By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Photo: The ash door to the smokehouse in Historic Brattonsville. To some, the smokehouse remains a symbol of the impoverished, rural South. Not me. I see it as a rustic savior, and I thank the late Harry Crews for my column’s title. I recalledContinue Reading
By Eileen Renders Many people struggle with sleep and occasional anxiety, and some look to natural remedies for support. While certain herbs and supplements have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep, they may not work the same for everyone. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any supplement,Continue Reading
Lake Sweep Nets Over 15,000 Pounds of Trash Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) led a successful Lake Sweep/River Sweep on September 20, 2025, removing more than 15,170 pounds of litter, recyclables, and bulky debris from Lake Murray and nearby waterways. The cleanup is part of South Carolina’s annual Beach Sweep/RiverContinue Reading
My lost geisha By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net It was the photograph in my father’s war album. Her white kimono. Hair black as onyx. Pale, serene face. Perfect bone structure. Gloss, a sheen upon her hair. On one side, a nameless GI. On the other, my father, not muchContinue Reading
The Columbia Philatelic Society (CPS) recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, marking nearly a century of fostering interest in stamp collecting and postal history across the Midlands. Founded in 1935, CPS is one of the oldest continuously operating stamp clubs in South Carolina. The organization currently has more than 50 activeContinue Reading
I had the privilege of interviewing Francis Eleazer in 2017. She was born in 1926, and her parents were William Walter and Eunice Eargle Eleazer. Her memories echo the stories of many others in the Dutch Fork. She grew up in the Spring Hill area and remembered her and herContinue Reading
CHAPIN, SC – The Town of Chapin is pleased to announce that the dispute with Town resident Earnest Giardino has been resolved by agreement between the parties. Mr. Giardino was concerned that a prior ordinance of the Town that addressed picketing, parading, marching, and demonstrations, restricted his First Amendment rightContinue Reading
COLUMBIA – The Cooperative Ministry is seeking volunteers for the 2026 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. Since 2010, The Cooperative Ministry’s VITA program has prepared more than 70,000 tax returns, returning over $88 million in refundsContinue Reading
By Jennifer Tardy, Certified Holistic Nutritionist Each week, I share practical wellness tips and research-backed insights to help you fuel your body, balance your hormones, and boost your energy naturally. This week’s focus is on protecting brain health, strengthening the immune system, and embracing the power of real food. StudyContinue Reading
Dr. Tom Mullikin receives lofty honor from Chief Justice John W. Kittredge By W. Thomas Smith Jr. A meeting of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Board of Directors was pleasantly and unexpectedly interrupted by Chief Justice John W. Kittredge, South Carolina Supreme Court, who approached the podium andContinue Reading
By Liesha Huffstetler-Wessinger How did the German immigrants get their land from King George? It was called a “Kings Land Grant, and some of us “1752 locals” know the location our ancestor’s original land grant. A rare few live on that land granted to the family 273 years later. TheyContinue Reading
By Liesha Huffstetler-Wessinger Community Appreciation CookoutAmerican Legion Post 193 will host a Community Appreciation Hot Dog Cookout on Friday, November 8, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Boland Ace Hardware in Chapin. Stop by for free hot dogs and fellowship as the Legion thanks the community for its ongoing support. SCDOTContinue Reading
By Radley West The Two Most Detrimental and Overused Phrases in American Culture Today: “It’s Not Fair” and “I Deserve It.” In a time when motivational quotes plaster our screens and self-help slogans promise quick fixes, two seemingly harmless phrases are quietly chipping away at the very fabric of resilienceContinue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Photographs speak if you listen to them. That curling, cracked Polaroid of your deceased uncle and aunt tells a story as surely as the photos of Iwo Jima and V-J Day in Times Square images do. A world entire lives inside the four wallsContinue Reading
Chris Williams’ Carolina Korean Cheesesteak (left) and Pesto & Pimento Lobster Grilled Cheese served with Coconut Curry Tomato Basil Soup (right). Chef Chris Williams Wins 2nd Place in Sandwich Category at the World Food Championships Local Chef Shines Nationally with His Signature Southern-Korean Fusion IRMO, S.C. – Representing Team LakeContinue Reading
Albert “Al” Koon, Jr., age 74, of Chapin died Friday, October 17, 2025 at Lexington Medical Center, surrounded by his family. For 52 years he shared an enduring love with his wife Susan Keating Koon, building a family rooted in faith, service and community. He was born in Chapin, SCContinue Reading