Officials Urge Public to Stay Alert and Report Sightings COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina has confirmed its first sightings of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a destructive pest that threatens grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) recently detected the insect inContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. It’s an important final week of the regular season for the Lexington County Blowfish. With four games left, the Blowfish look to maintain their playoff position in the Coastal Plain League West Division. It trailed 3 ½ games to frontrunner Forest City, against whom they areContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Leisure time for Marion Reeves outside his Irmo residence puts him in a reflective mood. He remembers playing baseball not too far down Kennerly Road. He talks fondly about his days attending and playing sports at then-Rich Lex School, the all-black school where Dutch Fok ElementaryContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team will have to wait until 2026 for forward Ashlyn Watkin’s return. Last week, the Cardinal Newman graduate announced her plans to miss the upcoming season. She’s continuing her recovery from an ACL injury suffered on Jan. 5 againstContinue Reading
Trevor Grant Oty, age 22 of Newberry County, pled guilty to two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the First Degree, and one count of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor in the First Degree, on Thursday, July 10,Continue Reading
By Robin All, Life Member – PGA of America This week, I’m not going to tell you what you should do—but what you should stop doing! Take a look at that picture of the young golfer with great form. That kind of posture and balance only comes from hours andContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Food Network personality and “Bar Rescue” star Chef Brian Duffy is heading back to Columbia for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown, once again serving as a celebrity judge. “We’re excited to welcome Chef Brian Duffy back to Columbia,” said Miriam Atria, President and CEO of Capital City/LakeContinue Reading
IRMO – School District Five recently wrapped up its annual Elementary Summer Reading Camp with a joyful celebration on July 17. The five-week program, designed to strengthen literacy skills and foster a love of reading, culminated with student presentations that highlighted their growth in both reading and writing. During theContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Malik Jahlil Bell, also known as “Leek Obama,” has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a fraud scheme involving bank fraud, money laundering, and illegal firearm possession. Bell, 28, was identified by federal investigators as the ringleader of a group callingContinue Reading
State leaders paddle along river named for one of the four S.C. signers of the Declaration of Independence S.C. Senator Mike Reichenbach and S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Boardmember Jerry Lee joined Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of SCDNR; on the historic Lynches River in Florence County, S.C., Saturday, JulyContinue Reading
Event will precede the annual NNO nationwide event to be held next month By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) is inviting broad public participation to the first-ever NATIONAL NIGHT OUT kick-off, a multi-activities weekend event connecting-with, bringing together and celebrating the various communities across RichlandContinue Reading
LEXINGTON, S.C. – A North Carolina man is in custody following an investigation by Lexington County narcotics agents that led to multiple fentanyl trafficking charges. Brandon Ulysses Pinkard, 41, was arrested last month and faces three counts of trafficking fentanyl in connection with controlled drug purchases conducted earlier this year,Continue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. With two weeks remaining, the Lexington County Blowfish finds itself in a close race for first place in the Coastal Plain League West Division. The Blowfish began a two-day, 3-game stretch Tuesday at home against front-runner Forest City. A doubleheader is scheduled the next day atContinue Reading
By Robin All, PGA Life Member When’s the last time you practiced a bunker shot—or tried that high, soft flop over the trap to a tight pin? Maybe never. But somehow, we still expect to post a low score! Let’s face it: bunkers are designed to penalize you for missingContinue Reading
A familiar face at Lake World is making waves — 13-year-old John McKissick Call recently landed a massive striped bass from the Saluda River, right behind the Saluda River Club. Standing just 4 feet 10 inches tall himself, John’s impressive catch was nearly his own height. The young angler, whoContinue Reading
By Jennifer Tardy, Certified Holistic Nutritionist & Integrative Health Coach With so much conflicting health information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But wellness doesn’t have to be complicated—it should feel empowering. Each season offers us simple ways to support the body naturally. Here’s what’s new in the worldContinue Reading