Advanta Southeast, a maker of reusable packaging, will locate its new operating facility in Clarendon County. The $3.5 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.

“Today’s announcement is a big step for our company and we look forward to starting operations in our new plant. South Carolina and Clarendon County offer us an excellent environment in which to do business, and we appreciate all the support we’ve received as we’ve moved forward with this project,” said Merle Grams, president of Advanta Southeast.

The Clarendon Hall Lady Saints fell just two games short of repeating as SCISA 1A Softball State Champions on May 14 with a loss to Colleton Prep. After going undefeated, 3-0, in their bracket of the state tournament held on May 10-11 in Lexington, the Lady Saints were paired up with Colleton Prep for the state softball championship finals in a best two-out-of-three game series.

Good reports of catches of bream, bass, catfish, stripers and crappie all continue to be received from both lakes Marion and Moultrie but a common thread seems to be the same on all species. Anglers need to be able to move around a good bit to stay on top of ever-changing water conditions.

The Father Scott Buchanan Knights of Columbus Council #15223 of Manning/Santee presented a $600 donation to the Clarendon County Disabilities and Special Needs Board on May 14.

The atmosphere at Manning High School’s Ramsey Stadium was festive as survivors, caregivers and the community raised funds for the fight against cancer on May 10 at the 2013 Relay for Life.

The East Clarendon Lady Wolverines lost Game 2 of the 1A state championship best-of-three finals against Dixie High School on May 15 in Due West, 8-1.

Manning High School’s Air Force JROTC drill team was the recipient of 10 awards at various competitions during the 2012-2013 school year.

At the 89th National Conference of the National Society Colonial Dames 17th Century (NSCDXVIIC) held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, Manning resident Ann Alderman was elected to serve a two-year term as Curator General.

The Clarendon Hall varsity softball team is defending its state title against Colleton Prep this week in a three game championship series.

The East Clarendon Lady Wolverines softball team won Game 1 of the 1A state championship best-of-three series against Dixie High School on May 13 in Turbeville, 2-0.

The best sunsets in the Florida Keys are not those experienced in Key West, at least if you are a fisherman. The best sundown scenes are when you are on the water fishing for one of the myriad of fish species in this fisherman’s paradise.