COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Museum will welcome artists, curators, cultural leaders and arts supporters from across the state for Artist Homecoming 2026: Elements of Craft, a two-day celebration of South Carolina’s arts community October 8-9. “We are very excited to be back for our third year ofContinue Reading
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) has announced a lineup of nationally recognized fishing tournaments coming to Lake Murray during the 2026-27 season. The events will bring professional bass anglers, kayak competitors and amateur fishermen to the Midlands, along with spectators and outdoor enthusiasts. The tournaments are expectedContinue 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
IRMO, S.C. — Dutch Fork High School will honor its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees Friday, September 18, during halftime of the Dutch Fork football game. This year’s inductees are Murphy Holloway, Class of 2008; Kenneth Salters, Class of 1999; Dr. Emily Spreen, Class of 2011; and David Weimortz, ClassContinue Reading
CHAPIN, S.C. — The Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) will open its doors to the community September 22 for an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 916 Mt. Vernon Church Road in Chapin. The Center serves students in grades 9–12 throughout School District Five and offersContinue Reading
South Mecklenburg High School hosts first-ever S.C. Military Veterans Hall of Fame Football Game By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Among the myriad memorial services held late last week commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks – and honoring first responders to include the military – perhaps none wereContinue 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
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) brought their STEM Fest Program to Dutch Fork Elementary School’s Curriculum Night recently. Students were able to participate in a hands-on math and science activity, and families received information about the MCEC and the Purple Star program.Continue Reading
IRMO, S.C. — Students at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) are gaining hands-on experience and industry-ready skills through the school’s HVAC program, a career-focused pathway designed to prepare students for opportunities in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry. The HVAC program launched in AugustContinue Reading
IRMO, S.C. — Irmo Middle School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special Anniversary Night during its September 9 football game against Newberry Middle School. The evening included a pregame ceremony recognizing several special guests, including School District Five Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross Sr., Irmo Middle School Principal MansaContinue Reading
Multiple services were held across the Midlands on September 11 By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) along with fellow law-enforcement officers and first responders from various other agencies gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, rememberingContinue 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
Representative Nathan Ballentine recently spent some time with Cub Scout Pack 870 in Chapin. He is currently campaigning to continue serving the Irmo-Chapin community in the South Carolina State House. “For years, I’ve had the honor of serving you and your family in Columbia where experience matters,” Ballentine said. “I’veContinue Reading
IRMO, S.C. — School District Five’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department will host a Talent Summit for businesses and community organizations Tuesday, September 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will provide businesses and community organizations with an opportunity to learn how they can support and enhanceContinue Reading
IRMO, S.C. — School District Five students and staff received a surprise visit from a former Irmo Yellow Jacket and current Seattle Seahawks safety when Nick Emmanwori returned virtually to the schools that helped shape his journey. Emmanwori surprised students and staff at Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, Irmo MiddleContinue Reading