Midlands teacher enjoys bringing financial literacy to life for young students   Andrea McKnight of H.E. Corley Elementary School as the December Educator of the Month for the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program , an initiative Treasurer Loftis established to expand the number of educators teaching personal finance education across the state.   "Helping our youngest students learn that basics of money – from needs versus wants to the importance of saving, these are vital building blocks they will use throughout their life," Treasurer Loftis said. "I congratulate long-time educator Andrea McKnight of Irmo for her commitment to sharing these important lessons in her classroom. And I remain grateful for all the master teachers who have taken the challenge to boost their knowledge and skills to better equip their students with financial literacy.”   The South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program provides financial incentives to K-12 teachers who are experts in personal finance education and have a passion to share this knowledge with their peers. Since 2020, this ground-breaking program has provided specialized training and free personal finance curriculum resources that better enable them to promote financial literacy education in K-12 schools. It is sponsored by Future Scholar , South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics .   “Teaching personal finance lessons to elementary students has been an incredible experience, and I believe having this knowledge early in life and continuing to build upon it is important,” McKnight said. “I am thrilled for the opportunities my own daughters are experiencing in high school and college that will enable them to be more prepared to make better financial decisions. I wish I had the chance to become financially literate at a young age like my daughters.”   Andrea McKnight has more than 23 years of teaching experience and holds a Master’s degree plus 30 hours in Literacy. She is a National Board-certified teacher and previously taught first and second grades before transitioning into her current role as a reading interventionist. McKnight is married and mother of two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys boating on Lake Murray with family, traveling, gardening, and reading.

Lexington, SC 12/30/25 - The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program—adivision of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy—invites residents of Lexington County to become a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL). The upcoming FREE ONLINE TRAINING beginning February 3, 2026, offers community members a meaningful opportunity to advocate for children navigating the Family Court system. The training provides volunteers with the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to advocate for the best interests of children involved in Family Court proceedings. Volunteer Guardians ad Litem ensure that children involved in Family Court legal proceedings through the Department of Social Services have a voice. GALs speak for children in court during times of instability, helping them find safety, stability, and hope for a brighter future. Details of the February 2026 Volunteer GAL Training Date & Time: Begins February 3, 2026 — Morning and Evening Sessions Offered  Location: Virtual Training Application Deadline: January 20, 2026 Volunteer Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month advocating for a child. Make an Impact Visit gal.sc.gov for more information and to download an application. Follow @Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program on Facebook for updates and local events in your area or contact communications@childadvocate.sc.gov to be added to the newsletter for updates and local events in your area. For additional information, contact: Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer Phone: (803) 645-9956 Email: Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov

Lexington, SC 12/31/2025 - Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has positively identified the person who died in a two-vehicle accident in the 500 block of Old Chapin Road in the Lexington area of Lexington County on December 30, 2025, at approximately 06:38 PM.    According to Coroner Fisher, Ms. Cheryl S. Deichmann, 78, of Lexington was traveling westbound on Old Chapin Road when she struck a vehicle traveling eastbound on Old Chapin Road.  Ms. Deichmann, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area hospital with injuries.     The Lexington County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident.    Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Ms. Deichmann.

Cayce, SC 12/11/25 - James Smith, an attorney with more than three decades of experience, brings his legal skill, public‐sector experience, and proven leadership to the City of Cayce. As the council-appointed City Attorney, Smith has managed the full range of civil, business, real estate, land use, construction, and governmental issues that are central to municipal legal work. Smith’s 22-year tenure in the South Carolina House of Representatives—including service in senior leadership on the Judiciary Committee, where he helped shape and interpret laws affecting cities and towns statewide—adds significant regulatory and legislative depth to his qualifications. He also brings nearly 30 years of distinguished service in the South Carolina Army National Guard, including roles as a JAG officer and Infantry Lieutenant Colonel. Mayor Elise Partin said, “Just as James Smith has served our country and our state with honor, our city will now benefit from his legal expertise, integrity, and focus on helping move Cayce forward.” Smith added, “I’m deeply grateful for the confidence and support of the Cayce City Council. I look forward to working closely with City Manager Mike Conley, Mayor Elise Partin, and Council in service to our citizens and in support of the continued progress of the City of Cayce.” Smith was appointed by Cayce City Council on December 2 and will assume the City Attorney role immediately.

Recognizing those who protect South Carolina’s lands, waters, and wildlife with exceptional dedication. West Columbia, SC 12/11/25 - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is proud to announce the launch of the Palmetto Excellence in Stewardship Award, a new recognition program honoring employees who demonstrate outstanding commitment to our mission of protecting the lands, waters, wildlife, and people of South Carolina. This award celebrates individuals whose work reflects the highest standards of professionalism, service, and conservation leadership. Our department’s success depends on the dedication of staff across every division—from law enforcement officers on our waterways to biologists in the field, educators in our communities, and the professionals who support our operations behind the scenes. To inaugurate this new honor, SCDNR is proud to recognize Colonel Chisolm Frampton as the first recipient of the Palmetto Excellence in Stewardship Award—a fitting tribute for a leader whose career embodies the very principles this award seeks to celebrate. Few leaders have reshaped an agency and influenced a profession as profoundly as Colonel Chisolm Frampton, whose visionary leadership has strengthened the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division (SCDNR LE) and advanced conservation law enforcement across the nation. COL Frampton has served in critical leadership roles at every level, including President of the SEAFWA Law Enforcement Chiefs, member of the NACLEC Steering Committee, Vice Chair of the Charleston Area Maritime Security Committee, and Past Chair of the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Law Enforcement Panel. His strategic insights and commitment to cooperation elevated regional and national standards for resource protection. He authored South Carolina’s first State Law Enforcement Boating Procurement Contract, a framework still in use today that continues to support local maritime industries. He also created SCDNR’s Saltwater Enforcement Team, enhancing commercial fisheries enforcement along the coast. In partnership with FLETC and the U.S. Coast Guard, he helped develop a national maritime safety and security training curriculum now used across agencies. Under COL Frampton’s leadership, SCDNR LE underwent one of the most comprehensive modernizations in its history. He transitioned the division to electronic officer accountability, including E-ticketing, computer-aided dispatch, and digital evidence storage—changes that revolutionized accuracy, transparency, and officer efficiency. He implemented Axon body-worn cameras and a statewide 800 MHz radio system, significantly improving communication and officer safety. His efforts resulted in the expansion of the division from 211 to 352 officers, while raising starting salaries from $30,377 to $54,192, strengthening recruitment and retention. He also created more than 18 new supervisory positions, giving officers long-needed advancement pathways. COL Frampton expanded the training staff from two to eight full-time instructors, built programs in water survival, officer survival, and ground defense, and revitalized the Styx Firing Range with support from the South Carolina National Guard. SCDNR became the only wildlife agency in the country equipped with a FATS de-escalation simulator, elevating training to a national standard. His modernization efforts continued across specialized units. He reinstated the K-9 Team, expanded the Dive Team from 10 to 16 divers, and institutionalized the use of divers for coastal recoveries and abandoned vessel removals. He implemented ARIS sonar technology in aquatic investigations and oversaw a full equipment overhaul, including upgraded dive vans and rescue systems. SCDNR became the first wildlife agency in the United States to deploy Aimpoint laser-sighted firearms, achieved through a partnership with Glock Austria and Aimpoint. He further strengthened agency effectiveness by establishing dedicated law enforcement attorneys for prosecution and training. One of COL Frampton’s most enduring legacies is his leadership in creating the National Conservation Law Enforcement Leadership Academy (NCLELA). At a 2013 national meeting, conservation chiefs recognized the need for a pipeline of future leaders. COL Frampton was one of the first to volunteer, hosting strategic planning sessions at the Webb Wildlife Center and helping design a curriculum that anticipates the future challenges of the profession. Thanks to his leadership, NCLELA has become a cornerstone of professional development. More than 400 officers across the U.S. and Canada have graduated from the academy, including 90 promoted officers, 45 new Chiefs, Colonels, Deputy Chiefs, or Lt. Colonels, and several who now serve as state directors, assistant directors, and even a Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. COL Chisolm Frampton’s career represents a rare combination of innovation, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to public service. His influence extends far beyond South Carolina—shaping national training, strengthening interagency collaboration, and building the leadership foundation for the future of conservation law enforcement. His service exemplifies the very essence of the Palmetto Excellence in Stewardship Award, making him the ideal honoree to launch this new tradition of recognizing SCDNR’s most exceptional stewards.

West Columbia, SC 12/11/25 - Get ready for a full day of holiday magic in the Greater CWC! The North Pole opens at 12:00 PM at the Greater CWC Chamber (1006 12th Street)  with family activities, a holiday market, live music, entertainment, and more festive fun for all ages. Hop aboard the Holiday Trolley, running from 12:00–4:00 PM , with stops through Triangle City, State & Meeting, the River Arts District, and Foreman Street — the perfect way to explore local shops and seasonal happenings. Then, as the sun sets, the holiday glow takes over 12th Street!More than 100 floats, community groups, and local businesses will light up the route during the Holiday Parade of Lights, beginning at 5:30 PM,  drawing over 24,000 spectators from Cayce to West Columbia. We’re endlessly grateful for the incredible community, volunteers, and sponsors who make this signature tradition shine brighter every year. Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and join us for one of the Midlands’ most magical celebrations of the season!

LEXINGTON, SC 12/11/25… With tooth decay remaining the leading chronic disease, affecting 23% of those ages 2 to 5, establishing strong oral health habits early has never been more vital. To help foster these habits, Delta Dental of South Carolina – a non-profit organization and leading dental benefits provider and oral health philanthropist – has expanded its popular Land of Smiles® dental education program to include preschoolers. This fall, more than 8,000 children from preschool through third grade will benefit from this free, interactive program featuring superhero Captain Super Grin® and her sidekicks through in-person and virtual performances. Children at Deerfield Elementary School, Batesburg-Leesville Primary School and Nursery Road Elementary School in Lexington County were among those most recently enjoying the show.   The Land of Smiles® experience follows Captain Super Grin® as she defeats her nemesis, Caz Cavity SM , with help from Terri Tooth Fairy SM and Toothpick SM . Students learn the importance of brushing twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods and visiting the dentist regularly. The program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National and South Carolina Health Education Standards and offers age-appropriate materials in English and Spanish. Participating students receive free “smile bags” with a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss. “Establishing essential oral health habits early on lays the foundation for lifelong healthy smiles — and this program plays a meaningful role in supporting that outcome,” stated Stacy Harris, community impact program manager at Delta Dental of South Carolina. Since 2014, Land of Smiles has reached 360,000 kindergarten through third-grade students across 44 South Carolina counties. Pre- and post-show surveys show a significant improvement in these students’ oral health knowledge and behaviors after seeing a performance. Now that impact is being extended to even younger learners.   To schedule a performance, elementary educators can request an in-person or virtual show by emailing Schools@NationalTheatre.com or visiting www.landofsmilesprogram.org .  Pre-school directors can request the virtual show by visiting www.landofsmilesprogram.org and clicking on “South Carolina” then “Request Early Childhood Program.”

Lexington, SC 12/11/25 - The below listed vehicles have been abandoned in Calhoun County and are 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 motor vehicle within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody. The failure of the owner and or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle with the time provided it is deemed as a waiver by the owner and or lien holder of all rights, title, interest, in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the vehicle at public auction. If not reclaimed within the time period outlined above the vehicle may be disposed of according to state law.  These cars are not for sale we are trying to find the owners 2016 Freightliner Cascadia 3AKJGLDV4GSGZ3946  1994 Peterbilt 1XP6L29X2ED181470  2019 International Pro Star 3HSDZAPR9KN708041  2006 Chevy Malibu 1G1ZT51F66F19243  2011 GMC Sierra 1GTN2TE09B7169409  2011 GMC SIERRA 3GTPZVE31BG170844 2007 Chevy Impala 2G1WT58KX79236684 2006 GMC EV1 1GKDT13S262149944 Chevy Malibu 1G1ND52F0SM133715 2000 Dodge Dakota 1B7GL227YS52004

Lexington, SC 12/05/2025 - The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center continues its monthly Community Conversations series, launched this summer. The ongoing series spotlights a community leader who is making a substantial difference across the Midlands. “Advancing Community Well-Being” is the theme for this quarter’s focus, and the series is presented by Herndon Chevrolet. The conversation will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the conference center at the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, 311 W. Main Street, Lexington. This month’s event will feature Dr. Lila Anna Sauls, President & CEO of Homeless No More, who will discuss how her organization is creating a system of care beyond shelters to provide unique solutions for Lexington County homeless families. Homeless No More is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating family homelessness. They provide a seamless continuum of services and housing—from emergency care to transitional and affordable housing—to keep families together and offer meaningful support. Their goal is to help parents and their children achieve lasting housing and financial independence. HNM also represents vulnerable families in important community and policy discussions on topics such as transportation, education, and housing. “We’re excited to offer this series for our members and the community,” said Angelle LaBorde, President & CEO of the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center. “Through Community Conversations, attendees can connect with non-profit and business leaders and learn how their organizations are solving some of our region's most pressing challenges to significantly improve the well-being of our residents." Admission is complimentary, but advance registration is required. To learn more, visit https://lexingtonsc.org/events . For more information, call (803) 359-6113.

Lexington, SC 12/05/2025 – Recently close friends and family members joined together to create the Robert Arlin Bollier Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Lexington One Educational Foundation. Named in memory of a beloved teacher, friend, and entrepreneur, Robert Arlin Bollier passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in Conway, Arkansas, Robert was known for his soft-spoken and giving nature, sense of humor, and the remarkable way he never met a stranger.   Robert grew up in Guy, Arkansas, and graduated from Guy-Perkins High School in 1988. He went on to earn an AA in Agriculture from Arkansas State University-Beebe and a BSA in Agricultural Education from Arkansas State University, where he was president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and continued to be a proud alumnus. For more than 30 years, Robert dedicated his life to shaping young minds as an Agricultural Teacher and FFA Advisor. His students, whom he considered his own kids, felt his lasting impact at schools across the country: ·         Wickes Public Schools, Wickes, AR (1993–1998) ·         Drumright Public Schools, Drumright, OK (1998–2002) ·         Martin’s Mill ISD, Ben Wheeler, TX (2002–2005) ·         Cheraw High School, Cheraw, SC (2005–2014) ·         Lexington Technology Center, Lexington, SC (2014–2025) Beyond the classroom, Robert's passion for agricultural education was evident in his leadership roles. He served as President, Past President, and a board member of the South Carolina Agricultural Educators Association. His dedication made a profound impact on everyone he met. A passionate advocate for the FFA, he earned numerous state and national awards, pouring his heart into helping students succeed and shaping their character, as evidenced by accolades such as South Carolina Teacher of the Year and his most coveted recent award, the SCACTE statewide Carl Perkins Community Service Award.Robert had a passion for agriculture that extended to goat farming, with goats all over Lexington County. He was a valued and respected member of the West Columbia River District. In addition to his teaching career, he was a successful entrepreneur of a hospitality business (Twist) that proudly makes substantial contributions to numerous philanthropies. He was also a passionate animal advocate who partnered with the Humane Society of South Carolina to teach his students about animal rescue, care and welfare. Through his personal commitment to taking in cats, kittens, bunnies and other animals in need, he taught his students about empathy and love for all beings, as he and his students helped the rescued animals find loving families. Robert is survived by his five siblings: DeAnne Bollier; Tracey Grissom (Ross); Janie Crouch (Randy); Lisa Stacy (Lonny); and Thomas Bollier (Connie). He is also survived by eight nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, and his business partners, Don Walsh and Nena Sinclair. And a special thank you to the Tillman family, who took great care of Robert during his career in South Carolina. This scholarship fund is an opportunity to honor Robert's life and passion for the future of agriculture here in the Lexington, SC community by supporting a Lexington Technology Center senior each year who will pursue a college degree in agriculture at a South Carolina college or university. Eligible students must be a currently enrolled Lexington District One senior who has or will complete the Lexington Technology Center’s Agriculture Program upon graduation, as well as meet other criteria as outlined in the scholarship application.   Individuals may donate to the Robert Arlin Bollier Memorial Scholarship Fund by visiting the Lexington One Educational Foundation’s website and making an online gift designated to it. This endowed scholarship is a tribute to Robert Bollier’s life and legacy and will be a tremendous benefit to LTC students for years to come.

Lexington, SC 12/05/2025 - What: SOLE Stepping — a South Carolina nonprofit that has provided more than 15,000 pairs of shoes to children since 2016 — is bringing its high-impact shoe-giving program to Oak Grove Elementary. Volunteers will personally size and fit students to ensure every child receives a brand-new pair of shoes and socks. This event provides strong visuals: excited students getting fitted, rows of colorful new shoes, volunteers assisting children, and joyful reactions as students try on their new pairs. When: Monday, Dec. 8, all day (Media welcome anytime during distribution.) Where: Oak Grove Elementary School, 479 Oak Dr, Lexington, SC 29073 Who: All Oak Grove Elementary students Why it matters: SOLE Stepping believes that something as simple as new shoes can boost confidence, comfort, attendance and a child’s ability to participate fully in school. This event reflects the heart of the Oak Grove community: ensuring that every child has what they need to learn, play and thrive.

West Columbia, SC 12/05/2025 - The Town of Pine Ridge will not host a Christmas parade this year, but we invite everyone to join us for the Pine Ridge Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 5:30 PM. The event will take place at the Pine Ridge Town Complex located at 2757 Fish Hatchery Road. Parking is available at the Midland Girls Softball Complex. Music will be provided by the Herbert Wood Elementary Chorus, the Pine Ridge Middle School Band, the Airport High School Chorus, the Soldiers of Faith, and acoustic musician Nick Thompson. The children will enjoy the Christmas crafts, face painting, balloon artist, a mobile game truck, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Several food vendors will be available to satisfy all taste. The Pine Ridge Christmas Tree Lighting will provide a great opportunity for families and the community to enjoy the wonders that come with the Christmas season. We are encouraging everyone to bring a canned good that will be used to distribute to our veterans, replenish local church pantries and Blessing Boxes.