Thirty influential leaders recognized as “movers and shakers” for 2024 By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott landed a lofty 3rd PLACE in the Post & Courier’s annual 30-person POWER LIST for Columbia, South Carolina, published Wednesday, Dec. 18. First place honors went to University of SouthContinue Reading
On Thursday, December 19, Serve and Connect held its annual Spreading Joy packing event at the Municipal Building of Irmo. Town officials, local and state law enforcement, business owners, and volunteers came together to pack 200 boxes filled with nourishing dry goods for families in need during the holiday season.Continue Reading
Seventeen new full-time firefighters have officially joined the Columbia-Richland Fire Department (CRFD) after completing weeks of tough training at the department’s fire academy. During a special graduation ceremony held in Columbia, Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins administered the oath of office to the recruits from CRFD Recruit Class 2024-02. AfterContinue Reading
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has identified Brittany Rosalinda Valencia, 16, of Columbia, as the victim of a two-vehicle crash on St. Andrews Road on December 9. The accident occurred around 8:45 p.m. in the 4400 block of St. Andrews Road. Valencia was a passenger in an eastbound vehicle thatContinue Reading
James Robert Peterson, 37, of Prosperity, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbia on a firearm possession charge. According to the indictment, Peterson, a convicted felon, was found with a gun on June 11 during an incident where he allegedly shot and killed South Carolina Law EnforcementContinue Reading
Sensei Brian Pena of The Karate Dojo presented a plaque to Rosetta Leaphart who is the wife of the first African American Police Chief in Irmo, Frank Leaphart. Pena was joined by former police chiefs and mayors to honor the memory of Leaphart’s service to the town of Irmo. Leaphart servedContinue Reading
On December 6, Richland County EMS, accompanied by Santa Claus, delivered vehicles filled with donated toys and gifts to Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The toy delivery was part of EMS’s annual “Stuff an Ambulance” toy drive, which began collecting donations in November. The community generously contributed toys,Continue Reading
Pelion, S.C. – A 22-year-old man has been arrested and faces serious charges after a drug raid in Pelion last week. Juan Enrique Escobar Doroteo was taken into custody by Lexington County narcotics agents. He is accused of trafficking fentanyl and faces charges for having a gun during a violentContinue Reading
Columbia, S.C. – A woman who was shot outside a Bojangles restaurant on Harbison Boulevard has been identified as Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon, 40, of Columbia. According to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher, Hammonds-Colon sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body on November 14. She was transported to a localContinue Reading
IRMO, SC – During the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday, November 13, Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld recognized two prominent community leaders for their ongoing support of the Irmo Fire District. Irmo Town Administrator Courtney Dennis and Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Kerry Powers were presentedContinue Reading
A major identity theft and fraud ring based in Columbia has led to the federal conviction of ten individuals involved in schemes spanning multiple states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Virginia, Missouri, and New York. This criminal operation, active from July 2020 through August 2023, used stolenContinue Reading