IRMO, S.C. — The District Five Foundation for Educational Excellence will host its annual fall fundraiser, “An Evening for Education — Groovin’ for Good,” Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. at The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park. The evening will feature 1970s and 1980s music, food, drinks andContinue Reading

IRMO, S.C. — The 51st annual Irmo Okra Strut will return to Moore Park Sept. 25-26, bringing two days of music, entertainment, food and family activities to the community. The event’s opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Prisma Health Amphitheater, located at 7473 ChurchContinue Reading

IRMO, S.C. — A new American flag now flies at the Lake Murray Destination Landmark on the Irmo side of the Lake Murray Dam following a flag-raising ceremony Sept. 17 in recognition of Constitution Day. Staff from Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) joined state Rep. Nathan Ballentine for the ceremony.Continue Reading

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net   Thirteen years ago I wrote of highways with memorable names. I mentioned Whiskey Road and Easy Street in Aiken as one of the country’s more photographed road signs. In Albany, Georgia, Lonesome and Hardup Roads make an interesting intersection, and in McCormick CountyContinue Reading

Photo: The S.C. Envirothon tests students’ knowledge of five areas of environmental science and their performance on an oral presentation. RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) is offering several conservation education programs for local students and educators during the 2026-27 school year. The programs provideContinue Reading

LAKE MURRAY, S.C. — Dominion Energy has announced a seasonal drawdown of Lake Murray that began this month and is expected to continue through January 2027. The water level will be lowered approximately 10 feet, from the full-pond elevation of 360 feet above sea level to approximately 350 feet. LakeContinue Reading

The dedication and work of SCDNR’s Anna Huckabee Smith By Tom Mullikin Conservation is often measured in acres protected, species recovered, waterways restored or dollars invested. But behind each of those accomplishments are dedicated professionals bringing together science, public service, partnerships and a deep belief that the natural resources entrustedContinue Reading

Sermon delivered to the congregation of Main Street United Methodist Church in Columbia, S.C. By W. Thomas Smith Jr. EDITORIAL NOTE: TODAY marks the 25th anniversary the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. On the 10th anniversary – 2011 – writer and military analyst W. Thomas Smith Jr. was asked toContinue Reading

Crossing over Clear Creek. Photo by Katie Shugg By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net 8-22-2026 — a day for numbers, a day to visit the Old West. From Denver’s mile-high air we took I-70 45 miles west to an elevation of 8,772 feet to board an 1884 steam train. WeContinue Reading