By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Besides the solitary confinement of writing, I cut myself off from the world in two places. Hard-to-reach wilderness areas and forgotten churches where a haunting takes over when I see pews, a pulpit, and the occasional piano. A hymnal now and then too. MyContinue Reading
The Midlands is gearing up for a weekend of unity, creativity, and local pride as the second annual 803 Day celebration returns August 1–3. The multi-day event honors the 803 area code—recognized each year on August 3 (8/03)—with community-wide activities, small business promotions, and family-friendly fun. Organizers invite residents andContinue Reading
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reopened Harbison State Forest to the public July 29. The decision to reopen came after one dog confirmed to have been involved in at least one of two attacks July 11 and 12 was killed by a homeowner July 21, and another week of patrols,Continue Reading
Richland County is celebrating the success of its next generation of leaders! Students who completed the Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s Youth Empowerment Academy were honored in a special ceremony featuring local leaders and community partners. Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown, County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey (District 9), and J.T. McLawhorn Jr.,Continue Reading
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is keeping the fun rolling into late summer with a fresh lineup of events, new animal residents, and even a chance to make a difference in conservation—all while enjoying one of the Midlands’ favorite destinations. New Faces You’ll Want to Meet Suci the Sumatran TigerSuci (pronouncedContinue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
CHAPIN – The Chapin Branch Library will mark the end of Lexington County Public Library’s “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program with a lively Completion Party on Tuesday, July 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. The free family-friendly event will feature a visit from Twin Farms Petting Zoo and aContinue Reading
Richland County Council has officially adopted its budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. During a meeting held June 17, Council approved the $1,457,108,024 spending plan after a third and final reading. The new budget took effect on July 1. This year’s total budget reflects a $16.3 million increase from last year.Continue Reading
Richland County’s Fire Marshal’s Office has earned the title of a Fire Safe South Carolina Community, a designation that recognizes its strong commitment to public safety and fire prevention. The honor comes from the Fire Safe South Carolina program, a statewide initiative focused on reducing fire-related injuries and promoting fireContinue Reading
South Carolina Secretary of State Mark Hammond is reminding the public to be cautious when donating to disaster relief efforts following severe flooding in Kerr County, Texas. “The families devastated by the flash floods in the Texas Hill Country need our help,” Hammond said. “Unfortunately, scammers are already trying toContinue Reading
The Maker’s Mark I can’t remember who I signed the first book for but I’ll hazard a guess it was a woman. Not many men turn out for book signings. For sure I remember where I was. At Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. Thus began signings for thirty-six yearsContinue Reading