Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is kicking off 2025 with the return of Free Fridays and the introduction of a new giraffe, Tahini. Free Fridays, a community favorite, allows Richland and Lexington County residents to enjoy complimentary admission every Friday through February. Guests can explore the Zoo’s diverse wildlife and conservationContinue Reading
Richland County recently honored Bill Peters, Director of Operational Services, as he retires after more than 20 years of dedicated service. A special recognition was held on January 29 to celebrate his contributions to the county. Peters has played a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and public services, leavingContinue Reading
As part of the Yaschik Foundation Music Series, the University of South Carolina School of Music, in collaboration with the Anne Frank Center at USC, will host a screening of the 1924 silent film The City Without Jews (Die Stadt ohne Juden). The event will be February 13 from 6Continue Reading
Lexington-Richland School District Five will begin accepting applications for its 2025-2026 4-year-old kindergarten programs and 5-year-old kindergarten February 10. Potential students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2025. Parents of children meeting this age eligibility can apply now by bringing the following to their zoned elementaryContinue Reading
Columbia artists have an exciting opportunity to showcase their talents while making a meaningful impact on the community. The Columbia Streams Art Program is now accepting applications for micro-grants ranging from $500 to $1,500, awarding funding to 20 local artists. Eligible projects must align with one of the following themes:Continue Reading
As severe winter weather and wildfires continue to affect communities across the country, the American Red Cross is urging donors to give blood or platelets to help maintain a stable blood supply. Donors of all blood types, especially type O negative, are needed to ensure hospitals can continue to provideContinue Reading
Three District Five schools have received Merit Awards by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.Nursery Road Elementary School-Arts Magnet has been named a National Magnet School of Excellence. “I am grateful to our dedicated teachers, staff, supportive community, and the District Magnet OfficeContinue Reading
We’re two weeks into our legislative session and the excitement is building. House committees are currently engaged in taking public testimony and preparing for the upcoming floor debates on many issues you’ve let me know are important to you. In total, there were more than 31 committee and subcommittee meetings,Continue Reading
The LINKS to Lake Murray project is underway! The Central Midlands Council of Governments, Central Midlands Transit (COMET), and SCDOT are studying ways to improve mobility and safety along two key corridors around Lake Murray: SC 6 (North Lake Drive): From Dreher Shoals Road to Lake Murray Blvd.SC 60 (LakeContinue Reading
Richland County, SC – The Richland County Sheriff’s Department has arrested five teenagers in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on January 28, 2025, in the 1000 block of Miles Bowman Rd. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire around 9:30 p.m. and discovered a 23-year-old man deceased in theContinue Reading
By Thomas Grant Jr. The winningest head football coach at River Bluff resigned on Thursday. In a statement released by the school, it announced Blair Hardin’s resignation. He leaves the program after eight seasons, posting a 47-37 record with five playoff appearances. “We sincerely appreciate Coach Hardin’s contributions to GatorContinue Reading
LAKE MURRAY, S.C. — The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) recognized Senators Nikki Setzler and Katrina Shealy for their outstanding contributions to regional tourism and economic development during a Board of Directors meeting on January 29, 2025, at the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center. Senator Nikki Setzler,Continue Reading
Training developed in-house said to be the first on its scale in the Palmetto State By W. Thomas Smith Jr. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) held its first-ever graduation of 22 deputy sheriffs enrolled in the department’s new TACTICAL MEDICAL PROGRAM, which prepares deputies for the full-spectrum of challengesContinue Reading
By Al Dozier After months of backlash on its cancellation of a long-standing roads maintenance agreement with cities and towns, Lexington County Council has decided to return to the original agreement. In an interview with The Irmo News, Lexington County Council’s new chairman, Todd Cullum, said it was a unanimousContinue Reading
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center (BLEC) is launching Project SAFE, a new pedestrian and bicycle safety program aimed at children of all ages. The program focuses on teaching kids how to: Follow traffic safety rules Build confidence while walking and biking Stay active and healthy through physicalContinue Reading
CHAPIN, S.C. — The Chapin Branch Library is hosting a vital informational session on scams and fraud prevention on Tuesday, February 11 at 1:00 p.m. Led by Linden Carroll from Chapin Wells Fargo, the discussion will provide expert advice on how to recognize, avoid, and protect yourself from the latestContinue Reading