CHAPIN, SC – The Town of Chapin is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mayor Albert “Al” R. Koon, Jr., who died on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Lexington Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Chapin, Mayor Koon was born on July 23, 1951, to the late Albert RayContinue Reading
IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five schools joined the nationwide celebration of the National School Lunch Program from October 13–17, 2025. Serving nearly 30 million children each day, the program provides nutritious meals that fuel learning and growth. This year’s theme, “Taste The World: Your School Lunch Passport,” encouraged studentsContinue Reading
IRMO – Local classrooms in Lexington-Richland School District Five are getting a boost thanks to the Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative’s (MCEC) annual Bright Ideas Grant program. This year, District Five teachers received a total of $2,320 in funding for innovative classroom projects. Recipients included Chris Austin of Leaphart Elementary, Martin CwiakalaContinue Reading
The federal government shutdown that began at midnight on October 1 is already being felt by small business owners across the Midlands. While essential services continue, several key programs through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) — a vital resource for local entrepreneurs — have been paused until funding isContinue Reading
The Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club has recognized Teddy Bonavilla from Lake Murray Elementary School as its Student of the Month. The award celebrates students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and service to others—core values of Rotary and the Chapin community.Continue Reading
By Liesha Wessinger-Huffstetler Your vote counts in the Chapin Town mayor and council election on November 4, 2025. There will be a Chapin Candidate Forum on October 23, from 6-8 pm, at the Chapin American Legion Post 193 at 102 Lexington Avenue. The forum will be moderated by Ms. LillianContinue Reading
By Liesha Wessinger-Huffstetler Gandy’s letter reveals some interesting information. He mentions John Wesley Lybrand, who moved to Aiken County and became rich. His granddaughter, Willa Lybrand Fulmer married Congressman Hampton Pitts Fulmer of Springfield, in Orangeburg County. When Congressman Fulmer (1875-1944) died in office in 1944, she took over hisContinue Reading
COLUMBIA – One Columbia for Arts and Culture has announced its new Call for Walls campaign, an initiative to find new locations for public murals throughout the city. The program invites property owners to submit their exterior walls for consideration in upcoming art projects. The organization hopes to secure atContinue Reading
By Mike DuBose In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, unwanted phone calls, texts, and emails have become more than just nuisances — they’re serious threats. From relentless telemarketers to cunning scammers, cyber thieves, robot callers, and criminals are constantly devising skillful ways to invade our privacy, steal money, and exploit personalContinue Reading
Red, messy, slick, and a trademark of the American South. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Drizzle drifted and spritzed as if it were January except it was October. Mists coated my camera. In its viewfinder red mud glistened in rain that slickened it to slip-sliding away status and thatContinue Reading
HOPKINS – Paying county taxes just got easier for Lower Richland residents. Richland County Treasurer Kendra L. Dove cut the ribbon October 8 on the county’s first full-service tax payment kiosk, located inside the Magistrate’s Office at 5245 Lower Richland Boulevard. The new touchscreen kiosk allows taxpayers to search forContinue Reading
Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College is offering two special performances this October that promise fun for the whole family. The Sharpe Family Singers: The Best of Broadway will take the stage on Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m.Broadway stars Ron and Barbra Sharpe — best known as the originalContinue Reading
(Photo and story by Thomas Grant Jr.) COLUMBIA, S.C. – WACH-TV anchor Brian McConchie, pictured with Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, successfully defended his title at the 6th Annual Celebrity Boiled Peanut Eating Contest held at the South Carolina State Fair. Sponsored by the Lexington County Blowfish, the contest featuredContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. The third annual South Carolina American Legion Hall of Fame ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Seawell’s Restaurant in Columbia. This year’s group of inductees includes players who made an impact both in American Legion, but at their respective in-state college andContinue Reading
A lot of people have concerns about the growth in Chapin. Why is this? Because they don’t understand the positive benefits and the reality of growth. You are not going to stop growth but you may damage the future management of it. It will only take one generation to sellContinue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: As we approach Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, it’s worth remembering that reviewing your Medicare coverage is more than just a health care task—it’s also an important part of your overall estate planning strategy. Your estate plan isn’t just about whatContinue Reading