Spring start date instead of Summer and a three-day resiliency conference in May W. Thomas Smith Jr. PLANS FOR THIS YEAR’S SOUTH CAROLINA 7 (SC7) expedition are in full swing with an advanced kickoff date (Spring launch instead of Summer), new tracks being mapped out for new destination stops, aContinue Reading
Lexington-Richland School District Five recently announced the exceptional educators and support staff members who have been selected as the Teachers and Support Employees of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their roles, making a positive impact on students and theContinue Reading
On their way back from a high school basketball game against Cane Bay High School in Summerville, several members of the Chapin High School basketball team had an unexpected encounter with Governor Henry McMaster at a Spinx gas station on Jedburg Road. The Governor, returning to Columbia from a politicalContinue Reading
Chapin Intermediate School (CIS) experienced a memorable day with a special visit, receiving an exceptional recognition. On 7 February 2024, combat veterans presented the school with a flag that had been flown at supersonic speeds in an American F-1 Mirage Fighter Jet during F-35 flight training. This prestigious flag wasContinue Reading
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is hosting a free Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference on February 21, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbia Greystone (200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia). The event marks the beginning of AFA’s 2024 national Educating America Tour. Open toContinue Reading
In the February 8 edition of The New Irmo News, Al Dozier provided a well-balanced article “Open Carry Bill Draws Fire” on recent action the SC Senate took in passing the “South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act” (H-3594). This bill is based on the premise that there should beContinue Reading
Quinton Epps, the Richland County Conservation Division manager, received recognition for his dedicated service of 10 years to the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) during the recent S.C. Conservation Partnership Conference in Myrtle Beach. Lynn Pilewski, immediate past president of the S.C. Conservation District Employees Association, presented theContinue Reading
Justin Stewart Goff, 34, and Steven Allen Loan, 36, have been sentenced to 15 years in the South Carolina Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges in Lexington County on January 25. Goff, who pled guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child, and Loan,Continue Reading
Firm offering limited-time discounted legal services upon request By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Bill Connor Law Firm, LLC, is commemorating its sixth anniversary this month, the practice having first opened its doors in mid-February 2018. Unlike 2023’s fifth anniversary reception and open house at the firm’s 1408 Russell StreetContinue Reading
Early voting for the Republican Presidential Primary is in full swing, offering voters the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of the official election day. The early voting period began on Monday, February 12, and will continue until Thursday, February 22. Residents in Lexington County can participate in early votingContinue Reading
By Congressman Joe Wilson February 8, 2024 Under the policies of Biden and Democrats, Americans have suffered. As a result, our country has experienced unprecedented adversity. Families continue to struggle with crippling inflation of consumer products and services, including inflation reaching a 40-year high; the ongoing invasion of illegal aliensContinue Reading
In a heartwarming gesture extending beyond the world of weddings and events, the Columbia Bridal Association proudly announces its charitable initiative. Demonstrating a commitment to community service, the association is pleased to donate a collection of toys to PRISMA Health’s Children’s Hospital in Columbia. This philanthropic effort, led by DonContinue Reading
This deputy brings an unusually calming peace to cops, the community and critical incidents By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Those of us in law enforcement know what K-9s do: They track and pursue suspects, locate missing persons, and sniff-out drugs, explosive devices and electronics (computer hard-drives, cameras, etc.), among otherContinue Reading
In a chilling turn of events, Lexington County has been rattled by the arrest of a man and a woman in connection with two separate fatal shootings late last year. Allon Triante Adams, 22, and Cady Elise Keener, 19, now face charges including two counts of murder, armed robbery, criminalContinue Reading
The highly anticipated sixth-annual Cottontown Art Crawl is set to take place on March 9 from 10 am to 4 pm in the historic downtown Columbia neighborhood. The event promises a vibrant showcase of local and regional artists, bringing creativity and entertainment to porches, streets, and lawns. Key details aboutContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. Student-athletes in the Lake Murray area were recognized Wednesday for signing with the college or university of their choice. It was the traditional National Signing Day as those who opted not to sign early made their commitments official. Lexington and Chapin also had large signing classesContinue Reading