Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock and Sheriff Lott welcome shoppers in northeast Columbia By W. Thomas Smith Jr. FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) – primarily RCSD’s command staff and members of RCSD’s Community ActionContinue Reading
On December 6, Richland County EMS, accompanied by Santa Claus, delivered vehicles filled with donated toys and gifts to Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The toy delivery was part of EMS’s annual “Stuff an Ambulance” toy drive, which began collecting donations in November. The community generously contributed toys,Continue Reading
One man’s fear is another man’s career. By Tom PolandTomPoland.net Come the cold, dormant months, few snakes, if any, are out and about. Perhaps winter makes a good time to read about the critters many fear. You know, the only good snake is a dead snake. The irrational fear ofContinue Reading
By Sarah Ostergaard For so many reasons, December is a time of reflection and celebration. As 2024 comes to a close, let’s pause and thank school faculty, staff, and administration who love and grow our community’s young people. Our schools are community hubs, collaborating with families in support of studentContinue Reading
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis People with a disability and their families know that simply navigating life can come with a high price tag. On average, the cost of living with a disability is 28 percent higher than without. Needs such as medical care, specialized equipment, assistive technology, adaptive housing,Continue Reading
This holiday season, A Magical Cirque Christmas returns with its enchanting blend of acrobatics, magic, and festive charm, delighting audiences across the U.S. The show will stop for one night only at the Koger Center for the Arts on December 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through theContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Basketball season is underway at Chapin High School. The boys’ team opened play by co-hosting the Tip Off at the Dam Thanksgiving tournament. They dropped their first two games at home to Lakewood 57-51 and Wando 74-65. On the final day of the tournament, Chapin rolledContinue Reading
Get ready for a heartwarming holiday performance as “A Dickens of a Christmas” takes the stage at Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor on Sunday, December 15, at 4 p.m. This unique production, presented as a classic Christmas radio show, features three actors portraying 50 characters, accompanied by the legendary pianist Ed McContinue Reading
Families flocked to the Chapin Branch Library on Monday, December 2, for a festive holiday event filled with joy and surprises. While Santa Claus was the main attraction, posing for photos and spreading holiday cheer, the Grinch made a surprise appearance, adding a mischievous twist to the evening. Children andContinue Reading
Leeza’s Care Connection held its annual Dare2Care Gala on November 21 at the USC Alumni Center, delivering an emotional and inspiring evening dedicated to supporting caregivers. Event Highlights: Jay Allen Performance: The Voice standout Jay Allen performed his heartfelt song “Blank Stares,” written in honor of his mother’s battle withContinue Reading
Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals are inviting the community to join their Good Night Lights event on December 1 at 7 Richland Medical Park Drive in Columbia. The event aims to spread joy and support for young patients and their families during the holiday season. Good Night Lights Highlights: Toy DriveContinue Reading
Columbia’s popular St. Pat’s in Five Points festival returns on March 15, 2025, for its 43rd year of music, food, and family fun. Tickets will be available starting Black Friday, November 29, at StPatsColumbia.com, with limited-time discounts and special perks. Ticket Options: General Admission: $15 (Black Friday through Cyber Monday,Continue Reading
The Midlands Light Opera Society will hold auditions for principal roles and chorus sign-ups for Pirates of Penzance on December 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the choir room of St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 2827 Wheat Street, Columbia. Callback auditions will follow on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. PerformanceContinue Reading
The Tri-District Arts Consortium (Tri-DAC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary and is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Summer Program. This program is open to middle school students from Lexington One, Lexington-Richland Five, and Richland Two public schools who are artistically gifted and talented. Program Details: Dates: June 9 –Continue Reading
The Junior League of Columbia is gearing up for its annual Holiday Market, running from December 5 to 8 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This year’s event celebrates the League’s 100th year of service and will feature over 100 merchants from across the country. The Holiday Market is moreContinue Reading
By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net You won’t find my mother’s secret to this recipe. It’s in the story. Photo by Debra Poland When I heard Hurricane Helene destroyed some 42,000 pecan trees in Georgia, I thought of my mother and my last pecan pie, not the last ever, butContinue Reading