Mayor Steve Benjamin has launched #MaskUpColumbiaSC campaign to inspire citizens to wear masks and other forms of protective facial coverings. #MaskUpColumbiaSC challenged Columbia citizens of all ages to express their individuality and imaginations by wearing fun and expressive facemasks and then sharing across social media channels and on the newlyContinue Reading

Columbia’s Office of Economic Development has partnered with Black Public Relations Society and local Columbia businesses to host a school supply drive. From now until September 23 community members and organizations can donate. If you would like to donate school supplies for the school drive, visit one of the followingContinue Reading

Columbia’s 2020 Tour of Homes will be held over three weekends in September from 11 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and from 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. The annual scattered-site showing will showcase four New Home Communities and 36 new homes September 12-13, 19-20, 26-27. The tourContinue Reading

By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Col. Steve Vitali, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), and his brother Keith Vitali, acclaimed Hollywood actor and world champion martial artist, both received Senate commendations from S.C. Senator Thomas Alexander, Wed., Sept. 2. The awards ceremony was held on the floor of the Senate at theContinue Reading

By Al Dozier The Irmo Town Council voted September 1 to extend the town’s mask mandate another 30 days. The ordinance, which was scheduled to expire September 1, will now extend through October 4. The action follows similar extensions recently enacted by Richland County and other municipalities in the MidlandsContinue Reading

The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center will postpone Dining On The Dam, originally postponed to October 25, to March 28, 2021 from 5 pm to 9 pm. “We value the safety of our guests, participating vendors and the community we call home,” said Angela Klosterman, Chamber Board Chair. “We alsoContinue Reading

The Third Annual Justin Pepper 5K (JP5K) may have a different feel this year, with temperature checks upon arrival and staggered start times for social distancing but The Justin Pepper Foundation will be holding the event this Saturday, September 5, at Palmetto Bone & Joint in Chapin. According to JustinContinue Reading

Dear IRMO Citizens: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not over. State wide the infection rate is decreasing and the mask ordinances are working. That being said, I urge you to continue to wear masks when you go out in public and in large groups of people you don’t know. ThisContinue Reading

Paddling for Teachers is a fundraiser to help offset out of pocket expenses that District Five educators face each school year for needed supplies not covered by the district. Jondy and Ken Loveless are sponsoring the event and asking for donations with a goal of $5000. The event is toContinue Reading

By Brig. Gen. (Sheriff) Leon Lott [A version of this story was published Aug. 9, 2020, in the Post & Courier] This year, the S.C. State Guard is celebrating its 350th anniversary. As a legislatively mandated all-volunteer state defense force (SDF or state militia), we are easily one of theContinue Reading