Photo: A stack of 1964 Reader’s Digests, a trip back in time. Courtesy of Brenda Bancroft. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net I read my mother’s Reader’s Digests from cover to cover. It’s hard find one today, but if you do, it will take you back to another era. And itContinue Reading
COLUMBIA – United Way of the Midlands is preparing for the upcoming school year with its fifth annual Ready, Set, Supply! school supply drive, collecting classroom materials for elementary school teachers across the Midlands. The annual campaign benefits schools served by United Way’s Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC), an education initiativeContinue Reading
Leeza’s Care Connection is one of 12 organizations throughout South Carolina who will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants from AARP. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP, doubling last year’s total, to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communitiesContinue Reading
COLUMBIA – Tourism continues to play a vital role in Columbia’s economy, with visitors generating more than one-third of all spending in the city and providing a significant boost to locally owned businesses, according to Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s 2025 marketing impact report. The report highlights how the partnership betweenContinue Reading
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 wardens at Jones Gap, South Carolina, along the SC7 trail, July 9. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Despite searing SouthContinue Reading
For the past 18 years, I have unlocked the doors to the same gym. I’ve watched members walk through those doors as nervous beginners and transform into confident, healthier versions of themselves. I’ve celebrated weight loss victories, strength gains, new friendships, weddings, retirements, and even a few grandbabies along theContinue Reading
Photo – Winnsboro’s clock tower, the country’s longest-running clock By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net In my journeys across the South, Georgialina, in particular, I take note of clock towers, watchtowers, and steeples. How can I not. They command the eye. They set me to thinking. I’ve written many timesContinue Reading
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky over Lake Murray and wondered what might be out there, a new study suggests South Carolina is among the more active states for reported alien encounters. According to research by Canada Sports Betting (CSB), South Carolina ranks 14th in the nationContinue Reading
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will close the Dutch Fork Road (U.S. 76) bridge over the CSX Railroad in Richland County beginning Monday, July 13, for bridge repairs. The work is part of SCDOT’s Statewide Closed and Load Restricted Bridge Repair Program and is designed to extend theContinue Reading
Fireworks with the Phil lit up Segra Park on June 27, bringing together patriotic music, community spirit, and a spectacular fireworks finale. This year’s annual celebration was part of South Carolina’s SC250 observance, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The evening featured a live performance by the SouthContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard It’s summer and school’s out. But education doesn’t take a rest. Members of the Social Studies Standards Revision Committees are volunteering their time and expertise to draft new standards for SC’s K-12 Social Studies courses. The final draft of the revised standards is due later this month,Continue Reading
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United Against Fentanyl (UAF) will host nationwide Walk for Lives 2026 events this Saturday, July 11. The national partnership is in support of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative with more than 100 family-led community events across the United States in a single day.Continue Reading
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 on-the-water music festivals. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fat Frogs Marina, 1701 DreherContinue Reading
A new law in South Carolina prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide and nitrous oxide products to anyone under 18 years old. The legislation focuses on preventing anyone from misusing nitrous oxide as a recreational drug. The new law authorizes SLED to conduct inspections and enforce the law. South Carolina’sContinue Reading
COLUMBIA – Car enthusiasts are invited to the 6th Annual American Legion Post 174 Car Show on Saturday, July 11, at the post, located at 801 Piney Wood Road. The event will showcase vehicles of all makes, models and years, with cars and trucks competing for Best of Show andContinue Reading
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the library invites you to explore local and national history through engaging programs this July. On Thursday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m. The library will be hosting “Historically Speaking: Colonial Life in Lexington County.” Presented by JR Fennel of theContinue Reading