By Al Dozier The pressure is on lawmakers to return to Columbia and hold an emergency session to revise a law that prohibits mask mandates in schools. The latest push comes from the State Department of Health and Environmental Control. With COVID-19 cases spiking in schools statewide, the board ofContinue Reading

This First Friday, September 3rd, the Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing is hosting an opening reception from 6-9 PM of new works by Kim Oakley Case and Will South. Kim Oakley Case is a visual artist focusing on fine art portrait photography. Hallmarks of her work are richness and whimsy.Continue Reading

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks that occurred in New York City (World Trade Center), Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. Fort Jackson honors the fallen heroes that sacrificed their lives on that day by executing a wreath-laying ceremony on Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. at CentennialContinue Reading

By Alex Junes-Ward Four members of the South Carolina Black Belt Hall of Fame received Global Eco Adventures’ (GEA) coveted IRONMAN award during an awards luncheon held at Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar in northeast Columbia, Thurs., Aug. 26. The GEA awards recognized Mr. Keith Vitali, Mr. Bruce Brutschy,Continue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Palmetto Pride, South Carolina’s anti-litter task force, announced its clean-up numbers for trash pick-up during the statewide South Carolina Seven (SC7) expedition in July. According to Palmetto Pride Executive Director Sarah Lyles, Palmetto Pride volunteers – most of whom were hikers participating in the SC7Continue Reading

By Al Dozier The Lexington-Richland District 5 School Board is getting an earful from parents upset with the guidelines and rules now being enforced because of the coronavirus pandemic.Board members heard some strong comments and curse words. “I had to slam the gavel a few times,” said Board Chairwoman JanContinue Reading

Nominations are now open to honor persons or organizations in South Carolina who exhibit the highest levels of achievement, influence, or support of arts and folklife with the South Carolina Arts Awards. South Carolina Governor’s Awards for the Arts The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) is accepting nominations for theContinue Reading

Koon’s Watch Summer sure went by quickly! It’s that magical time of year again: back-to-school; early morning wake-ups, bus rides and homework. With this time of year comes the need for an increase in safety awareness. Kids and adults alike can do their part to keep everyone safe by followingContinue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Last week, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Major Maria Yturria, and yours truly received signed coffee mugs from the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The NYPD mugs were a token of thanks to RCSD, and they were presented inContinue Reading