Personal Injury Attorney in Kingstree, SC

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today the return of a nine-count indictment by the South Carolina State Grand Jury regarding allegations of public corruption by Williamsburg County Sheriff Stephen Renard Gardner and former elected Williamsburg County Supervisor Tiffany Teonta Cooks. Sheriff Gardner was suspended by order of Governor McMaster today, and the Governor appointed Clemson Wright, Jr. to serve in the office pending resolution of the charges.

The State Grand Jury issued indictments of Sheriff Gardner for the following offenses:

2025-GS-47-05 (Williamsburg County)

The State Grand Jury issued indictments of Tiffany Cooks for the following offenses:

2025-GS-47-05 (Williamsburg County)

The indictments generally allege that Sheriff Gardner and former Supervisor Cooks conspired a “scheme to improperly pay thousands of dollars of government funds to Gardner, and avoid taxes or withholdings on the amounts paid, by routing the government money to Gardner under the guise of checks written to a third party.” The indictments also allege that Sheriff Gardner “secretly obtain[ed]” and Cooks “secretly provide[d] personal profit and benefit to Stephen Renard Gardner by having government funds, above and beyond Gardner’s legitimate salary, improperly paid to him.”

The case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which functions in partnership with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Section. The cases will be prosecuted by the chief attorney of the State Grand Jury Section Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General S. Creighton Waters and Assistant Attorney General Savanna Goude.

Attorney General Wilson stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

Will Kingstree’s own Landynn Kennedy be the next American Idol? The 2023 graduate of Kingstree Senior High School will showcase his talent on the show Sunday, March 30, at 8 p.m. on ABC, with the episode available the next day on Hulu.

Growing up in a family of singers, Kennedy’s passion for music was almost inevitable. "Singing was a gift," he said. "I didn't know it would come to this moment, but I always had the ability to sing. My mother taught me everything I know about music."

Kennedy honed his skills while singing at Community Temple Church of Christ and performing at various events, including birthday parties and church functions.

Kennedy first auditioned for American Idol three years ago. "I kept trying and trying, and finally, I made it through." His journey took a significant step forward in October 2024 when he received official permission to appear on the show. "It’s still a surreal moment. I’m enjoying it and so thankful for the opportunity," he said.

Kennedy’s family and community are proud of his hard-earned success. "This experience means a lot to all of us."

A few cousins joined Kennedy in New York for the American Idol audition. While he was there, he met so many talented people, some of which have become dear friends. "The experience was amazing. I got to try some great food and visit Times Square. It was a dream come true," he said.

Kennedy believes his appearance on American Idol will be a revelation for many in his community who didn’t know he could sing. “A lot of people didn’t know I could really sing, but now they’ll see it."

At Kingstree Senior High, Kennedy was active in the school chorus, where he credits his teacher, Miss English, for pushing him to broaden his techniques and step out of his comfort zone. "She really helped me grow as a singer," he said. "The band director also played a big role in supporting me."

Between each audition, Kennedy worked on improving his talent. Finally, after the last virtual try-out, his tenaciousness paid off. "I was excited and ready this time. I knew it was my moment to let my voice speak for itself," he said. “It’s all about not taking your talent for granted.”

When asked about his musical influences, Kennedy says he loves all kinds of music but would describe his style as more soul and R&B. For his audition, he chose "I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

Kennedy offers advice to others chasing their dreams. "It might not work out the first time, but don’t give up. Keep going. It can work out in the end."

Board members of Williamsburg County nonprofit Trinity Transitional Housing, Inc. walked the red carpet in Florence on Thursday, February 27, to celebrate the premiere of No Address. The Robert Craig film, inspired by true events, follows a group of individuals facing the challenges of homelessness.

As part of outreach efforts of the movie, the filmmakers committed to donating 50% of earnings to organizations that combat homelessness in America. Trinity Transitional Housing, Inc. is one of the grant recipients. The local nonprofit will use the funds to continue its mission to fight homelessness in Williamsburg County by assisting individuals to secure stable and affordable housing.

Inspired by the real stories behind homeless individuals, No Address follows the journey of Lauren, a young woman who suddenly has no place to live and finds herself on the streets, struggling to survive. Lauren meets a makeshift family of outcasts on the streets, each with their own painful story. These people become her family, and she discovers that home is not just a place, but the people who refuse to let you fall. The film is directed by Julia Verdin and features a star-studded cast, including Lucas Jade Zumann, Beverly D’Angelo, Isabella Ferreira, William Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Ty Pennington, Kristanna Loken, Patricia Velasquez, and GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress Ashanti.

The movie sheds light on the unimaginable struggles of living without a physical address and is a harsh reminder that homelessness can affect anyone.

It only takes a drive around Williamsburg County to see the evidence of homelessness – a makeshift bed in an abandoned car wash, refuse left behind in an abandoned home. Williamsburg County does not have a homeless shelter. Emergency services open shelters for inclement weather or dangerously cold temperatures, but otherwise, homeless and people in need must fend for themselves.

“In my experience assisting those within Williamsburg County, many are homeless due to the lack of economic development and decent wages,” says Latonya Davis. She explains how limited transportation options also play a major role, as many residents living in underserved areas cannot travel outside the county to find better employment opportunities. Ultimately, the greatest challenge is the lack of substantial resources to help citizens before they face financial hardship and homelessness.

Davis says there can be quite a few barriers that individuals face to overcome homelessness. Affordable housing is crucial, and Williamsburg County has very limited options.

Debra Williams is the Executive Director of Kingstree Housing Development Company which manages Frierson Homes, LaNue Floyd Apartments and McFarlin Apartments. She says there are 140 units between the three low-income housing properties and all of them are full, with 96 people on the waiting list.

A lack of housing options means many individuals and families have no choice but to live on the streets, in cars, or in abandoned houses and commercial buildings. Davis says people are sleeping in shopping strip malls, on benches in town, and on the lawn at the recreational center.

She added, “Many homeless individuals lack adequate support systems, such as family or friends who can help during difficult times. Mental health issues and substance abuse also pose significant challenges, making it harder for people to seek help.” In addition, the complexity of navigating social services can be overwhelming for those without the necessary documents or literacy skills.

Trinity Transitional Housing, Inc. provides the most needed services to individuals facing homelessness. “We offer temporary housing, clothing, and food for those who are homeless, facing homelessness, and a safe place for those who are a victim of domestic violence, when there is availability,” says Davis. The organization also provides counseling services, workforce planning, and transitional assistance to help individuals regain stability.

The proceeds from No Address will help Trinity expand its efforts. “The funds will support various initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness including funding for a homeless shelter in Williamsburg County to help provide a safe haven for those in need, provide food assistance, referral to mental health services (if needed), and advocate for policy changes to support affordable housing in Williamsburg County.

The organization also plans to use some of the proceeds to raise awareness about the growing homeless population in the county.

The initial screenings of No Address, running from February 27 to March 5 at the Regal Swamp Fox Theater in Florence have already sold out. There were a few tickets left for showings at Northwood Stadium Cinema in North Charleston. Community members are encouraged to contact local theaters for movie availability and to support organizations like Trinity Transitional Housing in their efforts to combat homelessness.

With the support of No Address and its commitment to sharing the realities of homelessness, Trinity Transitional Housing, Inc. hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in Williamsburg County who need it most.

Trinity Transitional Housing can be reached by calling (843) 481-0893.

You can reach Nichole by email at news@kingstreenews.com.

Dana and Quitman Hand said inspiration for their new business, Harvest Time Farm Stand, came from a desire to give something back to the Kingstree community. They decided the best way to do that was to open a farm stand where people could buy locally grown produce.

“After moving back here, my husband and I were talking and decided that one thing missing from the community was a fruit stand,” Dana said. “We prayed about it and just wanted to make sure that this is what God wanted us to do in our waiting season.”

The couple moved back to Kingstree three years ago to help Dana’s 80-year-old father on the farm. Quitman says the Burgess farm has been operational since the mid to late 1800s.

“We are third generation farmers,” said Dana. “I was raised on this farm, and I guess it is just in my blood.”

Quitman, who has been a minister for 29 years, is not currently pastoring a church because nothing was available locally, but he still wants to help the community and spread the love of Christ.

“I was also raised on a farm but swore that I would never do it again or be involved in it, but I married the farmer’s daughter and here we are,” joked Quitman. “I am enjoying what we are doing though.”

Dana and Quitman plan to plant, grow and harvest most of the produce that will be sold at the stand. Eggs from their farm are available, as well as canned goods from the Hand’s own kitchen. Quitman says they will offer whatever produce is in season.

“We plan to have corn, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, peppers and greens,” he said. “Whatever it is, we are going to stick it in the ground, pray over it and hope for the best.”

Other locally sourced items, such as strawberries and local honey are available at the stand. Dana said she is currently talking to someone about the possibility of selling fresh homemade bread in the future.

“We are getting fresh local picked strawberries right now. Also, a young couple who owns a raspberry and blackberry farm near Andrews has approached us about selling their berries. We are trying to do everything as local as possible,” Quitman said.

Every Saturday the couple tries to have something that the younger kids will enjoy, such as baby chickens or goats.

“The reason we bring the chicks out here is not so much to sell them, but to let the children hold them. We were amazed at the children who had never held a chick, even though this is a rural area. So, we are trying to do something like that every Saturday,” Quitman said.

Butter beans, string beans, peas, corn and tomatoes will be available in bulk for canning or freezing. Dana said she is currently taking orders for butter beans since there is usually such a large demand for them.

In addition to the produce, a large variety of flowers are available for sale, including ferns, gerbera daisies and hydrangeas. Dana says in the near future she hopes to also have mulch available in bulk.

While you are meandering through all the flowers and produce, you must try what Quitman says are the “BEST” boiled peanuts around. And they must be, considering he sells around 150 pounds of them a week, locally grown, of course.

The Harvest Time Farm Stand is located at 123 Wooddale Ave., Kingstree and is open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Stay up to date on Harvest Farm Stand offerings and happenings by following them on Facebook and Instagram.