The Lake Murray-Irmo Rotary Club has named Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet fifth grader Allison Reyes Andres as its February Student of the Month. Seven Oaks Principal Dr. Angie Slatton presented the honor, sharing numerous testimonials from teachers highlighting Allison’s character, leadership and commitment to her school community. “From beingContinue Reading

Dennis Carroll Ballentine, age 79, of Taylors, SC, went to be with the Lord on February 26, 2026. Born in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Ena Trussell Ballentine and the late Bernard Carroll Ballentine of Columbia, SC. Dennis graduated from A. C. Flora High School inContinue Reading

Richland County Sheriff’s Department points to mobile-phone forensics as “vital asset” in recent homicide-solving successes By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Recent national reports of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department’s (RCSD) successes in solving 100-percent of all homicide cases (80 murder cases in fact since 2023) beg the question: How? BroadContinue Reading

By Radley West From local 5K races to outdoor charity events, there is no shortage of ways to give back. But did you know that volunteering doesn’t just help those in need—it can also have profound benefits for your happiness and mental well-being? The Science Behind Volunteering and Happiness ResearchContinue Reading

From little acorns mighty oaks grow. By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net Though my hair was chestnut brown, I was green, a young writer hoping to create something memorable. I needed inspiration and I found it in a novel, Shining Tides. Winfield Brooks wrote it. The inside flap said theContinue Reading

IRMO – The Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member to its business community with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Chamber House for LegalShield. Venus Powers, an Independent Associate with LegalShield, hosted the event and shared information about the company’s services. LegalShield provides legal service plans directlyContinue Reading

By Thomas Grant Jr. As of Monday, only Dutch Fork boys basketball remained in the S.C. High School League playoffs. The Silver Foxes played host to J.F. Byrnes Tuesday in the third round of Class 5A Division I Upper State. The winner would face either 2-time defending champion Ridge ViewContinue Reading

By Thomas Grant Jr. The third time proved to be the charm for Dutch Fork wrestler Jason Stocker. After back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, the senior grappler captured his first state championship at the South Carolina High School League Individual State Wrestling Championships held at the Florence Center.Continue Reading