Multiple types of wildlife will benefit from the Crooked Creek Wildlife Refuge.
A ribbon cutting for it was held at the site near the Marlboro County Jetport on Nov. 8 with various people from the county and surrounding areas.
Hanson Aggregates Marlboro Sand and Gravel site in Bennettsville donated 200 acres of reclaimed mining property to Carolina Waterfowl Rescue.
The donated property will be used to provide a natural and controlled habitat, called a rookery, to rehabilitate injured waterfowl.
Dr. Carolyn Prince, chairperson of Marlboro County Council,  felt the rookery would be a valuable asset to the county in many ways. 
One way, she said, is through a natural and controlled environment to give shelter and protection for rescued birds that are out of the hospital but still not ready to fly. 
Another way to use the mining process which left steep fingered islands to be used to offer natural barriers for nesting sites and rest stops for migrating birds where the predators can't reach them. Prince noted the rookery will allow opportunities for a variety of educational experiences for all age groups.
"And lastly as a much-traveled corridor to our magnificent beaches, we anticipate economic benefits as travelers, bird watchers and curious people like me make the Carolina Waterfowl Rookery a fun destination," she said.

The United Charities of Marlboro County kicked off their 2019 campaign on Thursday.
The annual campaign will run through Jan. 31, 2019.
Funds donated will be given to 13 non-profit organizations.
Chairperson Sandy Donaldson said the organization has served the community for more than 50 years but didn't set a goal for the 2019 campaign.
"We are going to be grateful for whatever we receive," she said.

John and Beverly Myers were impressed with what they sampled at the recent Taste of Marlboro.
Beverly Myers said she enjoyed visiting the different vendors.
"This is the kind of stuff the county needs to do more often," John Myers said.
The eighth annual Taste of Marlboro presented by Priority One Home Healthcare on Nov. 8 featured various samples for the public to taste.
The annual event is a fund raiser for the Marlboro County Chamber of Commerce.
Awards were presented to The Dairy Dream for Best Table Display; Palmetto Cafe with Collard Eggrolls for Most Creative Dish; Breeden's Quality Meats with Pig Candy for Best Dessert. Bennettsville Mayor Heath Harpe's Prime Rib received the People's Choice Award.

Forty-five percent of the registered voters in Marlboro voted in Tuesday's election.
Of the 17,491 registered voters, 7,917 ballots were cast.
Larry McNeil was the top vote-getter in a three-way race for the chairman seat for the Marlboro County Board of Education. McNeil received 3,630 votes (52.34 percent) while Robert Goff had 2,416 (34.83 percent) and Michael Toms, 856 votes (12.34 percent)
In School Board District 2 incumbent Janice Bright defeated Rev. Artemus Woods Jr. with 476 votes (55.41 percent) to 380 (44.24 percent).
Incumbent Jackie Branch in District 3 had 486 votes (44.92 percent) to challenger Yolonda G. DuPree 482 votes (44.55 percent). A decision for a runoff between the two candidates cannot be made until Friday when the results are certified. If a runoff is needed, it will be held on Nov. 20.  

Voters approved a $10 million general obligation bond Tuesday for the Marlboro County School District.
The vote was 70.32 percent (5,352) for yes and 29.68  percent (2,259) voted no.
The funds will be used to upgrade all safety and security functions in each building to include 100 percent visibility, DVR security cameras, and fully operational panels. It will be used for new construction at Bennettsville Intermediate School to include a new cafeteria and a new and remodeled auditorium for the school district and community. Funds will upgrade dilapidated restroom facilities and water stations in all buildings along with upgrades for elementary playground equipment.
"Without any question, we are overjoyed and excited about the possibilities that await us as a result of the public granting us a "yes" vote," said MCSD Superintendent Dr. Gregory McCord. "I am absolutely ecstatic. Being a new super on the job for such a short period of time and being able to garner the support of the community says a lot about the existing systems already in place."