– County Agent, Ray Smith, says that cotton is now being picked in most sections of the county, although the majority of the farms have yet to begin. Many farmers are still waiting to try and pick up the bolls at the top of the stalk, which could mean a big increase in yields in late cotton. Over 300,000 bales are expected in South Carolina this year, off some 360,000 acres. This estimate is in line with expectations of the past couple of months.
– Two new writers have joined the staff of the Marlboro Herald-Advocate this month. Mrs. Gayle Hudson joined the Herald-Advocate early this month as a feature writer and general news reporter. Her husband, Harold, is a history teacher at Bennettsville Jr. High School. Also joining the Herald-Advocate staff during September is Gene Worth Bennett of Clio. Gene comes to the Herald-Advocate as sports editor and news reporter. For the past five years, he has taught English, Math, and Science in the Blenheim schools.
– South Carolina’s new 1973 automobile tags are on sale now at the Marlboro County Highway Department license office. Lines were expected today and for the rest of the week for the early birds. The 1972 tags will be in use until January 1. Mrs. Margaret Todd, license sale officer, had plenty on hand with more than 15,000 tags to handle the county drivers’ needs.
– Bennettsville and Marlboro County taxpayers begin shelling out today for their annual payment of local and county taxes. Marlboro County Treasurer, Miss Maria Turnage, said nearly 21,000 tax notices were mailed out this weekend and should be in the hands of taxpayers by today. Bennettsville treasurer, Miss Vera Parrish, said that 2,250 personal property tax notices were also mailed.
– About 100 farmers and other interested observers were in Marlboro County Wednesday afternoon for the South Carolina Cotton Tour sponsored annually by the Clemson Extension service. The tour covers all the cotton-producing counties in the state during the space of three days. In Marlboro County, there were three stops made on the tour: a field on the farm of L. P. Hodges, the farm of L. E. Pence, and the farm of Noah Usher, Jr. Leaving from the Brandin’ Iron at 1:30, the observers completed the stops and also rode through several other farms around the county before going on to Dillon County.