The Dillon Herald

06/24/2026

DILLON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ANNOUNCES MURDER ARREST IN BUNKER HILL CASE

The Dillon County Sheriff's Office announced today that, in cooperation with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Dillon Police Department, deputies have arrested Devonte Page and charged him with murder.

The arrest stems from a homicide that occurred last week in the Bunker Hill community of Dillon County.

Sheriff Jamie Hamilton praised the dedicated efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the community throughout the case.

The Sheriff's Office also extended its gratitude to the family of Joyce McLellan for their patience and support during the investigation, adding that they continue to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.

06/24/2026

06/24/2026

Remembering Firefighter Ronald Lupo: A Life of Service and Sacrifice

Today marks the anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Ronald Lupo, a dedicated Dillon County firefighter and member of the Dillon Rescue Squad who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community.

On June 24, 1996, Lupo, 32, was responding to a brush fire along Interstate 95 when he was involved in a fatal automobile accident on Highway 301 while attempting to make a left turn onto Highway 9. He lost his life while answering the call to help others, a testament to his commitment to public service and the safety of his community.

Lupo's death was a tragic loss for Dillon County, the fire service, and all who knew him. His willingness to respond whenever duty called reflected the courage, dedication, and selflessness that define the firefighting profession.

At the time of his passing, Lupo was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Lupo; his sisters, Sandra Lupo Moore, Tina Lupo McPhatter, and Tricket Fox; and his brother, Robbie Perritte.

As Dillon County remembers Ronald Lupo today, we honor his service, sacrifice, and the legacy he left behind. Though nearly three decades have passed since his death, his dedication to helping others and his commitment to his community continue to be remembered and appreciated by those whose lives he touched.

His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

06/24/2026

DILLON COUNTY PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION RESULTS

Republican Lieutenant Governor
Alan Wilson – 588 votes
Pamela Evette – 457 votes

Republican Attorney General
Steven Goldfinch – 633 votes
David Stumbo– 375 votes

Republican Commissioner of Agriculture
Danny Ford – 285 votes
Cody Simpson – 729 votes

These are the unofficial results from Dillon County's Republican Primary Runoff Election.

06/23/2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...South central Robeson County in southeastern North Carolina...
West central Columbus County in southeastern North Carolina...
Southern Dillon County in northeastern South Carolina...
Northwestern Horry County in northeastern South Carolina...
Northeastern Marion County in northeastern South Carolina...
* Until 730 PM EDT.

* At 630 PM EDT, a severe
thunderstorm was located over Latta, or near Dillon, moving east at 25 mph.

* Locations impacted include... Dillon, Mullins, Latta, Fair Bluff, Lake View, Sellers, Fork, Zion, Oak Grove, Floydale, Smithboro, Kemper, Nichols, Marietta, and Mcleod Medical Center.

06/23/2026

Latta, SC McDonald's Employee Attending FIFA World Cup 2026

Local McDonald's employee, KeNyah Page, will be attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Miami as a flag bearer thanks to the partnership between McDonald's and Coca-Cola.

McDonald's is the official restaurant sponsor for FIFA World Cup 2026, and local McDonald's Owner/Operator Jimmy Hernandez selected KeNyah to represent his local community on the big stage.

KeNyah is a rising junior at Latta High School and is also a member of the varsity cheer team, varsity basketball team, and varsity softball team. She is an Honor Roll student with a 4.7 GPA and is starting the IB Program this school year. Since she began at McDonald's in October 2025, she has proven she is a hard worker and leader at the Oak Grove store.

Hernandez and his team celebrated KeNyah with a send off party before she heads to Miami to represent Latta at one of the largest sporting events in the world.

06/23/2026

VFW Post 6091 George Spradley Scholarship Recipient

Post 6091 proudly congratulates this year’s recipient of the George Spradley Scholarship, Heath Mew, from Latta High School. Heath wrote an essay about his great-grandfather, Thomas Beeker, and his military service. Mr. Beeker served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 in Okinawa, Japan. In his essay, Heath reflected on fond memories of the stories and souvenirs from his “PaPa Thomas” during his time in the military. His great-grandfather's example of faith and service to others has significantly influenced Heath. He plans to pursue a degree in Health Science at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC. Heath's hard work has led to remarkable achievements, and we are excited to see the outstanding contributions he will continue to make.
Pictured L to R: Junior Vice Commander Anthony Burden, Heath Mew, and Commander Joey Williams

06/23/2026

Shooting Incident Under Investigation by Dillon Police Department

On June 22, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., officers with the City of Dillon Police Department were dispatched to a business located on West Main Street in Dillon in reference to a reported gunshot victim.

Upon arrival, officers located one individual who had sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was treated on scene by EMS personnel and transported to a local hospital with injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.

Officers and investigators immediately began an investigation into the incident. Preliminary information indicates that the suspect entered the business and, during an altercation, discharged a firearm, striking the victim. The suspect fled the scene prior to law enforcement's arrival.

The investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing. Investigators have identified a person of interest, and arrest warrants are anticipated as detectives continue to review the facts and circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The City of Dillon Police Department remains committed to protecting the citizens of Dillon and ensuring that those who commit acts of violence within our community are held accountable for their actions.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dillon Police Department at (843) 774-0051, the Dillon County E-911 Non-Emergency Dispatch Center at (843) 841-3707, or the Dillon Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (843) 774-0051, Ext. 800.

This investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.