The annual Black History Month Scavenger Hunt launched February 1 and is now underway across the Midlands. The free, self-guided experience invites residents, families, students, and visitors to explore Columbia and surrounding communities while learning about local Black history, culture, and community impact through a digital platform on the SodaContinue Reading

IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five is expanding opportunities for students to earn college credentials while still in high school through the launch of a new Dual Enrollment Sophomore Associates Degree Pathway, made possible through a partnership with Midlands Technical College. An information session for families was held February 11Continue Reading

Richland County Sheriff’s Department Chaplains play key role within the department and throughout the community By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) has for decades maintained a viable corps of chaplains, officially the RCSD Chaplaincy Program (spiritual caregivers who serve the needs of those within theContinue Reading

Community members are invited to take part in the 2026 Walk, Run & Roll on March 22 from 2–5 p.m. at Canalside in Columbia, an inclusive event supporting brain injury survivors and their families — including veterans impacted by service-related traumatic brain injuries. Organizers say many individuals in the communityContinue Reading

As measles cases continue to rise in South Carolina, Prisma Health has implemented additional protective measures across its hospitals, effective February 5, to help safeguard patients, visitors and staff. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), South Carolina currently has the nation’s largest measles outbreak. New SafetyContinue Reading

School District Five will host a virtual Lunch & Learn event designed to help students, families, and community partners explore clear pathways to in-demand careers. Representatives from the Midlands Education and Business Alliance (MEBA), the Lexington County Development Board, and School District Five’s School Counseling and Career & Technical EducationContinue Reading

Two young gorillas born at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden are preparing for a major move this spring. Moyo and ZaKota, both born in 2018, will relocate to the Dallas Zoo in March following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Breeding and TransferContinue Reading

Mast General Store’s annual Be a Sweetheart event, which raises funds for local food banks, is scheduled for Feb. 14–15. For the past 23 years, Mast General Store has matched each pound of bulk candy purchased during Sweetheart weekend with a $1 donation to its local food security partner. HarvestContinue Reading

By Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr.Superintendent February is a month filled with observances that enrich our school calendar, including Black History Month, Youth Leadership Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, National Girls and Women’s Sports Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Week. Among these, the first week of February standsContinue Reading

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Cell phones are a big deal but to some of us the transistor was an even bigger deal. I was disobeying my parents staying up late (school night) in my bedroom listening to clear channel WLS in Chicago over a transistor radio. I wasContinue Reading

By Thomas Grant Jr. Under first-year head coach Terrence Jones, the Chapin girls’ basketball team is enjoying its best season in 12 years. Last Friday, the Lady Eagles rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat River Bluff 43–39. Alaya Douglas led Chapin with 12 points, while Sami Stephenson added 11Continue Reading