A dream is quickly becoming a reality for Roger and Anne Griggs of Bennettsville.  The less fortunate citizens of the community will be the beneficiaries.
This will be in the form of the Community Kitchen of Bennettsville, which will open sometime in the first three months of 2019. 
"For a long time, we have had a heart for those in our midst that struggle for food, clothing and housing," relates Roger Griggs.
After looking around at what others in towns and communities similar to Bennettsville do to help the needy, the Griggs decided that creating a place where people could go for a free hot meal would best assist the town's underprivileged.
"We prayed on it for a long time but I think the Lord needed us to reach the point of full commitment before putting things into motion," said Griggs.
In 2016, the Griggs formed a board of directors for their charitable organization, got a post office box and set up the financial framework necessary to apply for 501c3 tax-exempt, non-profit status.  That was granted during the year, so  the groundwork was in place.

Everlyn Peterkin prepares to get on the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority bus in front of Bennettsville City Hall after paying her utility bill Wednesday afternoon.  She reports that she has already used the service to go to Carls Food Center, Walmart and Marlboro Water Company.  PDRTA  began operating new routes in the county this week.

Last Friday, the City of Bennettsville celebrated South Carolina Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony at the Bennettsville Visitors Center on West Main Street.  Glenn Bunch of Bunch’s Nursery assisted by planting a Japanese maple.  Mayor Heath Harpe read a proclamation supporting Arbor Day and the importance of supporting the planting of trees in the city.  Pictured are city councilmen Allen Taylor, Bernice Johnson, Mayor Harpe, councilman Jean Quick, Glenn Bunch and Anne Bunch of the Bennettsville tree committee.
Photo by Dan McNiel

Tuesday, the City of Bennettsville hosted its annual Christmas parade.  Over 90 entries rolled down Broad Street, around the courthouse square and on to East Main Street.  Above, Santa wraps up the parade, riding on a fire truck.  Right, parade marshals Rebecca McArthur and Beth Chavis wave to the crowd.  Below, kids of all ages enjoyed watching or riding in the parade.  More parade photos will appear in the “Christmas Greetings” special on December 20.  The Town of McColl Christmas parade was held on Wednesday afternoon.  See next weeks edition for pictures from that event.
Photos by Dan McNiel

Arkansas State senior and former Marlboro County Bulldog Ronheen Bingham has been named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Bingham helped lead the Red Wolves to an 8-4 overall record and a berth in the Arizona Bowl, where they will play The University of Nevada.
This season Bingham, a defensive end, finished the regular season with 65 total tackles and nine quarterback sacks.  He also had 19 tackles for lost yardage.
His sacks and tackles for loss lead the conference.