By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Besides the solitary confinement of writing, I cut myself off from the world in two places. Hard-to-reach wilderness areas and forgotten churches where a haunting takes over when I see pews, a pulpit, and the occasional piano. A hymnal now and then too. MyContinue Reading
The Midlands is gearing up for a weekend of unity, creativity, and local pride as the second annual 803 Day celebration returns August 1–3. The multi-day event honors the 803 area code—recognized each year on August 3 (8/03)—with community-wide activities, small business promotions, and family-friendly fun. Organizers invite residents andContinue Reading
By State Treasurer Curtis Loftis As administrator of South Carolina’s Future Scholar 529 Plan, I’m happy to share that recent passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act spells good news for South Carolina families who are using tax-advantaged 529 savings plans to save for their children’s education. The billContinue Reading
Shana Catoe, Coordinator of Student Nutrition, and Diane Boncorddo, Student Nutrition Field Manager, proudly represented Lexington-Richland School District Five at the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The conference brought together school nutrition professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore new trends, andContinue Reading
The South Carolina Forestry Commission reopened Harbison State Forest to the public July 29. The decision to reopen came after one dog confirmed to have been involved in at least one of two attacks July 11 and 12 was killed by a homeowner July 21, and another week of patrols,Continue Reading
Forged Physical Therapy, a trusted name in physical therapy and performance training in the Midlands, has moved into a larger, more accessible clinic at 1150 Bower Parkway, Suite F8, in Columbia. “We’ve outgrown our current space, and this new location gives our team more room to grow while continuing toContinue Reading
Lexington-Richland School District Five honored the Class of 2025 Summer School Graduates during a special ceremony held on July 22. Surrounded by proud families, friends, and educators, graduates were presented with their diplomas and recognized for their hard work and determination. The event celebrated not only academic achievement but alsoContinue Reading
More than 300 local residents picked up their Golden Passes during Lexington-Richland School District Five’s special two-day sign-up event held July 22–23. The Golden Pass is a permanent photo ID card offered to residents aged 60 and older. It provides free admission to most athletic and cultural arts events inContinue Reading
Richland County is celebrating the success of its next generation of leaders! Students who completed the Columbia-Richland Fire Department’s Youth Empowerment Academy were honored in a special ceremony featuring local leaders and community partners. Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown, County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey (District 9), and J.T. McLawhorn Jr.,Continue Reading
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is keeping the fun rolling into late summer with a fresh lineup of events, new animal residents, and even a chance to make a difference in conservation—all while enjoying one of the Midlands’ favorite destinations. New Faces You’ll Want to Meet Suci the Sumatran TigerSuci (pronouncedContinue Reading
Officials Urge Public to Stay Alert and Report Sightings COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina has confirmed its first sightings of the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a destructive pest that threatens grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Clemson University’s Department of Plant Industry (DPI) recently detected the insect inContinue Reading