Koon’s Watch Places are opening up again, vacations are back on and you’re ready to head out of town. Before you do that, let’s take a moment to talk about vacation safety. Sure, it’s a lot of fun to share your adventurous vacation photos on social media. But, what ifContinue Reading
The story of RCSD Corporal Ryan MacAdams By W. Thomas Smith Jr. IT’S BEEN SAID THAT DYNAMITE COMES IN SMALL PACKAGES. And it does. Then there is a tiny chip of uranium: Dangerous if mishandled, yet capable of lighting entire cities and more. Perhaps it is that chip of uraniumContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch Sometimes it just seems so slow. Why are there limits? You’re late to work, late to school or to an important meeting. So, you speed a little bit to make up time. But, is it really worth it? After all, does an extra 10mph hurt anyone? The NationalContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch Warmer temperatures means more people are leaving the windows down in their vehicles and more people are leaving their cars running attended to cool off before their commutes. This equals multiple opportunities for thieves to get inside your vehicle and steal it. The best theft prevention method isContinue Reading
Irmo Police have announced an arrest in connection with a shooting incident May 30. The Irmo Police were called after two vehicles were exchanging gunfire while traveling into the Friarsgate neighborhood. One of the vehicles crashed into another motorist. Four of the occupants from that vehicle fled the area onContinue Reading
By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff’s Dept. (RCSD) Deputy Sarah Merriman was presented the American Legion (S.C. Dept.) Award for Bravery during ceremonies at the Columbia Marriot, Fri., May 28. The award reads: “For outstanding courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty.” Merriman was similarlyContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch You’ve read it before in this space: Seat belts save lives. But let me give that statement some weight: Between 2015 and 2019, seat belts saved more than 69,000 lives. That means 69,000 seat belts prevented families from grieving the loss of their loved ones for decades toContinue Reading
By W. Thomas Smith, Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott was honored by the South Carolina Military Support Foundation (SCMSF), Thurs., May 20, for being named the National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) Sheriff of the Year for 2021. The recognition, a plaque commending Lott, was presented by Col. (Ret.) Steve Vitali,Continue Reading
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is issuing guidance to the public regarding the Open Carry with Training Act that was signed into law May 17 to ensure those who own handguns remain in compliance with the law. “It’s critical for gun owners to understand the new law beforeContinue Reading
Koon’s Watch May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and with warmer weather starting, you’ll likely see more motorcyclist on the roadways. I am writing to you this week to remind you how to share the road safely. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 5,014 motorcyclists were killed.Continue Reading
The West Columbia Police Officers Foundation is holding its annual 5K Foot Pursuit this Saturday, May 15, at 8 am. Participants will meet at West Columbia City Hall and run/walk through the city’s streets. Drivers should use caution around Meeting Street from 12th Street to 9th Street as participants makeContinue Reading