Hollywood star and karate legend Keith Vitali presented S.C.’s highest award this year, also knighted in Italy and honored in the Czech Republic By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Hall of Famer and 10th-degree black belt Keith Vitali has recently received a number of lofty international honors, adding to his alreadyContinue Reading
District Five schools elected to lead Southern Association of Student Councils in 2027 and 2028 IRMO — Chapin High School and Irmo High School International School for the Arts will make history by hosting the Southern Association of Student Councils (SASC) Annual Conference in consecutive years. Chapin High School juniorsContinue Reading
Ewing Minor celebrates his victory at the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft on Lake Murray, where he also secured the Angler of the Year title. Photo by Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S. GILBERT — Ewing Minor won the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft,Continue Reading
More than 400 students in Lexington, Richland counties projected to benefit IRMO — More than 400 high school seniors in Lexington and Richland counties are expected to receive a combined $3.2 million in college assistance through the expanded Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, which will provide eligible South Carolina students withContinue Reading
Soon, South Carolinians will elect a new governor and members of the legislature. These leaders will dictate the future of our state’s medical research, which is saving lives and creating jobs here. For example, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center recently played a role in a major medical breakthrough. In August, aContinue Reading
Caroline Milhorn recognized for commitment to social studies education IRMO — Caroline Milhorn, a social studies teacher at Spring Hill High School, has been selected to receive the 2026 South Carolina Council for the Social Studies Early Career Educator Award. Milhorn, who is in her second year of teaching, wasContinue Reading
Understanding the connection between hunger, emotions and food choices As cooler weather settles in, many people find themselves reaching for comfort foods such as warm soup, homemade bread, pasta or something sweet after dinner. But why do we crave certain foods, sometimes even when we’re not hungry? Food cravings aren’tContinue Reading
110,000-square-foot outdoor retailer expected to create more than 120 jobs Bass Pro Shops plans to open a 110,000-square-foot retail store on Broad River Road in Irmo in late 2027, bringing a major outdoor recreation destination to the greater Columbia area. The Missouri-based retailer announced the project Oct. 15. The newContinue Reading
Guided river excursion will explore autumn colors and local wildlife Saluda Shoals Park will host a guided fall foliage paddle Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will enjoy autumn colors along the river while learning about the area’s natural history, exploring a river island and observingContinue Reading
Footwear purchases and customer donations will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank Mast General Store and Merrell are teaming up for the 17th annual Food for Kids campaign to help fight childhood hunger. From Oct. 12-25, Merrell will donate $15 to a children’s fund at a local food security agency forContinue Reading
Free Oct. 31 event will offer games, treats and family resources The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is inviting local organizations, businesses and service providers to participate in its Halloween Day Party on Oct. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dutch Square Mall, 421 Bush River Road.Continue Reading
On September 22 the School District Five Adult Education Program hosted its annual College Expo Day. Midlands Technical College, Benedict College, Midlands Quick Jobs, Allen University, and Columbia College were among the institutions that participated. Adult Education students had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives and gain firsthand insightContinue Reading
Graduation rates rise to highest level in more than two decades School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is reporting gains in its latest state school report card results, with improvements in graduation rates, college and career readiness and school ratings. The results, released by the South Carolina DepartmentContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Jacqueline Bonavilla closed out her swimming career at Chapin High School a 3-time champion. The Lady Eagle won two individual gold medals at the S.C. High School League championships held last weekend at the University of South Carolina. Bonavilla won the 100 backstroke and butterfly eventsContinue Reading
The South Carolina Philharmonic will launch its 62nd season of Capital Concerts, formerly known as the Masterworks Series, Oct. 17 with a performance celebrating the Romantic era of classical music. The six-concert 2026-2027 season features distinctive themes and musical journeys connecting audiences with the stories, eras and ideas that shapedContinue Reading
The South Carolina State Museum Foundation will host Moonlight & Milestones, a black-tie, red-carpet gala, Oct. 17 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The event celebrates the museum’s recent facility upgrades, new exhibitions and plans to renovate and modernize nearly 225,000 square feet of public gathering space beginning in 2028. “WeContinue Reading