Are you ready for a better internet experience?
High-speed fiber optic internet brings a new standard of rural broadband to Lancaster, Chesterfield, and Kershaw counties. With fiber optic, we can now reach Gigabit (1000 Mbps) speeds.
RiverNet Connect is available to all Lynches River Electric Cooperative members, so get ready to stream, download, and play on multiple devices all at once with no glitches!
Latest News
The background on underground lines
"Our job is to use your dollars carefully and make investments strategically to do the most good for the most people." BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & ...
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Co-ops: a powerful idea
What does Lynches River Electric have in common with companies like Ocean Spray, Land O'Lakes, REI, Ace Hardware and credit unions? All are cooperatives, of ...
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Board approves refund of capital credits
The Board of Trustees of Lynches River Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce the refund of the remaining capital credit funds for the year 2006. ...
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LREC releases 2025 financial report
This financial report is not finalized until Nov. 15. 2025 Financial Report [PDF] How your dollar was spent Wholesale power costs - 58%; operation and ...
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Members to vote on proposed bylaw amendments (full PDF download)
The LREC Board of Directors has proposed the following bylaw revisions for approval by the membership. Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes, which ...
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Proposed bylaw changes
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Lynches River Electric Cooperative members will be asked to make important decisions at our upcoming annual meeting. On the first ...
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Experiencing the nation’s capital
By Josh P. Crotzer Trenton Faile had never been to Washington, D.C., but he'd always been drawn to what happens there. When his teacher encouraged ...
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How power gets to you
"Lynches River Electric Cooperative is proud to play its part in keeping the grid strong for the communities we serve." BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO ...
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Raise my thermostat? When it’s this hot?
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Summer is approaching, and for the next few months we can expect extended stretches of extreme heat. During those afternoons ...
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Not missing a thing
Lake Wateree resident upgrades retirement with RiverNet Connect By Josh P. Crotzer George Harkins will be the first to admit, it's a blessed and enjoyable ...
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Balancing data center demand, reliability
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Data centers might seem like a big-city issue, but more of them are showing up in rural communities like ours-and ...
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Take note: Board nominations by petition
At the 2026 Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 2-3, trustees for District 2, District 4 and District 5 are up for election. A nominating ...
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Safety first
You never know what lies below Make safety a priority when digging. Before starting any digging project, call 811. It is a free service that ...
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A closer look at power costs
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO The cost of living has gone up, and we know our members are feeling the pinch. We've heard from those ...
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Building lines and linemen
Crew leader Russell Hovis is a mentor for LREC's 'young fellas' by Josh P. Crotzer Russell Hovis has served Lynches River Electric members for 36 ...
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Staying plugged in
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO In the past, we have advised you to unplug to avoid using energy unnecessarily. However, this month, I want to ...
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Bright idea in motion
Cheraw High electricity class receives LREC education grant by Josh P. Crotzer Andrew Smith (center) and his electricity class were one of three Bright Ideas ...
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Protecting co-op employees
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Power outages, especially those lasting multiple days, are stressful for everyone-our members, lineworkers and staff. In the aftermath of a ...
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Making a bad day good
Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship winner Jessica Sellers with one of her clients, Ellen Bellamy, at CHESCO Services in Cheraw. Photo by Josh P. Crotzer Most ...
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WIRE 2026 $2,500 Scholarship Opportunity
WIRE 2026 Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship - $2,500! Designed for women continuing their education, the 2026 WIRE Jenny Ballard Opportunity Scholarship provides a $2,500 one-time ...
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Together, we make a difference
Employees load food boxes packed by Food Lion of Pageland for the annual Giving From Our Hearts initiative. Ninety Thanksgiving meals were delivered to families ...
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Students, your co-op has two amazing trips planned this summer
Ready for an experience you won't forget? Your co-op has two amazing trips planned this summer. Juniors: Apply for the Washington Youth Tour. Sophomores: Apply ...
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Managing rising costs to protect reliable service
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO In recent columns, I've shared how rising costs are affecting the energy industry. Prices for materials and wholesale power have ...
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Annual Meeting a success
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Thank you to all our members who attended the 2025 Annual Meeting. Our employees put in tremendous effort to make ...
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Annual Meeting highlights
Once again, Lynches River Electric provided convenient access to its Annual Meeting of Members with two days of drive-thru registration and voting at the co-op's ...
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4th & 5th Graders: Take the Children’s Book Challenge
Students, here's a fun, creative activity from your electric cooperative! Fourth and fifth-grade students in South Carolina are invited to write and illustrate a children’s ...
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LREC 2025 Annual Meeting Election Results
Thank you to all members who attended the 2025 Annual Meeting and took part in this year’s election. Your participation keeps our cooperative strong and ...
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Annual Meeting Prize Winners
LREC thanks all the members who attended the annual meeting. Members who registered will receive a $25 bill credit on the next billing cycle. Members ...
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Powered by purpose
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO This month, electric cooperatives across the country take time to celebrate National Co-op Month and reflect on the unique advantages ...
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Four ways to stay cyber safe
Michael Furman, LREC network administrator, encourages members to take steps to reduce their risk of falling victim to cybercrime. In our digital world, we must ...
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Mark your calendar! Our 2025 Annual Meeting is October 3-4
Join LREC for our two-day drive-thru annual meeting! Friday, October 3 7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, October 4 7:00 a.m.- 11 a.m. Official ...
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Board approves capital credits retirement
The Board of Trustees of Lynches River Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce the refund of the remaining capital credit funds for the year 2005 ...
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An Important Letter from Our Board Chairman
DOWNLOAD PDF Letter from Lynches River Electric Cooperative's Board Chairman (text version) August 13, 2025 Dear Lynches River Members, I'm Steve Chewning. As the Chairman ...
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LREC Credentials Committee Statement
2025 Annual Meeting Qualified Candidates District # 3 - Theresa Hicks | Shane Mullis District # 6 - Mark Wolfe District # 8 - Gary ...
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Qualified Candidates 2025
2025 Annual Meeting Qualified Candidates District # 3 - Theresa Hicks | Shane Mullis District # 6 - Mark Wolfe District # 8 - Gary ...
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You asked. We delivered.
Starting September 1, your bill will have a consistent due date each month. Each billing cycle will now follow the schedule below. If your due ...
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Important Announcement from Our Board of Directors
Lynches River Electric Cooperative’s board of directors today voted to suspend Kevin Sims. After a thorough review of allegations, Mr. Sims violated cooperative policies. The ...
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How home appliances affect your bill
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO While you can't control the cost of electricity, you can still take meaningful steps at home toward lowering your Lynches ...
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Museums, memorials and more
By Josh P. Crotzer As she walked through the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Karla Chinchilla Giron was moved by the simple, haunting exhibit of thousands of ...
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Who owns what?
Understanding electric equipment responsibilities BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Lynches River Electric Cooperative is always prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely. ...
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Shining a light with The LIGHT Foundation
The LIGHT Foundation extends the co-op's community outreach Sometimes, you don't know what you need until that need hits hard. Coytney Bell needed a new ...
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Operation Round Up supports members
Operation Round Up helps local co-op members facing tough times-whether it's losing a home, battling a serious illness or living with long-term disabilities. Sponsored by ...
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Branham receives honor
Lynches River Electric Cooperative retiree, Gene Branham (center), received special recognition for his service to the community. The intersection at Lockhart Road and Keys Lane ...
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Soaring temps strain grid
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO When outdoor temperatures soar, electricity use rises along with it. That's because air conditioners typically run longer and more often ...
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A new convenient way to pay
With our new Vanilla Direct Pay service, Lynches River Electric Cooperative members can now pay their electric and RiverNet Connect bills at more than a ...
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More than a meal
Volunteers from across the community are essential to the outreach of the Chesterfield Soup Kitchen. Pictured are (at left) Eric Boykin, Sherry Huneycutt, Melanie Griffith, ...
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Call for entries – calendar contest
Submit your best local photos of Chesterfield, Lancaster and Kershaw counties by July 31 for a chance to be featured in the 2026 LREC Calendar. ...
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May is National Electrical Safety Month
What is National Electrical Safety Month? The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and ...
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The cooperative business model: a different approach
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO In 1939, with the help of federal loans, Lynches River Electric Cooperative built 175 miles of power lines to provide ...
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Board nominations by petition deadline Aug. 5
At the 2025 Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 3–4, trustees for District 3, District 6 and District 8 are up for election. A nominating ...
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Education grants for local teachers
Stephanie Truesdale, who was awarded a $1,000 Bright Ideas grant, celebrates with her students at Kershaw Elementary School. Teachers, do you have an innovative classroom ...
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Lineworkers are wired for service
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, lineworkers begin their ...
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LREC goes the extra mile to serve
Did you know? Lynches River Electric Cooperative maintains more power lines per consumer than other types of electric utilities. Based on national averages, investor-owned and ...
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Making sure your voice is heard
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO For Lynches River Electric Cooperative, reliability is central to our mission and, quite frankly, our very existence. The last thing ...
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Interested in solar? Let’s talk!
LREC is committed to helping our members find affordable, reliable and safe energy options. If you're considering installing rooftop solar, we can help you evaluate ...
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Factors that impact your energy bill
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO February brings some of the coldest weather of the year, and as our heating systems work harder and longer to ...
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Four ways to lower your energy costs
You're in control! MANAGE YOUR THERMOSTAT Heating and cooling your home account for a significant portion of home energy use. During winter months, adjust your ...
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RiverNet Connect referral program
RiverNet Connect is excited to offer a special referral program for our valued customers. For every new customer you refer to RiverNet Connect, both YOU ...
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Scholarships available for women
It takes courage and vision to pursue a college degree as a working adult. Lynches River Electric Cooperative offers an opportunity to female members ...
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Staying healthy during the inflation epidemic
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO ’Tis the season...for the common cold. Runny noses and stuffy heads are an unwelcome, albeit unavoidable, burden to our busy ...
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The LIGHT Foundation, spreading joy and hope year round
The LIGHT Foundation, a non-profit founded by LREC employees, embodies the spirit of giving by supporting individuals facing life crises throughout the year. This commitment ...
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High school sophomores and juniors: Ready for an experience you won’t forget?
Your co-op has two amazing trips planned this summer. Juniors: Apply for the Washington Youth Tour. Washington Youth Tour: June 15-20, 2025 Experience Washington, D.C., ...
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The EPA’s bad call
BRIAN W. BROUGHTONPresident & CEO Like many of us around here, I’m a big football fan. And while I admit my UNC Tarheels sometimes frustrate ...
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Historic storm, historic recovery
When Hurricane Helene tore through our area at the end of September, Lynches River Electric Cooperative narrowly escaped the devastation that many other South Carolina ...
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2024 Annual Meeting Prize Winners & Election Results
Lynches River Electric Cooperative's 2024 Annual Business Meeting was streamed live on the Cooperative's Facebook page on Saturday, October 19th. Thank you to all our ...
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Beware of Scams & Fraud Following Disastrous Weather Events
Utility scams and fraudulent schemes often arise after severe weather events. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, fake websites, and even door-to-door visits to try ...
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10 things you might not know about power restoration
Dustin Catoe, Interim CEO I often receive questions from members about outages and why restoring power can take some time. I’d like to explain Lynches ...
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Capital Credits refunds are coming!
Capital Credits Dear Lynches River Member, The Board of Trustees of Lynches River Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce the refund of the remaining capital ...
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Official Notice of 2024 Annual Meeting
Dear Cooperative Member, Theresa HicksSecretary-Treasurer We are excited to inform you about the upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting of Lynches River Electric Cooperative, Inc., which will ...
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The increasing sum of our parts
Dustin Catoe, Interim CEO If you tried to build a home a few years back, you know rising material prices can take a painful chunk ...
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We’re doing all we can
Dustin Catoe, Interim CEO It's not going to the grocery store that I’ve come to dislike. It’s leaving, when I find out just how much ...
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Sharing faith and joy
Simple Faith Ranch provides an idyllic setting where adults and children can learn about farm animals and find emotional healing. Simple Faith Ranch serves the ...
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Energy scams unmasked
Ashley Gulledge, member service representative, encourages members to call Lynches River Electric if they suspect a potential energy scam. Consumers with water, gas and electricity ...
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Anatomy of a power outage
Dustin Catoe, Interim CEO During a summer storm, a bolt of lightning strikes a power pole near your home. Your lights flicker briefly, then go ...
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Nominate a local hero
If you are inspired by someone making a difference in our community, the Who Powers You contest is your chance to honor them. Nominees must ...
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Clearing the path to reliability
Members depend on Lynches River Electric Cooperative (LREC) to deliver safe, reliable power to their homes and businesses. An important part of meeting that responsibility ...
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Board nominations by petition due Aug. 20
At the 2024 Annual Meeting, to be held October 18-19, trustees for District 1, District 2, District 7 and the “Member at Large” position are ...
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2025 Calendar Contest
Send us your best landscape snaps “Holidays at Green Hill Farms” by Greg Robinson Cheraw, SC. Discover the picture-perfect charm of Chesterfield, Lancaster and Kershaw ...
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S.C. Electric Co-ops Support Lawsuits Challenging EPA Power Plant Regulations
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives are supporting a pair of lawsuits that challenge the legality of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new regulations on fossil fuel ...
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A measured ‘thank you’
Dustin Catoe, Interim CEO You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about your electric cooperative. We get it, and that’s OK. But when ...
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Apply now for WIRE Scholarship
Not everyone's pursuit of a bachelor's degree takes a direct path from high school to four years on a college campus. The Jenny Ballard Opportunity ...
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Bright Ideas grants available
Stephanie Truesdale, who was awarded a $1,000 Bright Ideas grant in 2023, celebrates with her students at Kershaw Elementary School. Certified K-12 teachers in Chesterfield, ...
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Submit a snap for our calendar contest
"Painted Lady Butterfly on Mexican Sunflower” was photographed by Geraldine Rollings in Pageland and is the featured photo for August 2024. LREC members are invited ...
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Whatever it takes: a lineworker’s perspective
RUSSELL HOVISJourneyman My name is Russell Hovis, and I’m one of 24 linemen at Lynches River Electric Cooperative who work every day to make sure ...
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A Q&A with Sen. Penry Gustafson
Sen. Gustafson says her constituents are concerned that infrastructure improvements aren’t keeping pace with South Carolina’s rapid growth. First term productive for state senator BY ...
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Commentary: If SC were a car, we’d be running on empty. We need more energy generation.
By Paul Basha If you get nervous when your vehicle’s gas light comes on, you know how the leaders of South Carolina’s electric cooperatives feel ...
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Co-op Day at the State House
Downtown Columbia is a ways outside Lynches River Electric Cooperative’s assigned territory, but your electric cooperative is working for you there, too. Every year, we ...
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A Q&A with District 53 Representative Richie Yow
Richie Yow has served the 53rd District of the South Carolina House of Representatives for five terms. A Q&A with District 53 Representative Richie Yow ...
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Celebrating the character of an all-star
I’m not sure Matthew Dorczuk, a fourth grader at Myrtle Beach Elementary School, needed anyone’s help finding all the things on his Christmas list. But ...
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Newton’s political career started early
A Q&A with the District 45 representative BY JOSH P. CROTZER Brandon Newton became the youngest member of the South Carolina General Assembly when he ...
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No regrets! Apply for youth trips
Studies have shown that the regret we feel about things we didn’t experience lasts longer and has a deeper impact than the regret over things ...
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Cody Mitchell is defined by Bethune
Rep. Cody Mitchell says South Carolina needs to improve infrastructure to address the state’s growing population and energy demands. A Q&A with the first-term District ...
Read More Member Testimonials
Rhonda Brasington
I’ve got Rivernet now, and I love it. It’s so much better. ... I feel that I’m a member, I’m not a number. I really feel like they care about their co-op members and whatever goes on.
Mildred Ratliff & Mary Louise Moore
I had a problem with the lines and they came and corrected that... even if they have to move something. Anything I need, I call, they send somebody round quick. We get good service from them.
Mike Graves
I've always had a good experience. You call them, and then within a short period of time, your power is back on. So really, they’re very dependable, You don’t have to worry about anything with them.
