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
Prisma Health is making it easier for patients across South Carolina to access cutting-edge surgical care. The health system is expanding its robotic-assisted surgery program to more hospitals across the state, helping more people benefit from less invasive procedures and faster recoveries—without having to travel far from home. As partContinue Reading
Sixth annual expedition winding its way through the Midlands this week By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A hand-picked team from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) joined Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Michelle McCollum, president of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor, and otherContinue Reading
July 4, 2025, marked the 249th anniversary of our nation. I have always celebrated Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts, and time with family. As an educator, I try to find a teaching moment in every interaction, so this Independence Day, I quizzed my children about the Declaration of Independence. TheyContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Outdoor enthusiasts and conservation supporters, get ready to bid for a great cause! The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) will kick off its Wild Summer Nights Online Auction on Thursday, July 18, with bidding open through 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. Hosted at SCWF2025auction.givesmart.com, this three-dayContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Back by popular demand, Murder on Main Street returns for an encore presentation on Thursday, July 25 at The Venue on Main, located in the heart of downtown Columbia. Presented by the Friends of the Irmo Branch Library in partnership with LTC Hospitality Solutions, this immersive MysteryContinue Reading
IRMO, S.C. – School District Five is once again inviting senior citizens to get involved in school events by offering its popular Golden Pass for the 2025–2026 school year. The Golden Pass is available to any resident who will be 60 years old or older during the upcoming school year.Continue Reading
By Liesha Wessinger-Huffstetler Mrs. Margaret and Mrs. Millie have truly enjoyed life. Mille was an accomplished runner and ran marathons. She began running at the age of 50 to accompany her son, who had also started running. Amazing. I cannot imagine running marathons, let alone starting at age 50. SheContinue Reading
By Eileen Renders Sometimes, we are unsure whether we are overweight or our weight is in the right range for our sex, height, and body weight. We all have learned that being overweight, and especially obese, we are at a higher risk for certain types of cancer, heart disease, hypertension,Continue Reading
Columbia, S.C. – Barbecue fans, mark your calendars! The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) has announced that world-renowned barbecue expert Steven Raichlen will serve as the official emcee for the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown. Raichlen, a Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee and author of the bestselling Barbecue!Continue Reading
Abner Montessori, is offering tours for students, 3-12 years old, for the 2025-26 school year, call 803-345-9428 for more information. Chapin Homeschool Resource Center is also taking applications for the new school year; information can be found at chapinhomeschoolresourcecenter.com. The Chapin town hall meeting is on July 15, 2025,Continue Reading
House Ways and Means Chair recognized for commitment to state’s natural resources By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Greenville attorney and South Carolina Representative Bruce Wyche Bannister, chairman of the S.C. House Ways and Means Committee, was recognized as a “True Conservation Hero” by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR):Continue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) has announced a major addition to the 2026 Southeastern BBQ Showdown lineup. Rodney Scott, James Beard Award-winning pitmaster and owner of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, will serve as a celebrity judge for the highly anticipated event. “We’reContinue Reading
Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) made the following statement upon the final Congressional passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill: Voters made their mandate clear in November for a Republican House and Senate to now deliver the One Big Beautiful Bill to Republican President Donald Trump for his signature, making itContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard More school districts across South Carolina are changing to year-round modified school calendars. This summer, start dates range across the state from July 21 to August 18, with ending dates May 21 through June 4. The name “year-round modified school schedule” is sort of a misnomer –Continue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net A blade-like katydid poses by a bison cuff of bronze. Nature blessed my boyhood summers with music. Cicadas’ rising-falling singsong gave days rhythm. Katydids chimed in evenings with a nightshift song backed by cricket twitter. The call of a whip-poor-will drifted through the night.Continue Reading