Lexington, SC 06/11/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Investigators with the Lexington Police Department need the public’s help to identify three alleged shoplifting suspects. They were involved in the theft of five PlayStation 5 gaming consoles from Walmart on April 23, 2025. The value of the merchandise taken was over $2,200. The subjects left the Walmart parking lot in a silver Dodge Avenger with out-of-state license plates. Click on this link to learn more about our product and services If you have information about this case, contact Corporal Tomaino by email at 803-359-6260 or mtomaino@lexsc.gov . To remain anonymous, contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or through their website at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com . You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Irmo, SC 06/11/2025 - The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library, in partnership with LTC Hospitality Solutions, will present an encore presentation of the sold-out 2024 Mystery Dinner Theater play “Murder on Main Street” at The Venue on Main Street in downtown Columbia on Friday, July 25. Tickets are limited, so if you missed seeing the show last summer, be sure to sign up early. The Vaudeville EXTRAVAGANZA is the hottest show at The Grand Theater on Columbia’s Main Street in 1910, and things get even hotter when the knife-thrower’s assistant stumbles out of the theater with a knife in her back. Don’t miss this opportunity to see “Murder on Main Street,” on Main Street in its historical setting. The Venue is right across Main Street from The Grand. “Murder on Main Street” was written by local writer Licia Jackson. Who could have wanted young Flo Conway, who works for local Madam Maude O’Riley and dreams of making it big as a vaudeville performer, dead? Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Policeman Barney Brumby is convinced it’s the knife-thrower Marco the Magnificent, but Maude isn’t so sure. Could it have been philandering State Senator Hampton Huger, who is running for governor? His wife, Zinnia, who would do anything to become First Lady of South Carolina? Jilted ex-boyfriend Bill Brown? The Rev. Obadiah Wright, who is known to hold long counselling sessions as he tries to reform the local ladies of the evening? Or the Marvelous Marvelline, the vaudeville magician who is jealous of Marco’s top billing? Attendees at this audience-participatory evening of fun, prizes and mystery will enjoy dinner and be entertained by local actors as Maude enlists audience members to help find the guilty party. One lucky audience member who correctly identifies the murderer will be named the "Super Sleuth" and win the Grand Prize. In addition, audience members are encouraged to dress in their best vintage attire to compete in the 1910 costume contest. A prize will be awarded to the best costume as voted by audience members. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the action starting at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are only available through Eventbrite at: Murder on Main Street

Cayce, SC 06/11/2025 (Paul Kirby) – A former Cayce City police officer has been terminated and arrested today after a SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) revealed that he had a personal relationship with a woman while on duty. Michael Joseph Timo, age 34, was arrested by agents of SLED after they completed their investigation. He has been booked into the Lexington County Detention Center on the charge of Misconduct in Office. Timo was sworn into the Cayce Police Department in October 2022. He was terminated after the SLED investigation on June 6. According to the warrant issued for Timo’s arrest, SLED’s investigation revealed Timo and the woman “engaged in an improper personal relationship while on duty,” between March 26 and April 14th of this year. The investigation further revealed that Timo had a sexual encounter with the woman on March 29th. This happened near his city issued cruiser while Timo was on duty in the parking lot of the Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center. Further details revealed in the warrant say that Timo was dressed in his department-issued uniform at the time of the encounter. When confronted, Timo admitted to the charges. A witness also gave a statement regarding the situation.

Lake Murray, SC 06/11/2025 - The Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board is thrilled to announce that Lake Murray has been named the #1 Best Lake for Water Sports by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 ! Lake Murray, SC 06/11/2025 - Lake Murray’s first-place finish affirms what the region’s locals and visitors from all over the country already know—that Lake Murray is more than just a lake: it’s a true national hotspot for outdoor recreation and water sports activities. This prestigious win highlights Lake Murray’s continued status as a premier destination for water-based recreation in the Southeast and beyond. Known for its 650 miles of shoreline, clear waters, and natural beauty, Lake Murray is a magnet year-round for water recreational activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and boating. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Determined by a nationwide public vote period from May 5 through June 2, Lake Murray beat out 19 other lakes from across the country to claim the winning spot. This year was Lake Murray’s second consecutive nomination for “Best Lake for Water Sports,” following its #2 finish in the same category during the 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Nominees for all categories were carefully curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA Today 10Best editors before being voted on by the public. The competition featured leading destinations from across the country, with winners determined entirely by public vote. “Winning this national recognition is a testament to the energy, pride, and passion our community brings to Lake Murray,” said Miriam Atria, President/CEO of Capital City/Lake Murray Country. “Whether you’re jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the scenery, there’s no doubt this lake offers something truly special. We’re honored to see it named the best in the country for water sports.”

Lexington, SC 06/10/2025 (Paul Kirby) - The Lexington Police Department needs to identify an alleged shoplifter who took multiple bottles of fragrance from ULTA Beauty on May 17, 2025. He concealed the items in his pants. The value of the merchandise taken was over $700. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services If you have information about this case, please contact Detective Matthews at 803-358-7262 or by e-mail at jmatthews@lexsc.gov . To remain anonymous, contact Midlands Crimestoppers by phone at 1-888-CRIME-SC or through their website at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com . You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Lexington, SC 06/10/2025 - Lexington County School District One is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–26 school year at Forts Pond Elementary School, Pelion Elementary School, Pelion Middle School and Pelion High School.   Section 104(a) of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 amended section 11(a)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(1))(the law) to provide an alternative to household applications for free and reduced-price meals in local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with increased levels of low-income students. This alternative is referred to as the Community Eligibility Provision. All students enrolled in the school/district may participate in the breakfast and lunch program at no charge to them. Families will not have to fill out meal applications. Breakfast and lunch meals follow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for healthy school meals. Please encourage students to participate in the school meal programs. You may contact your School Food Service (SFS) Director, Deidre Yonce, for additional information. Parents or guardians that do not want their child/children to participate in CEP may wish to discuss this matter with Director, Deidre Yonce, on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to Jennifer Miller, Chief Financial Officer, whose address is: 100 Tarrar Springs Road, Lexington, SC 29072, (803-821-1000) for a hearing to appeal the decision. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov .This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Chapin, SC 06/10/2025 (Paul Kirby) – The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that a tornado formed during strong storms that hit Lake Murray and the Chapin area Monday night damaging areas just west of Chapin. Although storms spawned heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds countywide, it appears as if the Chapin area’s storms were the most severe. Please click this ad to learn more about our products and services The NWS says that an EF1 tornado with wind speeds in the 95 mile per hour range landed touched down along Caro Lane and crossed the Amick’s Ferry Road peninsula close to Lexington County’s Amick’s Ferry Fire Station at Lake Tide Drive. It continued to do damage along Sand Bar Lane and Lazy Creek Drive on an adjacent peninsula. The tornado finally continued across US Hwy. 76 (Chapin Road) doing some damage on the Peak and Richland County side of the highway. There were some tree limbs down and other vegetation damaged at Crooked Creek Park off Old Lexington Highway which is close to Lexington Richland District 5’s Chapin Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle Schools. All of this occurred during the same time as the storms got the strongest. Damage assessment was still being done Tuesday afternoon. Much of that work is done by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Lexington, SC 06/10/2025 - Lexington County School District One today announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Local school officials have adopted the following household size and income criteria for determining eligibility: Household Size and Income Guidelines for Free Meals or Reduced-Price Meals Effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines Effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. For school officials to determine eligibility, the household must provide the following information on the application: (1) A SNAP or TANF case number certifying the household is currently eligible for either of these assistance programs and an adult household member signature or (2) names of all household members, the name and last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member signing the application form, current income by source for each household member and a signature of an adult household member certifying that the information provided is correct. Click this ad to learn more about our products and services Foster children may also be eligible for these benefits regardless of household income. If a household has foster children living with them and the household has not previously been notified by the School District that their foster children have been directly certified for free meals, the household should include and count the foster children (including personal income earned by the foster children) on the household application form with other non-foster children. Under the provisions of the policy, Tori Lowery, Eligibility Supervisor, will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the reviewing official may wish to discuss the decision with the reviewer on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to Jennifer Miller, Chief Financial Officer, whose address is: 100 Tarrar Springs Road, Lexington, S.C., 29072, for a hearing to appeal the decision. The hearing procedures are outlined in the policy. If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes, the household should contact the school to file a meal application. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income falls at or below the levels shown above. A complete copy of the policy is on file in each school and in the office of the District Superintendent, where any interested party may review it. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov . This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

West Columbia, SC 06/09/2025 – A man who was behind the wheel of a car in September of 2023 was sentenced after he pleaded guilty last Thursday to killing a teenager and her grandfather in a crash in West Columbia. Joshua Yarborough, age 26, crashed his car into another that was occupied by 17-year-old Leeya Leaveratte and her grandfather, Cornelius Clory at the intersection of 12th Avenue and B Avenue right a Zestos while he was intoxicated. Law enforcement officers say he had a blood alcohol level of .084 when it was measured after the collision. Yarborough pleaded guilty to 2 counts of felony DUI resulting in death. He was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for each charge. 17-year-old Leeya “Lee-Lee” Leaveratte and her grandfather, Cornelius Clory, died in the wreck. She was a senior in high school, and he was a grandfather who loved his family, to sing, and was an expert gardener. Click this ticket to learn more about our products and services Yarboroughs sentences will run concurrently. He will have 692 days knocked off his sentence for the time he spent under house arrest. This means that he will serve just a little more than 8 years. This number could be reduced even further while he is in prison depending on his behavior and other factors. Prosecutors argued that they had a receipt that showed Yarborough had at least 3 drinks just before the crash. His attorney argued that he took medication for an ongoing seizure disorder that could have contributed to the wreck. Others said that was all the more reason for Yarborough not to be drinking or driving a vehicle. Representatives from the family of the 2 victims believe that 10 years is too short a sentence for taking 2 lives. A representative of the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office agreed but said their office and the sentencing judge was hamstrung by SC law that made 10 years the maximum available sentence in this case.

Gilbert, SC 06/09/2025 - Mark your calendars for a milestone celebration as the Lexington County Peach Festival marks its 65th anniversary! Join us on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Gilbert Community Park in Gilbert, South Carolina, for this cherished annual tradition. Hosted by the Gilbert Community Club, this year’s festival invites guests of all ages to celebrate Independence Day at South Carolina’s sweetest summer gathering. Enjoy a full day filled with family-friendly activities, delicious fresh peach treats, and warm Southern hospitality. Festival-goers can look forward to fan-favorite attractions such as the Peach Parade, antique car show, local craft vendors, food trucks, spectacular fireworks, and an outstanding lineup of live music. Event Details Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Location: Gilbert Community Park, Gilbert, SC Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:15 PM Admission: Free Parking: $5 Festival Highlights: Peach Parade | 9:30 AM: A festive, mile-long parade kicks off the celebration at 9:30 AM, marching along Hampton Street and Main Street. Enjoy floats, marching bands, and local organizations celebrating Independence Day and the "Queen of Fruits." Please note: Roads in and around Gilbert will close promptly at 9:00 AM. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Live Music | 12:00 - 9:15 PM: Find your spot in the shade at Gilbert Community Park and bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy a day filled with musical talent. This year's lineup features artists from South Carolina to Nashville performing Americana, Rock, Country, and Folk music. Presented by Lexington Medical Center . 12:00 PM – Watson Village 1:00 PM – Donovan Twins 2:00 PM – Howl in The Valley 3:00 PM – Admiral Radio 4:00 PM – Michael Haney 5:00 PM – Mac Leaphart Band 6:00 PM – Gritty Flyright and the Music Family 7:30 PM – Kevin MaC and the Homies Fresh Peach Treats | All Day: Savor delicious peach treats , including Peachy Peach Ice Cream, Peach Cobbler, Peach Tea, Peach Slush, and more delightful creations from local vendors. New this year: Starting at 2:00 PM, enjoy three brand-new peach treats: Peach Tea Popsicles, Peach Cream Popsicles, and Snicker Doodle Cookie Sandwich with Peach Buttercream– only available while supplies last! Car Show | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Car enthusiasts can admire classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles at the annual car show . Awards will be presented in multiple categories. Hosted by BSA Troop 60 of Gilbert. Food and Craft Vendors | 9:00 AM - 9:15 PM: Explore over 150 vendor booths showcasing a wide variety of arts, crafts, farm produce, food, and much more. Fireworks Finale | 9:15 PM: End the evening with a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the Gilbert skies in patriotic and peachy splendor. Best viewing locations include the open fields around Gilbert Elementary, Gilbert Middle School, and Gilbert Community Park. Presented by T-Mobile Fiber . Also in conjunction with the Peach Festival:  Peach Pageants | June 14,  9:30 AM & 3:00 PM: Support contestants competing in various divisions to claim their crowns. The pageants will be held at the Lexington One Performing Arts Center at Gilbert High School. Learn more here. Planning Your Visit Getting Information: Guests are encouraged to visit our Plan Your Visit page at http://lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com/planyourvisit for comprehensive details on parking, directions, festival maps, schedules, and more. Important Note About Parking : Festival-coordinated parking spots are available for a $5 fee. These lots are managed entirely by local student groups from Gilbert Area Schools, with 100% of parking fees directly benefiting the clubs staffing each lot. We greatly appreciate your support of these local students. Guests are strongly encouraged to use designated parking areas and avoid parking along roadsides. Visit Us Online & Follow Us For detailed schedules, park maps, vendor lists, FAQs, and more, please visit our website at www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com . Stay connected with us online: Facebook and Instagram: @lexcopeachfestival X (formerly Twitter): @lexcopeachfest

South Congaree, SC 06/06/2025 - Crystal Bouknight is leaving her position as West Columbia City Clerk to become South Congaree Town Manager. Bouknight will start her new job in South Congaree on Monday, June 9. "We're thrilled to be bringing in Crystal as our new Town Manager," said South Congaree Mayor Cindy Campbell. "Hiring her is a huge step forward for us. She has years of experience working in municipal government and with West Columbia City Manager Brian Carter." Carter said he is extremely proud of Bouknight's accomplishments. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services “Crystal began her career with West Columbia in March 2017 in our customer service department. Over the last eight years, relying on her aptitude and attitude, Crystal earned promotions to become the administrative executive assistant, the administrative supervisor, and the city clerk. I am excited that Crystal is moving into a position with more responsibility and authority,” Carter said.   Bouknight said she will work to enhance the Town of South Congaree. “South Congaree is primed for growth,” she said. “I welcome the opportunity to help develop relationships with businesses and residents. I will be the contact person.” Bouknight said she is ready to “get to work right away” to help make South Congaree “a place that people want to come to." In addition to her eight years with the City of West Columbia, Bouknight worked in the administrative office of Northside Middle School in Lexington County School District Two for 12 years.   She is a 2021 and 2023 Graduate of the Advanced Local Government Leadership Institute. She earned Certification in 2020 from the MASC Clerk and Treasurer’s Institute and a Certified Municipal Clerk Designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2020. Bouknight holds an Associates in Applied Science Degree- Human Services with honors from Midlands Technical College.

Lexington, SC 06/06/2025 (Paul Kirby) - Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has now released the identity the woman who was killed in a two-vehicle collision on South Lake Drive at the I-20 overpass in the Town of Lexington on Thursday, June 5, 2025. According to Coroner Fisher, Trinity Dasani Jones, 22, of Columbia was the passenger in a vehicle that exited I-20, crossed a median and several lanes of traffic before it struck a vehicle head-on that was traveling westbound on South Lake Drive. Click this ad to learn more about our products and services Jones, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead due to her injuries. The driver of the vehicle that was carrying Jones was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Town of Lexington Police Department and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the incident.