West Columbia, SC 08/21/2025 (Paul Kirby) – West Columbia police officers are in the early stages of a burglary investigation that occurred over the past three or four days. According to the property owner, he went to the home near the intersection of Smith Street and Glenn Street where he owned a home. When he arrived there Thursday evening, he found that someone had forced entry through a back door.   During the burglary, the suspects ravaged the home and stole a number of collectable items and damaged televisions that were thrown on the floor along with other damage. When the homeowner found this, he immediately called the West Columbia Police Department. Please click on this ad to learn more about our products and services   According to the homeowner, several antique motorcycles and the trailer they were on were stolen. The suspects also took an antique pedal car, a yellow 1978 Suzuki 50 junior dirt bike, collectable toy car (Matchbox) collections were taken, a 1987 YZ 490 Yamaha motorcycle and a 1986 YZ 490 Yamaha motorcycle were also taken.   There are also other homes and cars that have been broken into on Glenn Street recently. Most of the ones that this homeowner is aware of have been in the 700 and 900 blocks of Glenn Street. In some of these other cases, the suspects have been caught on home video systems, but police have not yet been able to positively identify them.   If you have any information regarding this burglary, please call The West Columbia Police Department at (803) 794-0721. The homeowner is offering a significant reward for information leading to the return of his things.   Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers’ website at crimesc.com or through their P3 tips app which can be downloaded from most app stores. If your tips help them make an arrest in this case, you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Irmo, SC 08/21/2025 – The community is invited by the Town of Irmo as they commemorate the life, legacy, and judicial contributions of the Honorable Judge Harold R. Boulware, Sr., civil rights attorney, public servant, and trailblazing jurist. A historical marker will be unveiled in his honor on September 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 131 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo, SC 29063. Transportation will be provided to the historic site beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the event is expected to last approximately 1 hour.   Born in Irmo, South Carolina, Judge Boulware was educated at Harbison Agricultural Institute (Irmo, SC), Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC), Howard University School of Law (Washington, D.C.), and was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. At Howard, he was mentored by civil rights giants Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston, whose guidance shaped his lifelong commitment to justice and equality. Click this ad to learn more about our products and services Judge Boulware rose to prominence as Chief Attorney for the South Carolina NAACP in 1941. His most significant case was Briggs v. Elliott, which he filed and served as local counsel with Thurgood Marshall and Robert Carter. This pivotal school desegregation lawsuit (originating in South Carolina) became Brown v. Board of Education, the most celebrated civil rights case in American history!   In 1969, Judge Boulware was appointed as the first African American Associate Judge for the Columbia Municipal Court (Columbia, SC) and later as a judge in the Richland County Judicial System, earning widespread respect for his fairness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law.   We will honor Judge Boulware’s extraordinary legacy with the unveiling of an official South Carolina Historical Marker in his hometown of Irmo, South Carolina. Celebrating his enduring impact on civil rights, public service, and judicial achievements.   A reception for Judge Harold R. Boulware Sr. will be held at Midlands Technical College - Harbison Theatre | 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063. 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Refreshments will be served.

West Columbia, SC 08/211/2025 - Lexington Two families and community members are invited to an open house Wednesday, August 27, to learn more about programs at the Lexington Two Innovation Center. An orientation for multilingual families is set for 4:45-5:15 p.m. The open house is set for 5:15-6 p.m. A Parent University follows from 6:15-7 p.m.   Events will be held at the Innovation Center, 509 Bulldog Blvd., Cayce. Click on this link to learn more about our goods and services   The state-of-the-art Innovation Center is home to a number of college and career readiness programs for high schoolers as well as Dual Enrollment and Early College programs, in partnership with Midlands Technical College. The career pathways program at the Innovation Center, also in partnership with Midlands Tech, awards dual enrollment or exemption credit for specified courses.   Among some of the program offerings at the Innovation Center in the current school year: Artificial Intelligence Automotive Technology Barbering  Building Construction CORE Engineering Cosmetology Culinary Arts Digital Art & Design Electricity Firefighting Health Science Introduction to Teaching Plant and Animal Systems Programming and Software Development Real Estate Sports Medicine Welding Technology   Class of 2025 graduates saved $200,000-plus on post-graduate professional certification programs by taking their courses during the high school day – free – at the Lexington Two Innovation Center. CAPTION: Students work in the electrical program at the Lexington Two Innovation Center.

Batesburg-Leesville, SC 08/21/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Investigators with the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department are in the early stages of an investigation into a homicide which happened just after midnight on Thursday, August 21, 2025. According to the Department, when officers arrived at the scene in the 500 block of Ash Street, which is southeast of US Hwy. 1, they found a man in the yard of a home who was deceased. He had multiple gunshot wounds. At this point, the Lexington County Coroner’s Office was notified.   Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher says that the man who was killed was Scottrell Juarez West, 37, of Monetta, SC. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Currently, investigators with the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department, assisted by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, have gathered evidence, interviewed any witnesses that were on the scene at the time of the shooting, and are beginning the process of trying to understand exactly what took place.   This is an investigation that is still in its early stages. We will update this story as more information becomes available.

West Columbia, SC 08/20/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Investigators with the West Columbia Police Department are hoping that someone will recognize the man pictured below. They would like to speak with him about a larceny that he may have been involved with. Please click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Police say that Investigator Aldridge is leading the investigation into this case. If you recognize the young man or have any idea where he may be located, the department ask you to please call Investigator Aldridge at 803-936-6287.   Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip through CrimeStoppers’ website at crimesc.com or through their P3 tips app which can be downloaded from most app stores. If your tips help them make an arrest in this case you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Dixiana, SC 08/19/2025 (Paul Kirby) - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be celebrating a historic milestone on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. On that morning, they will formally open their new agency headquarters near the SC Farmers’ Market. There will be a ribbon cutting and flag raising ceremony to mark the occasion. SCDNR’s Director Dr. Tom Mullikin and other distinguished guests will be in attendance.   The official street and mailing address will be the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 260 D Epting Lane, West Columbia, SC 29172. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and service This is yet another move by a federal or state agency to leave downtown Columbia. Last year, the FBI relocated their area headquarters to Lexington. The SC Department of Revenue has moved its headquarters to 300 A Outlet Pointe Blvd, Columbia (Saint Andrews), SC 29210 near the intersection of I-20 and Bush River Road. Large companies like Dominion Energy have led the same trend with businesses when they moved their headquarters from downtown to Cayce and number of years ago.   All of these moves have decentralized traffic away from Columbia’s downtown to less busy areas of both Lexington and Richland Counties.

Lexington County, SC 08/18/2025 - Lexington School District Two has installed new on-site weather monitoring systems at its two high schools to track and alert to lightning and other potential weather hazards, providing an added level of safety for staff, coaches, athletes, and attendees during outdoor practices, games, and related activities. The Perry Weather systems recently installed at Airport and Brookland-Cayce High Schools will track lightning and send alerts to appropriate staff within a 10-mile radius of the schools. Once detected,  within that 10-mile radius of the outdoor event facility or field, a loud horn alert also is activated — audible not only at the school but in the immediate surrounding areas of the campus. Play or practice will then be suspended, and those at the venue will be instructed to exit to a safe place until the Perry Weather system gives an all-clear, generally 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike. The system allows for custom alerts for other weather hazards as well, such as air quality, wind speed, and precipitation.  Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services The system will allow Lexington Two administrators to share weather information and alerts with other district schools for issues that could have impacts during the instructional day. The horn alert will be active weekdays during school hours, as well as after school and on weekends.  Barring anything unexpected, horn alerts will be turned off by no later than 10:30 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. and stay off through the overnight hours. District officials say the new system’s ability to track weather hazards at a hyper-local level will ensure a safer outdoor environment for students, athletes, staff, and fans.

Lexington County, SC 08/18/2025 - In Lexington, telehealth entrepreneurs are entering a new era of opportunity thanks to a significant shift in interstate licensing laws. The recent passage of the Social Work Interstate Compact Act has positioned South Carolina as a leader in digital behavioral health, allowing mental health professionals to practice across state lines more easily.  If you're building or scaling a telehealth venture in this region, the implications are significant: wider reach, faster recruitment and streamlined compliance. South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health already delivers around 1,550 psychiatric telehealth services each month, a reflection of the state’s expanding infrastructure and demand for remote care. For startups aiming to solve access issues in underserved communities, this policy change is ultimately transformational. Compact Licensing and the New Interstate Landscape The Social Work Interstate Compact allows licensed social workers to apply for a multistate license valid across participating states. With at least seven states—South Carolina among them—having passed legislation to join, implementation is now underway. Once active, social workers can serve clients in other member states without securing additional licenses. If you’ve waited weeks for clinician credentialing, you know how impactful that is. The compact preserves state regulatory authority while eliminating redundant bureaucracy. The ability to accept professionals with valid credentials in another compact state—and without requiring a separate South Carolina social work license —means your hiring pool expands overnight. You can build a team from Utah, Kentucky, Missouri or Kansas and launch care services statewide without wrestling with one-off licensing in each location. That flexibility makes your operation more nimble and client-focused. Legislative Progress and South Carolina’s Commitment In South Carolina, House Bills 3752 and 3633 were introduced during the 2024 legislative session, moving quickly through committee review and gaining bipartisan support. Both bills were passed in early 2025, signaling the state’s strong backing for innovation in mental health access. For telehealth providers in Lexington, this opens a new lane for growth. The compact doesn’t dilute state standards; rather, it aligns them with a common framework. You’ll still need to verify your staff’s qualifications and maintain quality standards, but you won’t face unnecessary delays due to geography. Importantly, South Carolina remains in full control of its licensing board and disciplinary procedures. Any social worker practicing in the state under the compact remains accountable to local rules. That’s reassuring for healthcare founders who value regulatory clarity. You’re gaining access to out-of-state talent without compromising the protections South Carolina patients count on. Lexington’s Infrastructure Favors Telehealth Growth Lexington is particularly well-suited to take advantage of the compact’s benefits. The region has invested in strong broadband coverage and its healthcare ecosystem continues to change, particularly around mental and behavioral health. Local coworking spaces, small business accelerators and state-backed development grants give startups a favorable launchpad. If you’re starting out or scaling up, this mix of connectivity and community support makes it easier to focus on product, outreach and service design. With the compact, hiring becomes far less restrictive. You can find top-tier clinical social workers in other compact states, offer competitive contracts and go live faster than before. Previously, launching in a new state required months of paperwork, state-specific exams and sometimes relocation. Now, with a multistate license, your company can operate in a broader market while remaining headquartered in Lexington. The agility that brings could be a decisive advantage in a crowded, fast-moving field. Practical Considerations and Startup Strategy Although the compact clears the biggest hurdle—interstate licensure—it doesn’t remove all operational requirements. If you're managing a telehealth company, you’ll still need to track continuing education credits, complete background checks and meet supervision guidelines for every provider you employ. The good news is that many of today’s healthtech platforms are updating to handle this complexity: automated systems can now flag license expirations, verify state eligibility and alert you to compliance updates. That kind of automation matters. You want to spend time growing your patient base and fine-tuning your service offerings, not wading through administrative tasks. With more insurers embracing parity rules for telehealth reimbursement, billing also becomes more consistent. A well-structured multistate team allows you to offer flexible scheduling, niche specialties and culturally responsive care—essential components of modern mental health delivery. What Comes Next for Lexington-Based Founders Now that the compact is active in enough states to move forward, South Carolina entrepreneurs have a unique window of opportunity. Implementation will take place over the next 12 to 24 months, giving you time to prepare systems, update legal frameworks and build partnerships. Consider sourcing talent from compact member states that complement your team’s needs. If you need clinicians with trauma recovery expertise, for example, you can broaden your search far beyond South Carolina. It’s also a great time to build relationships with training programs and MSW graduates across compact states. Many universities are integrating telehealth readiness into their social work curricula and compact licensure will let those graduates find work with you faster. Establishing partnerships now means you’ll be well-positioned as demand continues to rise. Over the next few years, you could operate a regional virtual care network—all from your office in Lexington, without compromising quality or compliance. The Social Work Compact is more than a legislative update—it’s a blueprint for what scalable, equitable telehealth can look like. For Lexington’s growing group of mental health entrepreneurs, it removes longstanding roadblocks and creates the conditions for real impact. If you’re ready to build across state lines while staying rooted in South Carolina, this is your moment to act.

Springdalle, SC 08/18/2025 - The new state-of-the-art Lexington 2 Performing Arts Center will host a new “Live After Five” series, with 5-7 concerts and other events over the course of the year featuring a mix of local, regional, and national artists Following the success of last year’s debut with local concerts, this new series is sure to appeal to fans of many ages and interests. “While the Live After Five series was created to provide opportunities for the community to experience high-quality live performances, we also hope to allow our students to learn from, engage with, and even perform with some of these amazing artists. We are thankful to be able to share our beautiful new venue with the public and continue to shine a spotlight on the arts for our students, community and beyond, ” says Executive Director Jim LeBlanc. The series kicks off September 5 with the local group Columbia Rat Pack, performing “The Music of the Rat Pack - A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.” Step back in time with regional stars Jason Stokes, Kevin Bush, Terrance Henderson, and Jonathan Jackson, performing together in the Midlands for the first time in several years. This spirited tribute to America's greatest crooners promises swingin’ tunes, plenty of laughs, and a “Rat Pack” vibe that’s all about savoring the good times. 7 p.m.; tickets are $20-$30 on sale now at l2pac.ludus.com Click this ad for more for more about our products and services Among other announced performances: “Divas of Soul,” October 17 — Award-winning vocalist CeCe Teneal will bring her “Divas of Soul” tour to our stage. This spectacular celebration of fifty years of chart-topping music from artists like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and more has wowed audiences worldwide . In addition, Ms. Teneal will conduct a master class with high school choir students at Brookland-Cayce and Airport High Schools during the school day and perform “Divas of Soul” that evening, with the students accompanying her onstage as a backup choir. 7 p.m.; tickets are $30-40 on sale now at l2pac.ludus.com . “Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute,” November 1 — Blank Space, Los Angeles’ premier tribute band, recreates the magic of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with  “Blank Space: The Taylor Swift Tribute.” Blank Space is the closest you’ll get to the real thing, with song-by-song, outfit-by-outfit recreations of the Eras Tour. Featuring stunning costumes, flawless choreography, and all of Taylor’s greatest hits, Blank Space delivers a world-class experience for Swifties of all ages. 7 p.m.; tickets are $35-50 and will go on sale Sept 2 at l2pac.ludus.com (Blank Space is not endorsed by or in any way affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.) Lexington Two’s Performing Arts Center is at 3205 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.  Please note, the venue has a clear bag policy for events: Click this link to view Watch for announcements of other shows in coming weeks as part of the “Live After Five” series at l2pac.lex2.org

Convenient, affordable and career-focused; an online degree may be the shot in the arm you need to advance your criminal justice career. Lexington County, SC 08/18/2025 - If you have ever thought about a career in law enforcement, the court system or any other aspect of public safety, a criminal justice degree can be a door opener. And the best part? You don't have to pack your bags and rip up your roots to achieve it. With flexible online degrees, like the one offered by Appalachian State University, individuals right here in Lexington County can earn their degree at their own pace, in comfort from home, coffee cup by your side, dog underfoot, maybe even with the washer running in the background. What exactly is a criminal justice degree? Criminal justice is actually all about studying the laws, processes and people that keep our communities safe. When you learn this field, you're being exposed to a mixture of topics like: Criminal law and procedure. Policing and corrections. The court system. Criminology. Ethics and justice. Research methods. You'll also learn about the big picture; how crime impacts society, how justice agencies cooperate and what can be done to prevent crime from being committed in the first place. It's an excellent blend of applied learning and academic study that prepares you for all types of careers. And don't worry, you won't have to become a police officer if that's not your job. This degree will prepare you for all kinds of jobs in law enforcement, legal aid, public policy, cyber security and even government agencies. Looking for an online criminal justice degree in the Carolinas? If you’re thinking seriously about starting your journey in this field, Appalachian State University offers a fully online criminal justice degree designed for busy adults. Their website onlineprograms.appstate.edu breaks everything down in an easy-to-navigate way. You'll notice details on the curriculum, admissions, transfer credits and what makes their program unique, including flexible scheduling, faculty specialists and transfer-friendly options. It's one of the better options if you require an online criminal justice degree in the Carolinas , and it's backed by a well-established public university with a background in supporting students to be successful online as well as in the classroom. Why do it online Let's be real. Life is crazy. Between work, family and just making it through the daily, returning to school can feel like climbing Mount Everest. But getting your criminal justice degree online makes it a whole lot easier. Here's why: You set the pace Online courses are designed with life in mind. That is, you can hear lectures after work, read on the weekends or submit assignments during nap time. It's learning on your schedule, not theirs. Learn from the best, no matter where you are You don't necessarily have to be near a big university to enjoy experienced instructors. The majority of online degrees (like Appalachian State's) are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. They bring real-world know-how and scholarly expertise into every class. No commute, no problem Come on, dealing with Lexington County traffic can be a pain. Taking online classes allows you to bypass the time and gas money that you would have spent traveling to campus. Just sit down and get started. Save some cash Online degrees are less expensive, and you don't have to spend money on housing, parking and eating out, just to name a few. And with in-state tuition and scholarship funds, it's cheaper than you might believe. Careers you can pursue with a criminal justice degree One of the best things about this degree is its versatility. Whether you're starting out or changing careers, a criminal justice degree can lead you to some fascinating destinations, including: Police officer or sheriff's deputy. Probation or parole officer. Crime scene investigator . Corrections officer. Court clerk or legal assistant. Federal agent (FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, etc.). Private security or corporate loss prevention. Emergency management. Victim advocacy and social services. And that’s just the beginning. Some grads even go on to law school or grad school in criminal justice, public administration or social work. What about transferring credits? Excellent question. A lot of folks in Lexington County have some college under their belt already, whether that's through Midlands Tech or elsewhere. The good news is that a lot of online degrees, including App State's, are highly transferable. You may have more credits toward a degree than you think. They'll look at your past coursework and assist you in developing a plan that makes sense so you're not duplicating courses you've already done. Final thoughts: Is an online criminal justice degree right for you? If you have an interest in justice, an interest in how our systems of law function and a need to assist in making your community safer, then yes, this could be an ideal fit. Online learning isn’t for everyone. You’ve got to be self-motivated, organized and comfortable managing your own schedule. But for a lot of people, especially busy adults in Lexington County, it’s the perfect way to balance education with everything else life throws your way. So, whether you're simply window shopping your options or ready to begin, take a look at what schools like Appalachian State offer. Your future in criminal justice could be just a few clicks away. Article Images Source: pexels.com

Lexington, SC 08/18/2024 - The South Carolina Department of Transportation will close and detour the Calks Ferry Road bridge over I-20 in Lexington County for repairs beginning September 8. The closure is expected to last until October. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services As part of this closure, a detour route will be set up using Sherwood Road, Longs Pond Road, and Two Notch Road. A map of the closure and detour can be found below. SCDOT asks that drivers slow down and pay attention when driving near work zones.

Red Bank, SC 08/14/2025 - Conservative Republican and decorated military veteran Brian Duncan issued a statement Tuesday following the resignation of suspended State Representative RJ May.   “Today’s resignation is long overdue,” Duncan said. “For nearly a year, the people of District 88 have had no effective voice at the Statehouse. While this has been a difficult chapter for our community, it is my hope that this decision marks the beginning of a new era of accountability and leadership. My thoughts are also with the victims in this case and their families, who have endured unimaginable harm.”   May’s resignation comes nearly a year after Homeland Security agents raided his home on August 5, 2024, seizing dozens of electronic devices as part of a federal investigation. In June, May was indicted on multiple counts related to child sexual abuse material and ordered detained without bond. During this time, May and his allies in the South Carolina Freedom Caucus stood by in silence — offering no answers, no accountability, and no compassion — while the victims of his alleged crimes and the constituents of District 88 were left to suffer without representation.   “District 88 deserves a representative who shows up, works hard, and puts the needs of our citizens first,” Duncan said. “Our community faces real challenges with growth, traffic congestion, economic development, and public safety. We need someone who is present, engaged, and prepared to lead on day one.” Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services   Duncan, a lifelong Lexington County resident, launched a write-in campaign last year in response to May’s absence and silence. He has spent the past year meeting with residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing his vision for a stronger District 88.   “When the special election occurs in the coming months, I will be ready to continue the work I began last year meeting with residents, listening to their concerns, and sharing my vision for a stronger District 88,” Duncan said. “I’ve served my country, I’ve served my community, and I am ready to serve again in the State House.”   Duncan added that the priority now is to ensure the people of District 88 quickly regain a voice in Columbia. “This is a time to move forward,” he said. “The way we do that is by electing leadership that reflects the integrity, work ethic, and values of the people who call this community home.”   To learn more or support the campaign, visit BrianDuncanforSCHouse.com . Contact: Brian Duncan 803-479-6853 Brian@BrianDuncanforSCHouse.com