McCormick County Government

06/02/2026

🌊☀️ McCormick County Water Safety Reminder ☀️🌊

Summer is here, and whether you're enjoying the water at the lake, pool, river, or boat, safety should always come first. A few simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone has a fun and safe summer season.

🏊 Drowning Prevention Starts With Active Supervision

✅ Designate a Water Watcher – an adult whose only job is watching swimmers. Put away phones and other distractions.

✅ Know that drowning is often silent. A person in distress may not be able to wave or call for help.

✅ Remember: Reach or Throw — Don't Go. If someone is struggling in the water, use a pole, rope, pool noodle, or flotation device rather than jumping in.

✅ Learn CPR and First Aid. Quick action can save lives during an emergency.

🚤 Boating & Open Water Safety

🦺 Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, especially children, inexperienced swimmers, and anyone boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

🌊 Be aware of currents and hidden hazards in lakes, rivers, and other natural waterways.

🥶 Even on hot days, natural water can be cold. Cold water shock can affect breathing and muscle control.

🚫 Swim and boat sober. Alcohol and water are a dangerous combination that can impair judgment and reaction time.

⛈️ Weather & Environmental Safety

⚡ Leave the water immediately at the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning.

🦶 Enter unfamiliar water feet first to avoid injuries from hidden rocks, stumps, or sudden drop-offs.

☀️ Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and protect yourself from heat-related illnesses.

❤️ Make Safety Part of Every Summer Adventure

A few moments of preparation can prevent a lifetime of regret. Let's work together to keep our families, friends, and visitors safe while enjoying all the beautiful waterways our community has to offer.

Have fun. Stay alert. Wear your life jacket. Watch the weather. Save a life.

🌊🛟🚤☀️

06/01/2026

📚 Beginning today, McCormick County Government is launching a new educational series designed to help citizens better understand how county government works, the services provided, and how local government decisions impact our community.

We’re starting at the foundation — how McCormick County’s Council-Administrator form of government was established and how County Council operates today.

In 1992, the citizens of McCormick County voted in a referendum to adopt the Council-Administrator form of government, as authorized under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 4-9-10).

Under this structure:

✔️ McCormick County is governed by a five-member County Council
✔️ Each Council member represents one of five election districts
✔️ Council members serve staggered four-year terms
✔️ County Council establishes policies, adopts budgets, approves ordinances, and represents the citizens of their districts
✔️ A County Administrator oversees the daily operations of county government and county departments

County Council also elects officers during its organizational meeting following each general election.

🏛️ The Chairperson presides over County Council meetings and signs official county documents including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other official instruments.

🏛️ The Vice-Chairperson serves in the Chairperson’s place when needed and is elected by fellow Council members.

📝 County Council also appoints a Clerk to Council, who is not a Council member. The Clerk records Council proceedings, prepares and maintains official meeting minutes, tracks ordinances and resolutions, and assists Council members with reports and documentation to help ensure transparency and organization in county government operations.

The five election districts were established to ensure representation from across the county and to provide citizens with direct representation in county government.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share more information about:
🚑 Emergency services
💧 Water & Sewer operations
🛣️ Roads & infrastructure
🗳️ Public meetings and citizen involvement
💰 Budgeting and county services
🏢 County departments and their roles
…and much more!

We encourage citizens to follow along and let us know what topics or departments you would like to learn more about.

06/01/2026

Our Summer Reading events start this week on Wednesday, June 3rd at 2:30 pm

Porkchop Productions presents "Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Wolf!" a wildly modern reimagining of the classic fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf—but with a few more teeth, scales, and attitude! Jamie, a charismatic prankster, discovers that claiming prehistoric creatures are rampaging through an archeological dig site is an excellent way to get attention… until it isn’t! Colorful characters, big laughs, and a heartfelt message remind us that honesty is the best policy, instead having to dig for the truth!

This +/-35 minute program is great for children PreK - 5th grade.
Parents or caregivers must remain with children during the program. Our events are a great time to get public library cards and borrow a first stack of books for the summer. Let your kids explore their interests and keep them reading during the school break!

06/01/2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, McCormick County Recycling Centers will operate under new hours to better serve our community. ♻️

Please see the updated schedule below:

🗓️ New Recycling Center Hours

• Monday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Sunday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thank you for helping keep McCormick County clean and beautiful! Please share this update so others in the community are aware of the new hours. ♻️🚛

06/01/2026

DONATE A MONTHLY PRIZE & SUPPORT THOSE WHO SERVE McCORMICK COUNTY!

🏆 McCORMICK COUNTY DAILY TRIVIA CHALLENGE
Employees • First Responders • Learning • Teamwork • Community

McCormick County Government launched a Daily Trivia Challenge for county employees and first responders to encourage learning, engagement, and a little friendly competition today, June 1, 2026.

Each month, participants who excel in the challenge will be entered into a drawing for a McCormick County Trivia Champion Prize.

🎁 WE ARE SEEKING DONATIONS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Your business can help recognize the hardworking employees and first responders who serve our community every day.

Suggested Donations

✔ Gift Cards
✔ Restaurant Certificates
✔ Gift Baskets
✔ Merchandise & Promotional Items
✔ Service Certificates
✔ Event Tickets
✔ Local Experiences
✔ Other Door Prizes

🌟 WHY PARTICIPATE?

Support Local Government Employees & First Responders

Show Your Business's Community Spirit

Gain Positive Community Recognition

Help Boost Employee Morale and Engagement

📣 SPONSOR RECOGNITION

Businesses donating prizes will be recognized through:

• McCormick County Government Social Media
• Employee Communications
• Trivia Champion Announcements
• County Recognition Opportunities

📞 CONTACT US TO DONATE

Crystal Barnes
Clerk to Council / Assistant to Administrator
McCormick County Government

📍 610 South Mine Street
McCormick, SC 29835

📞 (864) 852-2231

📧 [email protected]

06/01/2026

☀️ HEAT SAFETY REMINDER ☀️

With temperatures continuing to rise, we encourage everyone in our community to take precautions to stay safe and healthy during extreme heat.

💧 Stay Hydrated
• Drink water consistently — even if you do not feel thirsty.
• When working or active outdoors, drink 8 oz. of water every 15–20 minutes.
• Avoid alcohol and high-caffeine energy drinks, which can lead to dehydration.

👕 Dress for the Heat
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

🌡️ Avoid Peak Heat Hours
• Schedule outdoor work and activities during the cooler morning or evening hours whenever possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor and avoid using ovens or appliances that create extra heat.

🏢 Find Cool Places
• Spend time in air-conditioned locations such as libraries, stores, or community centers if needed.

❤️ Check on Others
• Elderly neighbors, young children, first responders, outdoor workers, and pets are especially vulnerable during extreme heat.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles — temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes.

⚠️ Know the Warning Signs

Heat Exhaustion:
• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Pale or clammy skin

➡️ Move to a cool place immediately and apply cool, wet cloths.

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency):
• Body temperature above 103°F
• Confusion
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Loss of consciousness

🚨 Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.

Please stay safe, stay cool, and look out for one another, McCormick County!

05/31/2026

💚 Mental Health Awareness Month Wrap-Up 💚

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, McCormick County Government would like to thank our community for taking time throughout May to focus on mental wellness, self-care, resilience, and supporting one another.

This month, we shared conversations and resources centered around:
✨ Managing stress and burnout
✨ The psychology behind the “Let Them Theory”
✨ Healthy boundaries and protecting your peace
✨ Anxiety, emotional overload, and emotional resilience
✨ The importance of rest, recovery, and self-care
✨ Community support and checking in on one another
✨ The healing power of nature and the outdoors in McCormick County

One of the biggest reminders throughout the month has been this:

💚 You cannot control everything around you — but you CAN control how you care for yourself through it all.

From the peaceful waters of Lake Thurmond to the trails of the Sumter National Forest, we are fortunate to live in a community that offers opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and recharge.

As we move beyond Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s continue to:
▪️ Check in on one another
▪️ Practice healthy boundaries
▪️ Take breaks when needed
▪️ Ask for help without shame
▪️ Support our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors
▪️ Prioritize both physical AND mental well-being

Most importantly:
💚 You matter.
💚 Your mental health matters.
💚 And no one has to face life’s struggles alone.

Thank you for helping make McCormick County a stronger, healthier, and more supportive community.

💚

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

💚 Mental Health & the Great Outdoors in McCormick County 💚

Sometimes the best thing we can do for our mental health is slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature.

Here in McCormick County, we are surrounded by opportunities to relax, recharge, and reset both mentally and physically.

🌊 Paddle the peaceful waters of the Little River Blueway
🎣 Spend a quiet morning fishing on beautiful Lake Thurmond
🚴 Explore the scenic Forks Area Trail System (FATS) or Savannah Valley Railroad Trail
⛺ Camp lakeside at Baker Creek, Hickory K**b, or Hamilton Branch State Park
🌲 Take in the beauty of the Sumter National Forest
☀️ Breathe fresh air, disconnect from stress, and reconnect with yourself

Research continues to show that spending time outdoors can help:
✨ Reduce stress and anxiety
✨ Improve mood and mental clarity
✨ Lower stress hormones
✨ Support emotional well-being
✨ Improve sleep and overall health

Mental wellness does not always have to be complicated. Sometimes healing starts with fresh air, quiet water, a scenic trail, or simply taking a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty around us.

McCormick County truly is an outdoor paradise — and a reminder that nature can be one of the best forms of self-care.

💚

05/30/2026

🎣🐟 McCormick County Welcomes C.A.S.T. for Kids to Dorn Boating Facility! 🐟🎣
McCormick County is proud to welcome the incredible team from the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation to the Dorn Boating Facility for a day dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for children with special needs and their families.

The C.A.S.T. (Catch A Special Thrill) for Kids Foundation enriches the lives of children with special needs through the sport of fishing by bringing together volunteers, boaters, families, and community partners for a fun-filled day on the water. Their mission is to provide opportunities, encouragement, and experiences that celebrate every child while strengthening communities through the outdoors.

We are honored to host this amazing organization in McCormick County and thank all of the volunteers, anglers, sponsors, and families who help make this special event possible. Your dedication and kindness are making a lasting impact on the lives of these children and their families.

💙 Welcome to McCormick County, C.A.S.T. for Kids! We hope you enjoy your time on beautiful Lake Thurmond and create memories that will last a lifetime.

🎣❤️