Business
Mast General Store Celebrates 15 Years in Downtown Columbia
May 25 marks a milestone for Mast General Store, as the beloved retailer celebrates its 15th anniversary in downtown Columbia. To commemorate the occasion, the store will offer free bags of its signature freshly popped popcorn to visitors throughout the day. When the Mast Store first opened its doors in
Education
Paul Duggan earns USC teaching award
Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet School fourth grade teacher Dr. Paul Duggan has been selected as a Spring 2026 recipient of the Coaching Teacher Award of Excellence from the University of South Carolina College of Education. The award recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in mentoring and supporting future teachers through
Sports
52 lb catfish caught Saturday evening May 16
Caught Saturday evening, May 16 at Little River Landing, Chloe Hopps, 18, of Prosperity reeled in a massive 52-pound flathead catfish while fishing from a small island nearby. Using bream tail and gizzards for bait, Hopps landed the gargantuan catch and hauled the fish onto the beach, where she struggled
Departments
Public Safety
International crime and terrorism-combating organizationmeets with DHS officials in Washington
Crime Stoppers Global Solutions thwarting Serbian-crime organizations posing threat toAmerican highways – and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department connection By Chris Carter Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS), the international iteration
Community News
Dick Goodwin Big Band Performs “Broadway and Beyond” May 28
Arts Center of Kershaw County will welcome the Dick Goodwin Big Band for an evening of live jazz on Wednesday, May 28, at 7:30 p.m., bringing one of South Carolina’s
Entertainment
Dido and Aeneas performances start May 14
Midlands Light Opera Society sails to ancient Carthage for Dido and Aeneas May 14-17. Performances will be held May 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and May 16 and 17
Civic
Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Names February Student of the Month
The Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club has named Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet fifth grader Allison Reyes Andres as its February Student of the Month. Seven Oaks Principal Dr. Angie Slatton




























