Lexington, SC 09/30/2026 - On Sept. 19, 2026, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) coordinated Lake Sweep/River Sweep, an annual cleanup of Lake Murray and surrounding waterways, with help from over 30 event partners including Dominion Energy, Lexington County Solid Waste Management, and Palmetto Pride. This event is KMB’s contribution to South Carolina’s annual Beach Sweep/River Sweep, hosted by S.C. Department of Natural Resources and S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. There were 350 volunteers involved in this year's cleanup across the waterways of Richland and Lexington counties, including a dive team, kayakers and volunteers on boats and on land. Their combined efforts led to the removal of 6,139 pounds of litter, recyclables and bulk items removed from our waterways. This weight was calculated using more accurate weight standards than in previous years and does not include some bulk items that are still pending removal. Volunteers who participated in both 2025 and 2026 reported a large decrease in the amount of litter to be removed. KMB relies on small volunteer groups to keep a variety of rivers, boat ramps, islands and other waterways in Lexington and Richland counties clean year-round. KMB’s Adopt-a-Waterway program, sponsored in part by Dominion Energy, provides volunteer groups with recognition for removing litter from their adopted waterway at least two times a year for two years. For a list of available locations and details about how to adopt a waterway, visit https://kmbsc.org/about-adopt-a-waterway. To learn more or to sponsor next year’s Lake Sweep/River Sweep or other KMB programs, contact Traude Sander at 803-733-1139 or tsander@kmbsc.org or visit https://kmbsc.org. ### Keep the Midlands Beautiful, a nonprofit organization established in 1989, is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Palmetto Pride serving both Lexington and Richland counties. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower citizens to improve the places where they live, work, and play through litter prevention, recycling, and beautification. We manage eight litter prevention programs and three recycling programs, provide environmental education, and coordinate at least one beautification project each year. We are a small organization making a big difference in the community with the help of over 6,000 hardworking and dedicated volunteers each year.

Lexington, SC 09/26/2026 - Donovan Ryan Holman, a 35-year-old Lexington man, was convicted last week by a Lexington County jury and sentenced to Life for the murder of Caldwell “Jay” Motley, Jr., age 38, on Oak Ridge Lane in Lexington. Holman was also sentenced to thirty (30) years for Attempted Murder and twenty-five (25) years for Arson both to run concurrently with the Life sentence. Circuit Court Judge Scott Sprouse presided over this five-day trial and imposed these sentences. Under South Carolina law, the life sentence means that Holman will spend the rest of his natural life in prison and there is no possibility of parole. Deputy Solicitor Rhonda W. Patterson and Assistant Solicitor Sam Jones prosecuted the case for the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Deputy Solicitor Patterson commented that “The sheer brutality of this attack left two families shattered. Hopefully, this verdict brings a measure of justice to the victims and the community.” This investigation was led by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit as well as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Lexington County Fire Services. On July 20, 2024, Holman, the surviving victim, and others hung out at a local establishment. Once that establishment closed, the group relocated to the property of the surviving victim to continue partying at an outside shed. Holman was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time. Members of the group left and eventually Holman attacked the surviving victim who testified at trial that the last thing he remembered was being knocked out. Holman entered the home of the surviving victim where he encountered Caldwell, the surviving victim’s roommate. There was no indication during the investigation that Holman was aware that Caldwell was there. Caldwell was ultimately attacked and brutally stabbed over 126 times while in his home. The evidence presented showed that Holman used several different sharp instruments to inflict the deadly injuries sustained by Caldwell. Holman ultimately fled the scene after stealing a car from one of the victims, but only after he set fire to the residence to conceal evidence. Emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter to extinguish the blaze and render medical treatment to both victims. During the attack on the surviving victim, Holman used an axe that resulted in a life-threatening injury to the surviving victim’s neck. The emergency personnel that treated the surviving victim were able to render aid that ultimately saved his life. He was transported to Prisma Health where he received treatment. Digital evidence presented during trial placed Holman on the property prior to the attacks, during the time of the attacks, and when the fire would have started. Forensic analysts testified that Holman’s DNA was also discovered on items left at the scene and on items believed to have been used during the attack. Holman’s latent prints were also left behind on items of evidence. In the days following the crimes, Holman was believed to have fled South Carolina based on cell phone data placing him in two different states while law enforcement was actively searching for him. The U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Force ultimately apprehended Holman in Myrtle Beach on May 7, 2025. Holman has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to serve his life sentence. Victim - Caldwell Motley Jr. Donovan Holman pictured below

West Columbia, SC 09/24/2026 - After an unexpected diagnosis came about a few weeks ago, Tim Spires has now starting treatment. If you know him, you know he has NEVER hesitated to help others & would literally give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Now, it’s his turn to receive the help. We are asking for ANY help as this new journey begins. Donations are appreciated far more than anyone could ever understand! We are still working on trying to schedule some fundraising events, but in the mean time, he starts treatment tomorrow. ALL help is truly appreciated, & more info & details will be relayed later. You can donate to my Venmo: @rlaurenherring Cash App: $laurendrakeeee Danielles Venmo: @danielle-spiressmith Andrew and Destiny Snipes Cash App: $andrewsnipes9 Have other apps if needed. Please feel free to share this post to everyone! Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

West Columbia, SC 09/24/2026 - At Airport High School, inclusion is about more than simply being invited to participate. It is about friendship, connection and knowing you truly belong. That belief is at the heart of the Wing Mate Club, a student club whose mission is to promote positive social and educational interactions among students with and without intellectual disabilities while encouraging unity, cooperation, inclusion and acceptance. What began a year ago with 20 students and a simple goal of creating meaningful connections has quickly become one of Airport High School’s greatest examples of inclusion in action. Now in its second year, the Wing Mate Club has grown from 20 members in its inaugural year to 52 this year. But the club’s success is measured in much more than numbers. It can be seen in the friendships being formed, the smiles shared during Special Olympics competition, and the excitement students feel when their Wing Mates walk through the door. Students in 10th-12th grades can apply to become Wing Mates. Selection includes a review of discipline and grades, along with teacher recommendations, helping ensure students are prepared to be positive and dependable partners. For ID Mild teacher and club founder Skylar Talton, the idea for Wing Mates grew from her own experiences as a student at Airport. “As a former Unified Partner at Airport, I learned so much through the friendships, memories and experiences I shared with our Special Olympics athletes,” Talton said. “Those experiences truly humbled me and showed me the importance of inclusion, friendship and belonging.” When Talton created Wing Mates, she wanted to give another generation of Eagles the opportunity to have those same experiences. “My hope is that every student has the chance to make memories and build friendships that become an important part of their high school experience,” Talton said. “Wing Mates gives our students the opportunity to learn from one another and experience what can happen when everyone has a place to belong.” Throughout the school year, Wing Mates spend time with students in the classroom, accompany them on community outings, and compete alongside them in Special Olympics events. While those activities bring the students together, it is the friendships that grow from them that have become the heart of the club. “The Wing Mate Club helps me make new friends,” said Airport student Audrey Anderson. “They play games with me and are true friends. They make me feel happy.” Student Darwin Sadler especially looks forward to having Wing Mates join students at Special Olympics competitions. “I love our Wing Mates!” he said. “I love to see them. They go with us to our bocce tournament.” For Dayana Amaya, it is about something as simple, and as meaningful, as spending time together. “Our Wing Mates are nice, and I love them,” she said. “They make me smile. I like playing basketball and having fun with them.” New Wing Mate Club member Jakob Thompson said participating in Unified PE and being a Wing Mate has helped him see Special Olympics athletes “for their ability, not their disability.” Camdyn Merchant said spending time with the students always puts him in a more positive mood, while Abigail Griffith said seeing the athletes happy “always brightens my day.” As the club has grown, so has its student leadership. This year, Wing Mates added officers, with Rylan Bullis serving as president, Brayden Bailey as vice president and McKena Castellano as secretary. For Bullis, being a Wing Mate is much more than another extracurricular activity. “Wing Mate Club is more than just a club,” Bullis said. “It builds friendships, it is about making people feel included and creating memories together. I have learned that sometimes the smallest interactions can make someone’s day.” That lesson is echoed by Wing Mate Cash Epps. “Being a Wing Mate isn’t about changing my classmates, it’s about building real friendships,” Epps said. “Working together helps Special Olympics athletes feel confident and included, while teaching me empathy and how to be a better leader.” For ID Moderate teacher and co-club advisor Haley Brock, the relationships are exactly what makes the program meaningful. “Wing Mate Club provides our students with and without disabilities the opportunity to build meaningful and lifelong relationships with their peers,” Brock said. “When everyone is included, everyone wins!” CAPTION IMG_0179 - The Wing Mate Club launched in the 2025-2026 school year. Some members and Airport faculty/staff pose are shown here. This year’s club members will participate in a number of activities together at Airport, including Special Olympics, Unified Weeks, and Mr. Amazing.

Cayce, SC 09/24/2026 - Anthony Detemrius Reese, 56, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm in relation to the murder of a Columbia woman. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on the night of Aug. 29, 2025, Reese left a residence in Cayce with Angela Fuller. In the early morning of Aug. 30, 2025, Reese dumped Fuller’s dead body in a wooded area off Two Notch Road. The Columbia Police Department identified Reese as the last person with Fuller. On Aug. 31, 2025, Columbia Police officers spotted Reese’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but he instead fled, led officers on a high-speed chase, and eventually crashed the car in Lexington. Officers recovered a loaded firearm from Reese’s vehicle. Following an extensive search, law enforcement recovered Fuller’s body. Ballistic testing confirmed that the firearm found in Reese’s possession was used to kill Fuller. Reese has prior felony convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, shoplifting, burglary, and assault and battery. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson concluded that Reese was responsible for Fuller’s murder and that the firearm was used to commit the murder. Judge Anderson sentenced Reese to 180 months’ imprisonment, the statutory maximum, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lamar J. Fyall prosecuted the case.

Gaston, SC 09/22/2026 - The below listed trailer has been abandoned in Calhoun County and is currently housed with the company listed below. Pursuant to applicable South Carolina Law, the owner and or lien holder has the right to claim the trailer within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the trailer in custody. The failure of the owner and or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the trailer with the time provided it is deemed as a waiver by the owner and or lien holder of all rights, title, interest, in the trailer and consent to the sale of the trailer at public auction. If not reclaimed within the time period outlined above the trailer may be disposed of according to state law. ** trailer is not for sale we are trying to find the owners** MEC Motors, LLC 2005 Strick 1S12E95335E504578 White dry van trailer

Batesburg-Leesville, SC 09/17/2026 - Lexington County School District Three is proud to announce Kayla Cotney as the district’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Cotney, a Sports Medicine teacher and head athletic trainer at Batesburg-Leesville High School, was announced as this year’s honoree during a special Teacher of the Year banquet held Wednesday evening, September 16th, on the campus of Batesburg-Leesville High School. Mrs. Cotney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from the University of South Carolina in 2013, a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from the University of South Carolina in 2015, and a Master of Science degree in Athletic Administration from Concordia University in 2017. What Mrs. Cotney loves most about teaching is watching students grow and apply the skills they have learned in meaningful, everyday situations. She enjoys seeing students develop a sense of pride and ownership in their learning while building meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom. She believes in supporting each student as a whole person and creating an environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential. For Mrs. Cotney, Lexington School District Three is defined by one word: family. She appreciates the supportive culture that extends throughout the district and believes that same sense of community is reflected in the district’s students. She credits this family atmosphere with making Lexington Three a special place to teach and learn. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Cotney enjoys spending time with her husband, Bryan, their dogs, Loretta and Paco, and their extended family. She also loves cooking, gardening, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Four Outstanding Educators Honored Mrs. Cotney was selected from a group of four outstanding finalists representing schools across Lexington Three. The other finalists were: ● Emily Mowry, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School Teacher of the Year ● Mary Clare Price, Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School Teacher of the Year ● Adena McCullough, Batesburg-Leesville Middle School Teacher of the Year As part of the district’s celebration, all four finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to students and their schools. The three runners-up will each receive a $1,000 bonus from Lexington Three and two additional days off during the 2026–2027 school year. As the district’s overall Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cotney will receive a $2,000 bonus from Lexington Three, a $1,000 stipend from the South Carolina General Assembly, and two additional days off during the school year. All four finalists also received a rocking chair for their home or classroom, Apple technology accessories, and a crystal apple, all provided courtesy of Lexington County School District Three. Representing Lexington Three at the State Level As Lexington Three’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Cotney will go on to represent the district in the South Carolina Teacher of the Year competition, which begins later this year.

Lexington, SC 09/15/2026 - Whit’s Frozen Custard is officially open in Lexington, bringing its fresh-made frozen custard and welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere to The Shoppes at White Knoll at 1788 South Lake Drive, Suite 170. To celebrate the new Lexington business, the Lexington Chamber of Commerce will conduct an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the store on Wednesday, September 16, at 11:30 a.m. The new location, which opened September 4, is locally owned and operated by Jay and Lori Pearson, who are both actively involved in the business and share a vision of making Whit’s Frozen Custard of Lexington more than simply a place to stop for dessert. “We’ve spent a tremendous amount of time bringing this store to life and seeing customers finally walk through the doors has made all of that work worthwhile,” said Jay Pearson. “Our goal is for Whit’s to become a place where families, friends, neighbors, sports teams and community groups can come together, enjoy something great and feel genuinely welcome.” For the Pearsons, the decision to bring Whit’s to Lexington grew from an appreciation for the brand’s product quality, family-friendly atmosphere and emphasis on locally owned stores that become part of the communities they serve. “We want people to walk through our doors and immediately feel comfortable and welcomed,” said Lori Pearson. “We’re excited to get to know our customers, build relationships throughout Lexington and create a place people look forward to visiting again and again.” Whit’s Frozen Custard is known for frozen custard made fresh in the store, with vanilla and chocolate available alongside rotating Flavor of the Day and Flavor of the Week selections. Guests can enjoy traditional scoops as well as signature Whitsers, Whitties, shakes, sundaes, floats and other frozen treats. The Lexington location also offers frozen custard cakes, take-home options and catering for events and gatherings. “Jay and Lori embody the kind of local ownership that makes Whit’s special,” said Bill Aseere, CEO of Whit’s Frozen Custard. “They’re not just opening a store in Lexington—they’re putting their time, energy and personalities into creating a place where people will feel at home. We’re excited to welcome them to the Whit’s family and know they’re going to make a wonderful addition to the Lexington community.” Community involvement will be an important part of the Lexington store’s mission. The Pearsons plan to build partnerships with area schools, youth sports organizations, nonprofits and other local groups through fundraisers, events, sponsorships and other opportunities to give back. “We live here, and we want Whit’s to be part of the community we call home,” Jay Pearson said. “Opening the doors was really just the beginning. We’re looking forward to building relationships with our customers and with organizations throughout Lexington for many years to come.” The Wednesday ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. will mark another milestone for the new business and provide an opportunity to celebrate Whit’s arrival in the Lexington community alongside representatives of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. Whit’s Frozen Custard of Lexington is located at 1788 South Lake Drive, Suite 170, Lexington, SC 29073, in The Shoppes at White Knoll. The store is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. For current flavors, store news and special events, customers can follow Whit’s Frozen Custard of Lexington, SC on Facebook or visit whitsfrozencustard.com.

Lexington, SC 09/15/2026 - Demetrius Tyare Glenn, 35, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Evidence gathered during the investigation showed that, beginning in 2023, members of a drug-trafficking organization distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout the Columbia and Lexington County areas. Investigators identified Glenn as a key source of supply and determined he used four locations to store and distribute narcotics. The investigation further revealed that Glenn manufactured counterfeit pills using a pill press machine. On Oct. 24, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at three of Glenn’s stash houses. Officers recovered approximately 1,423.69 grams of methamphetamine, 57.4 grams of fentanyl, 189.7 grams of cocaine, 150 grams of MDMA, 56 grams of marijuana, more than $14,000 in cash, money counters, two loaded firearms, ammunition, digital scales, packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia. Glenn was also held responsible for an additional 9,000 grams of cocaine, 1,130 grams of methamphetamine, and 170 grams of fentanyl attributed to him over the course of the investigation. Glenn has prior convictions for assault and battery 1st degree and possession of marijuana. Because of his prior convictions, he was prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Glenn to 220 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.

West Columbia, SC 09/14/2026 - Springdale Elementary hosted an AgVenture Evening, welcoming families to experience the school's expanding agricultural initiatives and see firsthand how hands-on learning is integrated into student’s education. While parents had the opportunity to visit with the school's resident goats and chickens, students retreated to classrooms for an array of "AgMazing" hands-on learning opportunities to include soil demonstrations, seed dispersal challenges, arts with South Carolina commodities and more. Student agricultural projects and coursework were also on display throughout the evening, showcasing the knowledge and skills developed through the program. To support the ongoing growth of the AgVenture program at the Lexington Two school, the event featured a student-led market where families were able to purchase jars of pickles students had taken through the canning process, as well as nut-free student-designed birdhouses. All proceeds directly fund future interactive learning experiences and agricultural supplies for the students. "AgVenture Evening gives our community a chance to see how deeply our students engage with agriculture," Principal Annette Ariail said. "From caring for live animals to crafting goods and growing produce, our students are gaining practical skills and a lasting connection to where their food comes from." The AgVenture program plans to expand its garden beds and animal habitats over the school year. Springdale families check out student soil demonstrations in a classroom during AgVenture Evening, held on September 10

West Columbia, SC 09/14/2026 - Looking for something fun to do THIS WEEKEND..... Come on down to the South Carolina State Farmers Market for the 2026 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market THIS SATURDAY September 19th 9am-4pm THIS SUNDAY September 20th 12pm-4pm OVER 150 VENDORS FREE ADMISSION and FREE PARKING PET FRIENDLY Get ready for a weekend packed with FALL + FOOD + FUN + SHOPPING As far as the eye can see… it’s going to be CRAFTS, CRAFTS & MORE CRAFTS! South Carolina State Farmers Market 3483 Charleston Highway West Columbia, SC 29172 TWO BIG FALL DAYS COUNTLESS reasons to come SHOP! Make sure to follow our event page 2026 Midlands Fall Arts & Crafts Market to see a selection of the amazing vendors that will be at our event.

West Columbia, SC 09/06/2026 - Herbert A. Wood Elementary School is marking a big milestone this year, and the community will have a chance to join in. The school will celebrate its 50th year as a place where students, families, educators and faculty/staff have come together to create lasting memories and build a strong tradition of excellence in the NeighborWood. The school opened as Pine Ridge Elementary School, when Herbert A. Wood was superintendent. It was built on 20 acres adjacent to Pine Ridge Middle School, and the school was later renamed to its present-day Herbert A. Wood Elementary. Congaree-Wood Early Childhood Center was built around 2000, adjacent to Wood Elementary, and operated for roughly two decades. Today, Wood serves PK-5th grade. The school is marking its 50th with several activities during the 2026-2027 school year, according to Principal Andrew Price, noting a committee at the school is working on plans. Among the largest events will be at the school’s annual Fine Arts Night, held each spring. It will include guest speakers, displays of historical Wood Elementary pieces, and more. Former Wood employees, students, and community members will be invited. “Wood Elementary has been a cornerstone of the Pine Ridge and Lexington Two communities for 50 years,” Price said. “As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are proud to honor our history and the countless students, families, and staff members who have made Wood what it is today. We are excited about the next 50 years and the possibilities that lie ahead for our students and our school community.” Price said the school is hoping to do a “Where Are They Now” social media series, spotlighting those with ties to Wood Elementary through the years. If you are a former Wood student or employee, please email the principal at aprice@lex2.org and share your experience. Price said the school is grateful for the continued support of families and the community and proud of the legacy that makes the NeighborWood so special. “We are proud of where we’ve been, excited about where we’re going, and ready to continue Leading and Learning together,” he said. An undated photo of Wood Elementary around the time of its opening in the late 1970s. The school opened as Pine Ridge Elementary and was later renamed to its present day name.