Hollywood star and karate legend Keith Vitali presented S.C.’s highest award this year, also knighted in Italy and honored in the Czech Republic By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Hall of Famer and 10th-degree black belt Keith Vitali has recently received a number of lofty international honors, adding to his alreadyContinue Reading
District Five schools elected to lead Southern Association of Student Councils in 2027 and 2028 IRMO — Chapin High School and Irmo High School International School for the Arts will make history by hosting the Southern Association of Student Councils (SASC) Annual Conference in consecutive years. Chapin High School juniorsContinue Reading
Ewing Minor celebrates his victory at the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft on Lake Murray, where he also secured the Angler of the Year title. Photo by Mark Cisneros/B.A.S.S. GILBERT — Ewing Minor won the 2026 Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship presented by Native Watercraft,Continue Reading
More than 400 students in Lexington, Richland counties projected to benefit IRMO — More than 400 high school seniors in Lexington and Richland counties are expected to receive a combined $3.2 million in college assistance through the expanded Meeting Street Scholarship Fund, which will provide eligible South Carolina students withContinue Reading
Residents can learn about proposed change before November vote IRMO — The Town of Irmo will hold its final public information meeting on Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Irmo Municipal Building, 7300 Woodrow St., to discuss a referendum asking voters to change the town’s official form of governmentContinue Reading
Fall sale features books, DVDs, special deals and Saturday activities The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library will hold their Fall Book Sale Oct. 22-24 in the library’s community room at 6251 St. Andrews Road. The sale coincides with National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 18-24. Giveaways and special activitiesContinue Reading
Soon, South Carolinians will elect a new governor and members of the legislature. These leaders will dictate the future of our state’s medical research, which is saving lives and creating jobs here. For example, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center recently played a role in a major medical breakthrough. In August, aContinue Reading
Caroline Milhorn recognized for commitment to social studies education IRMO — Caroline Milhorn, a social studies teacher at Spring Hill High School, has been selected to receive the 2026 South Carolina Council for the Social Studies Early Career Educator Award. Milhorn, who is in her second year of teaching, wasContinue Reading
By Danielle McNaughton Local government came to life at Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences as Town Councilman Mike Ward paid a special visit to three first-grade classes to share how town government works and why community participation matters. During his interactive presentation, Ward introduced the students toContinue Reading
Understanding the connection between hunger, emotions and food choices As cooler weather settles in, many people find themselves reaching for comfort foods such as warm soup, homemade bread, pasta or something sweet after dinner. But why do we crave certain foods, sometimes even when we’re not hungry? Food cravings aren’tContinue Reading
110,000-square-foot outdoor retailer expected to create more than 120 jobs Bass Pro Shops plans to open a 110,000-square-foot retail store on Broad River Road in Irmo in late 2027, bringing a major outdoor recreation destination to the greater Columbia area. The Missouri-based retailer announced the project Oct. 15. The newContinue Reading
Guided river excursion will explore autumn colors and local wildlife Saluda Shoals Park will host a guided fall foliage paddle Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will enjoy autumn colors along the river while learning about the area’s natural history, exploring a river island and observingContinue Reading
Footwear purchases and customer donations will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank Mast General Store and Merrell are teaming up for the 17th annual Food for Kids campaign to help fight childhood hunger. From Oct. 12-25, Merrell will donate $15 to a children’s fund at a local food security agency forContinue Reading
Free Oct. 31 event will offer games, treats and family resources The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is inviting local organizations, businesses and service providers to participate in its Halloween Day Party on Oct. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dutch Square Mall, 421 Bush River Road.Continue Reading
On September 22 the School District Five Adult Education Program hosted its annual College Expo Day. Midlands Technical College, Benedict College, Midlands Quick Jobs, Allen University, and Columbia College were among the institutions that participated. Adult Education students had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives and gain firsthand insightContinue Reading