Irmo, S.C. – Representative Nathan Ballentine welcomed the Dutch Fork Dazzlers Dance Teams to the South Carolina State House to celebrate their victories in the 2025 State Championships. The recognition honored the Varsity team’s Jazz State Championship Title and the Junior Varsity team’s Jazz and Hip-Hop State Championship Titles. TheseContinue Reading

Hazy Ray Merritt, Jr., a devoted husband, beloved father, proud Papa, and cherished friend, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 81. His life was marked by hard work, love, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. Ray was married to the love of his life,Continue Reading

IRMO, S.C. – The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) has been named a 2025 Models of Excellence school by SkillsUSA, the nation’s leading organization for workforce development. This prestigious recognition highlights The Center’s exceptional integration of Personal, Workplace, and Technical Skills into all chapter activities and represents theContinue Reading

RICHLAND COUNTY – In recognition of National Community Development Week (April 21–25), Richland County’s Community Development Division celebrated the positive impact of federal programs on local families through a series of events. The week kicked off with a news conference Monday at Transitions Homeless Center in Columbia, where officials highlightedContinue Reading

IRMO – Dutch Fork High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) students successfully completed the Vandora Heights City Collaborative Project. Over the past eight weeks, 85 students in Tia Green’s Entrepreneurship classes engaged in a dynamic partnership that involved researching, planning, and constructing a model city. The project provided students with hands-onContinue Reading

Local residents and visitors from across the Midlands came together on April 26 for the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival, held at Moore Park. The festival, which celebrates the diverse cultural influences that shape the Irmo community, drew crowds eager to experience a global celebration of dance, music, food, and tradition.Continue Reading

Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet recently marked a milestone by celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The event was not just a celebration of the past but also a reflection of the school’s commitment to providing quality education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The anniversary celebration was held atContinue Reading

I loved her, lost her, and found her again. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net I fished many a farm pond as a boy. When I left my red-varnished cane pole for Miss Zebco, I fell in love. I filled my Johnson & Johnson first aid kit turned tackle boxContinue Reading