Newberry County, SC
16 minutes 5 seconds ago
At the most recent Newberry County Council meeting, the Whitmire Fire Department and Whitmire Rescue Station 16 were recognized as part of the county’s longstanding tradition of highlighting our volunteer departments and the vital service they provide to our community.
Emergency Services Director Tommy Long recognized the Whitmire Fire Department, which has proudly served the community since 1922. Today, the department has 28 members, including one member with 37 years of service and four others with 33–36 years of service. Last year, the department responded to 130 calls from the main station and the Indian Creek sub-station. Several members are also certified to teach CPR, First Aid, and AED training.
The Whitmire Rescue Squad was founded in 1963 and was one of the first licensed ambulance providers in South Carolina. The squad’s mission is to assist victims of automobile accidents, locate lost persons, and recover drowning victims. Over the years, the squad has expanded its capabilities to include medical incidents, technical rescue operations, and community support throughout the northern portion of Newberry County.
Today, the squad has 22 members, including two certified EMTs and three certified paramedics, members are trained in trench rescue and automobile extrication. Last year, the squad responded to nearly 200 calls for service, including more than 50 medical transports, as well as extrication, rope rescue, missing persons searches, trench collapse incidents, and storm response.
The Whitmire Fire Department and Whitmire Rescue Squad share several members between their organizations. They regularly train together and provide mutual support in serving the Whitmire community and surrounding areas.
Newberry County is grateful for the dedication and service of these volunteers who continue to protect and support our residents every day.
Newberry County, SC
6 days 2 hours ago
The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) is updating its Long-Range Transportation Plan, a 25-year roadmap that helps guide decisions about roads, transit, bike and pedestrian facilities, and other transportation needs across our region.
Your feedback is important.
Residents are encouraged to complete the online survey and share input on current and future transportation priorities in the Central Midlands.
Take the survey here:
https://live.metroquestsurvey.com/?u=eq7s7b#!/?p=web&pm=dynamic&s=1&popup=WTD
The survey is open through March 19, 2026. Please consider participating and sharing with others in your community.
Newberry County, SC
1 week 1 day ago
In partnership with the South Carolina Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging is conducting a needs assessment. Community members are encouraged to complete this free and anonymous survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfmNAQyeniycjl1FhMRfFU0OJ-p5dZa0JNT7KmPskTYVktLA/viewform?fbzx=-8901911753175410363
Newberry County, SC
1 week 3 days ago
Newberry County Council had the pleasure of recognizing two Newberry County Sheriff’s Office employees this month for their dedicated years of service to Newberry County.
First, Chase Goodwin (not pictured) was recognized for 5 years of service with the NCSO.
County Administrator Ted Luckadoo shared the following about Chase:
“Chase began his employment with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in the Patrol Division and was later promoted to his current position as sergeant on night shift. I understand from Sheriff Lee Foster and his management team that Chase is very intelligent and witty and a high performer. He has great ideas and stays in a mode of ‘constant improvement’ – always looking for ways to improve as a law enforcement officer and coming up with ideas to improve the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office.”
Next, Haley Gantt was recognized for 10 years of service to the NCSO.
County Administrator Ted Luckadoo had this to say about Haley:
“Haley began her employment with the county as an officer in Newberry County Animal Control. In September, she joined the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office as a Class-3 deputy. She focuses on supporting the vast information technology resources of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. I know from talking with Sheriff Lee Foster and his command staff how great of an addition Haley has been to the department. Not only does she perform quality work and complete her assignments on time; she also has a good sense of humor, which her colleagues appreciate.”
Congratulations to both Chase and Haley and thank you for your continued service and dedication to our community.
Newberry County, SC
2 weeks 3 days ago
In honor of Presidents’ Day, Newberry County Government offices will be closed Monday, February 16, 2026.
We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!
Newberry County, SC
3 weeks 6 days ago
At the most recent Newberry County Council meeting, Hazmat Station 12, Prosperity Fire Station 2, and Prosperity Rescue Station 17 were recognized as part of a longstanding tradition to highlight our volunteer departments and the vital services they provide to our community.
Emergency Services Coordinator Brandon Wicker recognized Hazmat Station 12, noting the department has 11 members, with eight certified at the Technician Level and three certified at the Operations Level. The team meets monthly for training and equipment testing and responded to eight calls in 2025. Mr. Wicker noted that responders often do not know what type of hazards they may encounter when responding to a call.
The Prosperity Rescue Squad, established in 1963, currently consists of approximately 20 members, including First Responders, EMTs, and Paramedics. The squad responds to an average of 150–200 calls each year, provides support for local events, and hosts the Newberry County Dive Team, which maintains strong working relationships with surrounding agencies.
Prosperity Fire Department Chief Robert Dennis highlighted the history of Prosperity Fire Station 2, noting that two members have served the department for more than 50 years. In 2025, the station responded to 218 calls.