Carlton Kinard

09/19/2026

Newberry County, Let’s Come Together!!!

The Newberry County Branch NAACP is excited to bring our community together for a day of family, fun, fellowship, and building stronger relationships across Newberry County!

NAACP FALL FESTIVAL
Saturday October 10, 2026
11:00AM–3:00PM
U.S. Marshal Israel Brooks Jr. Park
(Wise Street Park)
2420 Holloway Street Newberry, SC 29108

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Bring the whole family and enjoy FREE food, a mobile game truck, horseback riding, inflatables, arts & crafts, free ice cream, live entertainment, and so much more!

Also, we have a special piece we are very excited about. The Community vs. Law Enforcement Basketball Game!!! 🏀

This is more than a basketball game. It’s an opportunity for community members and law enforcement to connect, build relationships, and strengthen the bonds that make our community better.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!

TAG somebody in the comments who needs to be at the Fall Festival!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tag a family member and/or friends
🏀 Tag your basketball friends
👮🏾 Tag a law enforcement officer
🏘️ Tag a local school/ civic group/ or Church
❤️ Tag someone who you’re bringing to the festival!

A special thank you to our Sponsors!!!

Samsung South Carolina
Founders Federal Credit Union
SouthState Bank

Let us know in the comments:

What are you most excited about at the Fall Festival?

Let’s fill the park, bring our families, meet our neighbors, and celebrate what makes Newberry special.

One Community. One Team. A Stronger Newberry.

09/11/2026

25 years later, I still remember.

I was only 8 years old on September 11, 2001.

When we were told at school what was happening, I don’t think I fully understood the severity of it all. I knew something was wrong, but at that age, it was difficult to comprehend the magnitude of what was unfolding across our country.

It wasn’t until I came home and watched the news that day, seeing the images on television and listening to the conversations among my family; that I began to realize just how serious it was.

The emotions, the questions, the uncertainty, and the conversations with my family became a part of a memory I know I will never forget.

25 years later, I remember the lives that were lost, the families who were forever changed, and the heroes who ran toward danger when others were running away.

Some moments become a part of your story before you’re old enough to fully understand them.

9/11 is one of those moments.

Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?

We Remember.
We Honor.
We Will Never Forget.

08/17/2026

I’m excited to share that I have been selected to participate in the upcoming Upstate Class of the Riley Institute Fellows DLI Program!

I’ll be joined by leaders from across the region to learn how to build well-rounded teams and leverage the unique skills and insights of employees for better organizational outcomes and greater impact.

You can learn more about the DLI at: https://www.furman.edu/riley/diversity-strategies/diversity-leaders-initiative/

It’s an honor to represent the City of Newberry, SC Government and Newberry College.

07/18/2026

Another successful Municipal Assn of SC Annual Meeting in the books.

Always great connecting with colleagues across SC, deepening our commitment to our municipalities; all the while learning and growing!!!

Congratulations to Mayor Frank McClary on becoming the new MASC President!

Another congratulations to the City of Newberry, SC Government!!! We are bringing some hardware home! We received the Municipal Achievement Award for the newly renovated Newberry Arts Center - NAC

Now, off to Chicago!!!

07/11/2026

The Lord continues to bless our family in ways beyond what we could have imagined!

With grateful hearts, Kristen and I are overjoyed to share that our little bundle of joy is on the way. Every life is a precious gift from God, and we are thankful for His love, His faithfulness, and this new chapter He has entrusted to us.

Baby Kinard arriving January 2027.

07/09/2026

Honored and Grateful.
🐺

Congratulations to Carlton L. Kinard '16 on his appointment as Director of Governmental and External Affairs at Newberry College!

As a proud alumnus and dedicated community leader, Carlton will strengthen partnerships, advance governmental relations, and expand civic engagement opportunities that support the College's mission and our students' success.

Please join us in congratulating Carlton on this exciting new role!

07/04/2026

As our nation commemorates 250 years of independence, we celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom, democracy, and self-governance that have shaped the American story.

Yet, this anniversary also invites us to reflect honestly on our journey and recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead.

On July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass posed a question that still echoes across generations: “What, to the American slave, is your Fourth of July?” He further reminded the nation that, “There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices more shocking and bloody than are the people of these United States at this very hour.”

His words were not spoken out of hatred for America, but from a profound belief that our nation could become better and more just.

July 4, 1776 my ancestors weren’t free. It wasn’t until January of 1863 (87 years later) my ancestors were “free-ish” and somewhat counted as citizens and humans.

America has made tremendous progress. Yet, there is still work to be done to ensure that the promises enshrined in our founding documents are fully realized for every citizen, regardless of race, background, or circumstance.

I remain steadfast in the belief that patriotism calls us not only to celebrate our nation’s achievements but also to courageously confront its shortcomings.

In the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “All we say to America, be true to what you said on paper.”

Enjoy the festivities and stay vigilant this weekend.

06/30/2026

Stay alert and in the know.

06/22/2026

⚠️⚠️⚠️

To our customers:

We are aware of discolored water in some areas of our utility system. Crews have been dispatched to flush lines in those areas to resolve the issue. This is related to the power outage in our system from yesterday. Please be assured your water is safe.

For those that are experiencing discolored water at their residence, try running your faucets for 10-15 minutes and if there is no change, please contact our after hours phone number at 803-276-0311.

06/19/2026

Power is out throughout the city.

Please be patient and be careful driving throughout the city as our crew members will restore things very soon!