Business
Local Hospital Earns National Recognition
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2026 “100 Great Community Hospitals,” earning national recognition for delivering exceptional clinical care and serving as a vital healthcare resource for the Midlands. Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital was the only other South Carolina hospital included on
Education
Superintendent’s Message: District Five sets budget
By Dr. Akil E. Ross. Sr. On June 8, 2026, the Lexington Richland Five Board of Trustees approved the second and final reading of the 2026–2027 annual budget in the amount of $255,715,126.81. I am excited to summarize what this budget means for our students, staff, families, and taxpayers. The
Sports
Dutch Fork’s Offing drafted by Red Sox
By Thomas Grant Jr. Ethan Offing was a state championship quarterback at Dutch Fork and pitched in a World Series with Irmo Little League. As he looks toward starting a college career at Clemson, he now has an option with Major League Baseball. On Sunday, Offing was selected as an
Departments
Public Safety
Firefighters receive state award for lifesaving rescue
Photo – Before their peers from across the state, sixteen members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department were honored for their work during closing events at this year’s South Carolina Fire-Rescue
Community News
Statewide Expedition nearing halfway point
SC7 Expedition enters S.C. Midlands enroute to the coast and Lowcountry Photo – SCDNR Director Tom Mullikin (center) with son Thomas Mullikin Jr., SCDNR Capt. Tommy Buckhannon and two SCDNR game
Entertainment
Lake Murray Palooza Returns Saturday with Music, Boating and Patriotic Celebration
CHAPIN – Thousands of music fans and boaters are expected to gather on Lake Murray this Saturday, July 11, for Reggaetronic Presents Lake Murray Palooza, one of South Carolina’s largest
Civic
Epworth Donation
Lisa Livingston Fusco,Senior Director of Development and Communications at Epworth Children’s Home receives a scholarship check from members of GFWC St. Andrews Woman’sClub, Gail Elfert, Missy Klopfer, Linda Davis and

































