Guided river excursion will explore autumn colors and local wildlife Saluda Shoals Park will host a guided fall foliage paddle Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will enjoy autumn colors along the river while learning about the area’s natural history, exploring a river island and observingContinue Reading

Free Oct. 31 event will offer games, treats and family resources The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is inviting local organizations, businesses and service providers to participate in its Halloween Day Party on Oct. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dutch Square Mall, 421 Bush River Road.Continue Reading

On September 22 the School District Five Adult Education Program hosted its annual College Expo Day. Midlands Technical College, Benedict College, Midlands Quick Jobs, Allen University, and Columbia College were among the institutions that participated. Adult Education students had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives and gain firsthand insightContinue Reading

Graduation rates rise to highest level in more than two decades School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is reporting gains in its latest state school report card results, with improvements in graduation rates, college and career readiness and school ratings. The results, released by the South Carolina DepartmentContinue Reading

As part of its ongoing series of community workshops, McGregor Presbyterian Church is partnering with Lighthouse for Life to present Sex Trafficking 101, a foundational training designed to educate community members about the realities of sex trafficking and empower them to recognize, prevent, and respond to exploitation. The training willContinue Reading

By Thomas Grant Jr. Another region title is within reach for Dutch Fork football. A home win Friday over River Bluff would clinch the 15th region title under head coach Tom Knotts. Based on the numbers, the odds would seemingly favor the Silver Foxes: – 11-0 all-time versus the GatorsContinue Reading

By Radley West There’s a funny thing about success. Sometimes it creates problems you didn’t have before. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately because of my wreath business. When I started making wreaths and bows, my biggest problem was figuring out how to make them. What ribbon worksContinue Reading

The South Carolina Philharmonic will launch its 62nd season of Capital Concerts, formerly known as the Masterworks Series, Oct. 17 with a performance celebrating the Romantic era of classical music. The six-concert 2026-2027 season features distinctive themes and musical journeys connecting audiences with the stories, eras and ideas that shapedContinue Reading

Facility will centralize district staff and support professional development School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties broke ground Oct. 8 on a new district office and administrative and professional development building in Irmo. The facility will be built next to the district’s current office on Dutch Fork Road. ItContinue Reading

Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet hosted a Curriculum Night featuring keynote speaker Malcolm Mitchell, a former University of Georgia Bulldog and New England Patriots Super Bowl champion, author and literacy advocate. Mitchell shared his personal story and encouraged students and families to recognize the power of reading, education and perseverance.Continue Reading

By Ken Gasque, Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo Vicky Davis, Deputy Director of Capital City/Lake Murray Country, Visited the Rotary Club of Lake Murray-Irmo recently and detailed the marketing and historical significance of the region as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Lake Murray Dam Historical Context Origin: Started in 1927 asContinue Reading

Buffalo Billsi placekicker Tyler Bass is celebrated after his game-winning field goal against the Los Angeles Rams. Photo by Buffalo Bills By Thomas Grant Jr. Week 5 in the NFL ended in dramatic fashion thanks to Buffalo Bills’ placekicker Tyler Bass. The former state champion at Dutch Fork connected on aContinue Reading