(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

By Thomas Grant Jr. The Chapin girls swimming team produced a state champion and a seventh-place team finish at the S.C. High School League swim meet championship at the University of South Carolina. Chapin’s Jackie Bonavilla won the 200 individual medley and was second in the 100 butterfly. The LadyContinue Reading

From the Major League Bass Tour Pictured Landon Lawson (Jonesborough, TN) and Kaleb Turner (Hartwell, GA) took home the win in the Boater and Co-Angler Divisions respectively in the MLF Phoenix Bass Fishing League Regional Tournament on Lake Murray. Boater Landon Lawson of Jonesborough, Tennessee, caught a two-day total ofContinue Reading

The District Five Foundation for Educational Excellence is hosting its Annual Fall Fundraiser, An Evening for Education, October 18 from 7 – 10 pm at The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park. There will be food, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities still exist and Silent Auction itemContinue Reading

Lott says his Richland County Sheriff’s Department has changed the public narrative through new and emerging technologies as well as RCSD’s “peace officer” branding   By W. Thomas Smith Jr.   Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott addressed members of the Spring Valley Rotary Club at Columbia’s Northeast Presbyterian Church, Thursday,Continue Reading

First Responders Charity Softball Tournament held at Columbia’s Segra ParkBy W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott and deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’sDepartment (RCSD) defeated both the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division(SLED) and the Columbia Police Department (CPD) in a double-elimination softballtournament which raised funds for localContinue Reading

The stories passed down by the older and wiser ones create a fascinating oral history for those of us today. I have a copy of a 1980 letter by Lee Gandy, an area historian, who interviewed the older residents. I do not have a copy of his research or otherContinue Reading