Jo Anne Booth Whitehead, beloved wife of Lyman Whitehead and cherished daughter of the late Downey and Ruby Booth of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026. Born on September 20, 1936, Jo Anne lived a life full of dedication to her family, faith, and community. A graduateContinue Reading
By Robin All Years ago, Bobby Jones remarked during the Masters that Jack Nicklaus played a game of golf he was not familiar with. After watching this year’s U.S. Open, I know exactly how he felt. While most senior golfers can’t hit the ball the distances achieved by today’s professionals,Continue Reading
Photo: A dirt road runs where an old locomotive steamed into Blackville. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net The road looks just like one on Granddad’s farm running into hardwoods where a spring bubbled in shade. Come sundown in Granddad’s battered old car, we’d ride that road through trees toContinue Reading
By Radley West Things I Never Thought I’d Say as a Coach in the Summer Radley West is married to Dr. Andrew West and together they own Anytime Fitness Lake Murray and 33/18 Chiropractic Associates. Radley is a gym owner and personal trainer with more than 20 years of experienceContinue Reading
Twenty-seven rising seniors selected for prestigious citizenship and government training experience Twenty-seven students from School District Five recently participated in the 2026 Palmetto Boys State and Palmetto Girls State programs, week-long leadership and citizenship experiences sponsored by The American Legion Department of South Carolina and the American Legion Auxiliary. TheContinue Reading
By Captain Tyler Ryan “It all started with some hot dogs and a grill,” says Wacky Wednesday Foundation Founder Ken Jones says of the weekly party he now hosts every Wednesday during the summer at Sandy Beach, where it is not unusual to find a hundred boats. What started asContinue Reading
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. following concerns over disruptive “teen takeover” gatherings The City of Columbia has adopted a permanent Unaccompanied Minors Policy for Finlay Park, requiring anyone 17 years old or younger to be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsibleContinue Reading
Bryan Ritter led the Irmo Town Council in the Pledge of Allegiance for their meeting June 16 at the Municipal Building. Afterwards, Ritter was presented with the Air Force flag that has flown at the Veterans Park in Irmo. Ritter joined the United States Air Force 21 October 1980, heContinue Reading
For 78 students, the future is bright after graduating from the Adult Education program in School District Five May 28 at Irmo High School’s Center for the Arts. These graduates all have a unique story. During the ceremony, graduates were recognized for their individual accomplishments and the unique paths theyContinue Reading
Property owners have until Sept. 21 to appeal assessments ahead of 2026 tax calculations Richland County is notifying thousands of property owners about changes in the assessed value of their property ahead of the 2026 tax year. The Richland County Assessor’s Office will begin mailing notices June 23 toContinue Reading
Richland County held a groundbreaking July 15 for a new fire house located in Ballentine. The new fire station will be located at 11809 Broad River Road. The facility will improve emergency response and public safety services in the Ballentine community and surrounding areas. The Columbia-Richland Fire Department will beContinue Reading