Town of Latta gives update on past and current water and sewer projects…Herald runs special section in honor of McLeod Health Dillon’s 75th anniversary.
NOVEMBER 6: County Council chooses Wilson Anthony Clyburn as new administrator in 4-3 vote…McLeod Health Dillon celebrates 75 years of service to the community…Denise Michelle Hayes charged with breach of trust with fraudulent intent…Wellness program to be implemented at Dillon Middle School.
NOVEMBER 8: Henry McMaster wins Governor of South Carolina…Rev. Harold Cooke to speak at Veterans Day program…Malique Jamal Gregory arrested in murder of Preston Benjamin.
NOVEMBER 13: Harry L. Moore named Dillon County Veteran of the Year…Standoff leads to arrest…Farm-City Week activities set.
NOVEMBER 15: Duke Energy Progress Proposes rate increase…Retirement celebration held for Rev. Dickie Cullum of First Baptist Church of Dillon.
NOVEMBER 20: Blue Star Memorial placed at National Guard Armory…Latta Community Thanksgiving service held.
NOVEMBER 22: County Council gives one-year contract to new administrator…Farm-City Week awards announced: Farmer of the Year–C&M Hog Farm; Businessman of the Year–John Braddy; Industrialist of the Year–Inland Port Dillon; Outstanding Students–La-Taurean Brigman, Noah Hooks, Taylor Gasque, Sarah Grace Stone, and James Nichols Evans.
NOVEMBER 27: Jamel Rasun Dow, age 28, of Hamer, charged in death of Ashley Blackmon…Shoppers turn out for Black Friday sales.
NOVEMBER 29: Opportunities abound to give at Love Feeds program…One week left to apply for FEMA Assistance.

DECEMBER
DECEMBER 4: City of Dillon focuses on local businesses on Shop Small Saturday…Wildcats headed to Columbia to play for another state title.
DECEMBER 6: Chaos At Council—Lake View money agenda item creates councilmen’s comments about clarity, words between council members, and a failure to adjourn the meeting; Red Cross assisting families after home fires…Florida team comes to help hurricane victims.
DECEMBER 11: Federal jury convicts felon from Latta on various charges… “Winter In The Park” on display at Lake View Elementary School…Wildcats finish as Lower State Champions.
DECEMBER 13: Christmas in Latta held…Two charged with armed robbery at Dollar General in Floyd Dale…Sarah Samuel serving as Dillon County’s first female jail administrator.
DECEMBER 18: Dillon awarded $490,050 CDBG Grant for Pine Street neighborhood revitalization…Upgrades proposed to bridge on I-95 over Little Reedy Creek…Senator Kent Williams named S.C. Farm Bureau Legislator of the year.
DECEMBER 20: NFL standout Darius Leonard donates 100 bikes to LVHS Christmas Drive….Lake View native Jaminson Abraham continues musical journey.
DECEMBER 25: Ja’Naria Bellamy wins City Christmas Card Contest…NETC to start practical nursing program in Dillon County…CareSouth Carolina receives grant for school-based dental program.
DECEMBER 27: The Dillon Herald and East Dillon Baptist Church’s toy and food drive serves 70 families and 200 children.