District Five high schools have made the list of the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. All four high schools are among the top high schools in the Columbia metro area and the state according to the new rankings. Spring Hill High is ranked the bestContinue Reading
Banks W. is all smiles after reeling in a striper from the dock, just days after stopping by Lake World Bait and Tackle for advice. According to staff at the shop, Banks and his dad visited last week looking for the right lures to target striped bass from the shoreline.Continue Reading
School District Five has completed the inaugural season of the Bridge Development League, launched in partnership with the Irmo Chamber Recreation Commission (ICRC). The Bridge Development League is designed for middle school-aged children (ages 9–14) to develop fundamental skills and prepare for higher levels of competition. The program focuses onContinue Reading
Wingard’s Market has announced they received the most votes across the country and have been named the winner for the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for #1 Best Plant Nursery; earning national recognition as one of the top garden centers in the United States. The honor follows a processContinue Reading
Julie Zimmerman, 51, a licensed professional counselor and community advocate has filed to run for SC House District 71. Zimmerman, a Democrat from Irmo, is running to flip the last Republican held house district seat based in Richland County. District 71 has been held by Republican Nathan Ballentine since 2005.Continue Reading
J. Kenneth “Kenny” Mullis Jr., chairman of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District, has received the 2025 Hugh Hammond Bennett Southeast Regional Producer Award from the National Conservation Planning Partnership. The award recognizes Mullis’ leadership and commitment to the development and implementation of effective conservation practices. Mullis owns andContinue Reading
One Columbia for Arts and Culture has announced Larry Andrew Hembree as the 2026 recipient of the Stephen G. Morrison Visionary Award, recognizing his leadership, creativity, and lasting contributions to the region’s arts community. The award ceremony will take place March 20 from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Koger Center forContinue Reading
Laclarence Lamarcus Anderson, 43, of Columbia, has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison following a jury trial where Anderson was convicted of 12 counts of drug and gun offenses. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Anderson sold 10 firearms and quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, andContinue Reading
Eating for Healing: By Jennifer Tardy If you’re looking for something simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this week’s recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s the kind of meal that checks all the boxes—easy to prepare, minimal cleanup, and light yet satisfying. Even better, it delivers restaurant-qualityContinue Reading
If it feels like scam calls are becoming unavoidable, the data backs it up. Robocalls have increased 17% nationwide since 2020, according to a new report from WhistleOut. The report, which analyzed national robocall data and surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults, points to what researchers describe as a growing “robocall epidemic”Continue Reading
(Photos by Edward Walker) Chapin players celebrate following the 5-4 win over Eastside. By Thomas Grant Jr. The Chapin baseball team under first year head coach Dell Lever have broken even so far in Region 4-5A. The Eagles have split their first two series against Dutch Fork and Lexington toContinue Reading
Over the past few years, local wellness coach Jennifer has heard a common concern from clients: “I know I need to make changes… I just don’t know where to start, or I’m not ready for a full program.” To meet that need, she’s launching a new membership program designed toContinue Reading
Brian Eckstrom, an attorney with Moore Bradley Myers and a lifelong resident of Lexington County, has announced his candidacy for Lexington County Probate Judge. The Probate Court plays a key role in the community, handling matters such as administering estates, appointing guardians and conservators, issuing marriage licenses, and overseeing involuntaryContinue Reading
The Lexington-Richland School District Five Foundation brought back a familiar tradition last week, hosting a Retiree Luncheon on Thursday, March 26 at the Seven Oaks Recreation Center. Nearly 250 former District Five employees turned out for the gathering, reconnecting with colleagues and celebrating the years they dedicated to local schoolsContinue Reading
Recent running gunbattle in Winnsboro community is but one example By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The recent now-viral video originating from the Winnsboro Department of Public Safety of criminals shooting up a neighborhood in the otherwise peaceful town of Winnsboro, S.C., is infuriating to say the least. My question andContinue Reading
From Washington state, New York, and South Carolina to Belgrade: Crime Stoppers Global Solutions meets with Serbian officials to discuss existing and future threats to children worldwide By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Crime Stoppers Global Solutions (CSGS), the international iteration of Crime Stoppers here in the U.S., met via Zoom,Continue Reading