Lexington, SC 08/12/2026 - The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program invites community members to become volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The next FREE online training begins Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with additional trainings offered every four weeks. Volunteer GALs are trained to advocate for a child’s best interests in Family Court, helping ensure safety, stability, and permanency. Training Details: Begins: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (virtual) Format: Virtual with Morning and evening sessions available Application deadline: September 1, 2026 Requirements: Age 21+, clean background, no prior DSS history For additional information, contact Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov.

West Columbia, SC 08/12/2026 - Lexington School District Two students posted gains in several core subject areas in statewide testing results released this week by the SC Department of Education, achieving test scores at the highest level in more than five years. In test results from SC READY, given to the state’s third- through eighth-graders: Lexington Two student achievement maintained positive momentum again this year, with tested Lexington Two elementary and middle school students posting year over year achievement gains in a majority of grade levels in English/Language Arts, math and science. Lexington Two test takers’ gains outpaced those of statewide test takers in several areas: fourth- and fifth-graders outpaced statewide test takers in English/Language Arts; fourth-, fifth-, sixth- and eighth-graders outpaced statewide testers in math; and all test takers outpaced statewide in science. In addition, among tested Lexington Two students, 24 achieved maximum scores in the most recent testing, the largest number in recent years. Student growth remained a significant strength for the district, with nearly all tested grades showing progress in math, and all tested grades posting growth in science. Nearly half of tested grades showed growth in English/Language Arts. Lexington Two’s gains in at or above grade level math mirror those at the state level, which SC Department of Education officials attribute in part to revision of math standards for a more developmentally appropriate scope, giving teachers in the classroom a clearer understanding of what is expected for students at each grade. Superintendent Dr. Angela Cooper attributed Lexington Two student gains, particularly in math, to the support of the Palmetto Math Project with the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) and Zearn; the use of state-provided standard and assessment materials in conjunction with high-quality instructional materials; and intentionality with the use of manipulatives and the concrete-representational-abstract learning progression. “While we know there is still important work ahead, these results are encouraging because they show continued progress for our students,” Dr. Cooper said. “That progress reflects the intentional work happening across Lexington Two — greater alignment in what we teach and how we teach it, focused professional learning and resources for our educators, and a continued emphasis on meeting students where they are and moving them forward. Most importantly, these gains are a testament to our teachers, staff and students. They have worked incredibly hard, and I am proud to see that work translating into stronger outcomes for children.” Dr. David McDonald, deputy superintendent who also oversees academics for the district, said he is pleased with the gains. “This year’s growth in student achievement is the direct result of our focus on strategic classroom instruction,” Dr. McDonald said. “Throughout the 2025-26 school year, our team focused on core critical content — ensuring a focus on student mastery of critical standards necessary for long-term success. By combining that standards-based clarity with timely, targeted intervention strategies, we are focused on the growth of our students. While we know we have work to do, we are pleased to see growth in a number of areas.” Results released this week by the SC Department of Education reflect results from testing in the 2025-2026 school year.

West Columbia, SC 08/12/2026 - The South Carolina Department of Transportation will close and detour the Pine Street bridge over Congaree Creek in Lexington County for repairs beginning Monday, August 17. The bridge is expected to reopen by September 18. These dates may change depending on weather conditions. As part of this closure a detour route has been set up. A map of the detour can be found below. Please note that Pine Street will be open to local traffic only, except at the bridge site. SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention to signs and crews when driving through the area.

Lexington, SC 08/12/2026 - Trevor Jerremy Jones, 36, of Lexington County, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a stolen firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Nov. 6, 2021, a University of South Carolina patrolman conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after determining that the car tag had expired. The officer made contact with the driver, Trevor Jones and smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Jones denied that there was any marijuana in the car, but the officer searched the car and located a clear plastic bag containing marijuana in the driver’s side door and a large clear plastic bag containing a large amount of marijuana in the center console. Jones was arrested and stated that the property in the vehicle belonged to him. Officers also found a .40 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition in the glove box. The gun had been reported stolen. Jones claimed he bought the firearm from a friend. Jones also had a large amount of money, grouped into small denominations consistent with the sale of narcotics. United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Jones to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a two-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the University of South Carolina Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case.

Lexington, SC 08/12/2026 - The Courage Center has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). The organization was honored in a ceremony Wednesday at the FBI Columbia Field Office in Lexington. Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla presented the award on behalf of FBI Director Kash Patel. The Courage Center is the Midlands’ first recovery community organization supporting individuals of all ages on their journey to recovery from substance misuse and substance use disorders. The organization also serves families impacted by substance-related challenges. In its work, The Courage Center strives to identify gaps in services, prevention, and educational opportunities across the community. Staff regularly visit neighborhoods and unhoused communities to distribute NARCAN, fentanyl test strips, and other harm reduction and hygiene items. Additionally, the organization is developing a program for students who test positive for substances, offering life skills training, education, and recovery coaching. “The Courage Center stands at the forefront in the battle against addiction,” said Shukla. “Their leadership and dedication to the cause are a true testament to the community involvement that is needed to address the complex issues resulting from substance misuse.” The Director’s Community Leadership Award, established in 1990, recognizes individuals and organizations that make significant contributions toward combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in communities across the United States.

Lexington, SC 08/06/2026 - South Carolina’s 26th annual Tax Free Weekend begins Friday, August 7 and continues until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 9. Thousands of shoppers from South Carolina and neighboring states are expected to take advantage of the chance to purchase eligible items without paying state or local Sales Tax. Purchases can be made in-person or online. Full details are available at dor.sc.gov/taxfreeweekend. Last year, shoppers bought more than $25 million in eligible items and saved more than $1.5 million in Sales Tax during Tax Free Weekend. This year’s Tax Free Weekend is a bit later than usual, running August 7-9. State law mandates that the holiday begins on the first Friday in August.

Lexington SC, 08/02/2026 - Four years ago this month, Tyler Robinson was killed outside of his home at the Lauren Ridge Apartments, and Chief Terrence Green is again asking those who have information to come forward to assist our detectives as they continue to investigate this case. On July 9, 2022, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call at 500 Carlen Avenue. They found Tyler Robinson, age 29, in the outside stairway of Building 4, and he had been shot several times. Officers provided aid until Lexington County EMS arrived and transported Tyler Robinson to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Tyler Robinson had lived at the apartment complex for several months. He was also known as “T-Rob” and “T-Rob Smooth”. He was a music promoter in the greater Columbia area, active in the local music scene, and co-founder and producer at Long Money Camp. During the investigation, detectives found evidence that several unknown subjects were involved in the shooting death of Tyler Robinson and attacked him moments after he arrived at the apartment complex. It is believed that this was a planned event, and that Tyler Robinson was followed from a club in downtown Columbia. After he was shot, Tyler Robinson was robbed of jewelry and a watch. The subjects burglarized his apartment before fleeing from the scene. “Four years have passed since Tyler Robinson was killed and the answer of who was involved in this homicide continues to be sought by our Criminal Investigations Division.” Chief Terrence Green continues, “I want to let his family, friends, and those involved in his death to know that we continue to follow every new lead and that this case is still much open. We need those with information to come forward and let justice be served.” Of continued interest to detectives as they investigate this case are several pieces of custom jewelry and a watch that Tyler Robinson was believed to be wearing when he was killed, which include a gold necklace and pendant with jewels with “Smooth” and “LMC”, two jeweled gold rings, one with “$” and the other with “LMC”, and a jeweled gold watch. Anyone with information about this homicide, the subjects involved, or the whereabouts of the missing jewelry and watch are asked to contact Detective Corporal Kenneth Heath at 803-358-1557 or kheath@lexsc.gov. Those with information can also contact Midlands Crimestoppers in the following ways: PHONE TIP – Call the toll-free number at 1-888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372.) WEB TIP – Go to www.midlandscrimestoppers.com and click “Submit a Tip.” MOBILE TIP – Download the new P3 Tips app on your Apple or Android Device. You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.

Swansea, SC 08/02/2026 - The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will temporarily close the Interstate 26 eastbound Exit 129 ramp to Highway 21 as part of a new ramp alignment project beginning Friday, August 7. Weather permitting, the ramp closure will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and remain in place until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10. During the closure, a signed detour will be in place. Drivers traveling eastbound on I-26 will continue to Exit 136, enter I-26 westbound, and return to Exit 129 to access Highway 21.  All other ramps at the I-26/Highway 21 interchange will remain open to traffic. SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention to crews when driving through the work zone.

Lexington, SC 07/31/2026 - The South Carolina Department of Transportation will hold an open house public information meeting to share plans for a proposed project that would replace the bridge on S-68 (Corley Mill Road) over Twelve Mile Creek in Lexington County. The drop-in style meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026 in the Gymnasium at Northside Christian Academy, 4347 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC 29072. There will not be a formal presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to review preliminary plans for the proposed project and provide feedback. Visit the project website to view proposed project plans and provide your comments. Project Website projectportal.scdot.org/bridge-package-24 SCDOT will accept public comments on this project through August 28, 2026. Comments may be submitted in-person at the public meeting, online through the project website, via email to PITTSME@scdot.gov, or by mail to Michael Pitts, SCDOT, P.O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202-0191. Please note, any information provided, including names and addresses, is subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

West Columbia, SC 07/31/2026 - Lexington Two will offer its annual Silver Pass and All Sports Pass throughout the months of August and September, so eligible district residents, first responders, and others can pick up passes that allow free admission to most regular season district athletic events. The Silver Pass is available to Lexington Two residents ages 65 and older. Residents must bring a photo ID that proves their residency and age. The All-Sports Pass is available to elected officials, licensed ministers, police officers, and firefighters, with a photo ID, who serve in the Lexington Two attendance area. Both passes entitle holders to attend any Lexington Two athletic event free of charge, excluding special athletic events, such as Sportsarama, as well as holiday tournaments and playoff games. Those eligible can have passes made on Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the District Education Center, 3205 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia. Lexington Two has a clear bag policy at home athletic events in school arenas and stadiums. For more information about these passes, contact Jordan Stafford at jstafford@lex2.org.

West Columbia, SC 07/31/2026 - The Emergency Nurses Association announced their 2026 Lantern Award Winners this week. Lexington Medical Center’s emergency department has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Lantern Award by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Lexington Medical Center is the only hospital in the Midlands to receive this recognition. About the Lantern Award: This Lantern Award recognizes exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice improvements that resulted in improved patient care and staff well-being. To be considered for a Lantern, departments must submit a comprehensive application which measures the ways they excel at meeting challenges that range from ED boarding to lowering the time it takes for stroke patients to receive care to improving pediatric readiness or enhancing nurse professional development. A committee scores applications to determine recipients annually. Lexington Health is among 126 recipients that will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website, and during Emergency Nursing 2026, the association’s yearly conference later this fall. What They’re Saying: “Awards recognize accomplishments, but the Lantern Award recognizes a culture. It is a testament to the compassion, professionalism, innovation, and unwavering commitment our Emergency Department team demonstrates every day,” said Lexington Health Emergency Department Director of Nursing Robin Ward, MSN, RN, CEN. “I am incredibly proud to serve alongside this exceptional group of professionals.” “The Lantern recognizes something incredibly special. It isn’t an award for an individual or an entire hospital—it’s a recognition earned by an emergency department and the team that powers it every day,” said ENA President Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC. “Lexington Medical Center is one of 126 emergency departments to achieve a Lantern Award this year.”

Lexington, SC 07/28/2026 - On Friday the 24th, my 5 month old niece passed away very unexpectedly. My brother and sister-in-law are broken and lost in planning for a funeral. They’ve made a GoFundMe for the funeral expenses. Some have shared but it seems to not have reached the right level of support as no one has been able to donate. Needless to say, not very many people are fortunate to donate much, if any. But a small amount from many people would help more than one would expect. This is the GoFundMe link: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2Ff%2Fin-memory-of-sweet-lillianna-valerrie-gates%3Fattribution_id%3Dsl%253A87ab9f48-8173-4d8e-b359-10c531d1ea88%26lang%3Den_US%26ts%3D1785098873%26utm_campaign%3Dfp_sharesheet%26utm_content%3Damp20_t1% It is with a broken heart that I explain, my wife and I lost our 5 month old daughter on July 24th, 2026. It was abrupt and unexpected, we do not have the funds to be able to put our baby to rest. Our baby, Lillianna Valerrie Gates was soooo loved, she was so happy, she was such an amazing child, she was so smart, she was advanced for her age at just 5 months old. Full of so much love and joy. You will forever be missed by your mommy and daddy, your aunt Sydney and aunt BB, all your uncles and grandparents. If you are able to donate, anything is very very much appreciated, if you aren’t able to donate at this moment, just sharing this would mean the world. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Have a great day.