After seeing kids in his community with limited opportunities and activities, Laurens City Councilman Calvin Whitmire decided to do something about it.

Now, 12 years later, his organization, Bridging the Gap Advocacy, continues to make a difference in the lives of local youth.

On Episode 13 of the Laurens County Lowdown, Whitmire joins Andrew Corley to discuss the need for programs like Bridging the Gap, the challenges facing today's youth and why community involvement is so important.

Plus, why Bridging the Gap has a no-cell-phone policy, why parents are required to volunteer at least one hour a week and what Whitmire hopes to see for the future of Laurens.

“If our kids win, we all win.”

🎥 Watch the full episode on Facebook and YouTube, or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

On Episode 12 of the Laurens County Lowdown, Main Street Laurens Director Brad Abercrombie joins Andrew Corley to talk about the organization’s accreditation status, a city funding cut from $68,000 to $10,000 and how Main Street is restructuring and moving forward.

Plus, Squealin’ on the Square is almost here! Brad previews what’s new for the festival’s 26th year, talks about the challenges and opportunities facing downtown businesses and even reveals the one Laurens establishment he’d bring back if he could.

🎙️ Watch Episode 12 of the Laurens County Lowdown on Facebook and YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The longtime PC basketball coach joins the Laurens County Lowdown to talk about his new role as Laurens Academy’s athletic director and head boys basketball coach, his coaching career, PC’s move to Division I and what he thinks about the current state of college athletics.

Plus, Coach Nibert shares some of his favorite stories from over the years, including the time a PC fan got kicked out of the Dean Dome… and Duke decided to get involved.

Watch the full episode of the Laurens County Lowdown now!

This week on the Laurens County Lowdown, Capitol Theatre Director Hunter Holmes gets into how hospitality tax dollars actually work and what that money can and can’t be used for.

Plus, we talk about the future of the Capitol, free movie nights, live music, the upcoming film festival and a lightning round.

🎙️ Episode 10 is out now on Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

PC President Dr. Anita Gustafson joins Andrew Corley on Episode 8 of the Laurens County Lowdown for a wide-ranging conversation on college affordability, the value of a liberal arts education, AI in the classroom, Blue Hose athletics and the challenges facing higher education.

Plus, Dr. Gustafson talks about her journey back to PC, becoming the college’s first female president and why she believes Laurens County students shouldn’t overlook what’s right in their backyard.

Episode 8 is out now!

And because it’s the Lowdown, there’s plenty of fun too: life overseas, Laurens memories, the lightning round and the Taylor Swift question Andrew waited seven episodes to ask...

🎙️ Episode 7 is out now on Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

On Episode 6 of the Laurens County Lowdown, Andrew Corley sits down with Thomas Jones to look back on the journey that took him from Laurens High School to being selected in the 2016 MLB Draft and several years of professional baseball.

Thomas opens up about the grind of the minor leagues, dealing with struggles after years of success, knowing when it was time to step away and finding a new direction after baseball.

Now back in Laurens coaching and broadcasting, Thomas also shares his perspective on youth sports today, the pressure on young athletes, the cost of travel ball and why he believes kids shouldn’t be so quick to specialize in one sport.

Plus, Andrew and Thomas talk Laurens-Clinton, Banana Ball, the best pitcher Thomas ever faced and plenty more in the Lowdown Lightning Round.

Watch Episode 6 of the Laurens County Lowdown now!

Interim Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris joins Laurens County Lowdown to talk about the bus driver concerns that made headlines on the first day of school, the district’s financial challenges, aging school facilities and where plans stand for a joint CATE Center with District 56.

Plus, Harris talks about rebuilding trust in the district, why he doesn’t plan to simply be a “placeholder” as interim superintendent and faces the Lowdown Lightning Round.

🎧 Episode 5 of Laurens County Lowdown is out now.
Watch on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Mayor Senn also talks about his proudest accomplishment in office and is asked if another run for mayor could be in his future. 👀

Watch the full episode now on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Laurens County School District 56 Superintendent Dr. David O'Shields joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond the classroom.

We discuss teacher pay, school funding, retaining educators, the future of Districts 55 and 56, building a new high school, the Laurens vs. Clinton rivalry and much more.

And yes...stick around until the end for Dr. O'Shields' viral back-to-school rap. 🎤😂

Whether you're a parent, teacher, student or just care about the future of Laurens County, there's something in this episode for you.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

From supporting local businesses and attracting new industry to the future of growth in Laurens County, Dabs shares her perspective on the opportunities, challenges and what comes next for the community.

After 26 years with the Laurens Police Department, Chief Heath Copeland reflects on his career, his upcoming retirement and the moments that shaped his time in law enforcement. Plus, he takes on our lightning round.

Watch now on Facebook and YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

Presented by Self Regional Healthcare.