Lexington, SC 07/10/2026 - Trua, a franchise that helps families find ideal senior living options for their loved ones, has launched in the South Carolina Midlands. The brand recently welcomed new franchise owner Pam Georgeson, who will serve families and referral partners across Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Elgin, Blythewood and West Columbia. Georgeson was inspired to become a Trua Senior Living Locators franchisee after experiencing firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find the right care for an aging loved one. “I have been caring for my aging parents,” said Georgeson. “My mama had dementia and Alzheimer’s, and in 2020, my family and I had to make the difficult, yet loving, decision to place her in memory care. We had no idea where to start.” That experience took place during the height of the pandemic, when many senior living communities were closed to visitors in order to protect residents and staff. Georgeson began by asking her mother’s primary care physician for recommendations, then started calling communities on her own. “I had no idea what questions to ask beyond, ‘Do you have availability? and "How much does it cost?’” said Georgeson. “Having a partner like Trua Senior Living Locators to advise and support my family and advocate for our loved one during a very overwhelming decision would have been welcomed.” Her goal is to help clients find the most suitable senior living community the first time — with compassion, care and clarity. Trua’s mission aligns with Georgeson’s passion for guiding families through one of life’s most emotional and important decisions. Founded in 2019, Trua Senior Living Locators provides personalized guidance to help families navigate senior living options. The Cincinnati-based operation combines a blend of proprietary software, vetting protocols and skillsets to identify senior living options that best match their clients’ personal wishes. As the owner of Trua of SC-Midlands, Georgeson brings personal caregiving experience and a deep sense of empathy to her new role. Having walked through the process with her own family, she understands the stress, uncertainty and emotional weight that can come with choosing care for an aging parent. “I have lived empathy,” said Georgeson. “I walked this road with my family as we made the difficult decision that the level of care our senior loved one required had outgrown our love.” In her first year, Georgeson is focused on building trusted relationships throughout the Midlands senior care community while helping families make informed decisions with confidence. Her goal is to support families as they search for the safest and most appropriate senior living community for their loved one the first time. “Caring in the senior living space means empathy, listening and compassion,” said Georgeson. “Families deserve support from someone who understands how personal and emotional this decision can be.” Georgeson has lived in Columbia for six years, moving to the area to be near family after her parents relocated from North Dakota to live closer to her only sibling. Today, she calls Columbia home and is honored to serve families throughout the Midlands. Since launching Trua of SC-Midlands, Georgeson has become involved with two key networking groups: Northeast Senior Professionals and Senior Care Professionals of the Midlands. Through these connections, she is building relationships with professionals and organizations that serve older adults and their families across the region. Families and professionals looking for senior care for their loved ones or patients can learn more information by visiting truacares.com/trua-of-sc-midlands or call 803-467-2651

West Columbia, SC 07/10/2026 - This year we have added off site parking with FREE shuttle bus service. We also added about 1,000 addition seats and multiple Cooling Stations for your health. Grab your tickets today!

Lexington, SC 07/08/2026 - Lexington County Public Library celebrates the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through free immersive history events presented throughout the week of July 13-17. For adults and teens, Southern Campaign 1780 brings living history to the libraries through colonialera reenactors. The Campaign will visit each library branch to present "Battlefield Stories" and demonstrate soldier gear, medicine and daily life on the Revolutionary battlefield. This event is provided through funding from the SC250 Commission. For children visiting the South Congaree-Pine Ridge and Swansea libraries, "Revolutionary Swords" brings the Confederate Relic Room to the library to share sword stories and teach basic 18th-century saber moves. The Cayce Historical Museum brings "Clay Shapers" to the Gaston and Cayce-West Columbia libraries. Children will learn how Native Americans and other cultures shaped clay and will have the opportunity to create bowls or pots. "Quills, Seals and Hats" provides children with an opportunity to experiment with commonly used items from the Revolutionary period: quills, seals and hats of colonial fashion. The Lexington County Museum will present this event at the following libraries: Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Batesburg-Leesville, Gilbert-Summit and Pelion. Information about specific dates and times is available on the library's website at www.lexcolibrary.com.

Columbia, SC 07/08/2026 - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and United Against Fentanyl (UAF) will host nationwide Walk for Lives 2026 events on July 11, 2026. This national partnership is in support of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative with more than 100 family-led community events across the United States in a single day. WHEN: Saturday, July 11. 2026 TIME: 9:00 am – 11:00 am LOCATION: Lexington High School (2463 Augusta Highway, Lexington, SC 29072) This state-wide event hosted by DEA, the South Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, and United Against Fentanyl will feature a first responder vehicle display and “touch a truck” event, activities for kids, a memorial for those who have lost their life to fentanyl, and a community resource fair connecting community members to lifesaving services including prevention education, recovery support, and grief counseling services by public and private organizations from across the state. Fentanyl-related overdoses and poisonings remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. On average, nine high school students die each week from a drug-related death. More than one million parents throughout the United States grieve the loss of a child to a drug-related death. For more information Visit Walkforlives.org to learn how to get involved in Walk for Lives 2026, including locations and registration. For free prevention resources and educational materials visit DEA.gov/fentanylfree

Irmo, SC 07/08/2026 - The Irmo Police Department is announcing the initial results of an ongoing multi-agency undercover chat operation that began in April and led to the arrest of 14 individuals accused of attempting to sexually exploit children online. The operation focused on combating the online-facilitated sexual exploitation of children by utilizing undercover law enforcement officers posing as minors or adults with access to children. Through these proactive investigations, commonly known as "traveler" operations, investigators identified individuals who allegedly attempted to arrange sexual encounters with children they believed to be underage, allowing law enforcement to intervene before an actual child became a victim. The operation was conducted in partnership with the South Carolina Attorney General's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Laurens Police Department, South Carolina Department of Corrections, Lexington County Sheriff's Department, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the United States Secret Service (USSS) "Protecting our children remains a top priority," said Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale. "These investigations are proactive by design. Our goal is to identify individuals who are seeking to exploit children online and intervene before that child becomes a victim. This operation demonstrates what can be accomplished when agencies work together to keep our communities and our children safe." As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested or are pending additional enforcement action: • Russ Gooden-Waites, 47, Columbia ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor • Juan Carlos Ramirez Sotelo, 35, Cayce ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; ICE detainer issued • Brandon A. Sweeper, 40, Columbia ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree July 6, 2026 Media Contact: Ashley Hunter Irmo Police Department Public Information Officer 803-665-3676 or ahunter@mpastrategies.com • Dylan Thomas Arms, 33, Chapin ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor • Patrick Acree Richardson, 24, Columbia ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree • Maurice Junior Newman, 33, Southbridge, Massachusetts ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor • Dame Diagne, 39, Sumter ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor • Corey Weston Jamison, 45, Orangeburg ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor • Eric Donyae Cathey, 37, Memphis, Tennessee ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor • Malik Moore, 29, Columbia ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor • Darius Deontre Strother, 28, Columbia ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor • Elmer Javier Baquedano Maroquin, 32, Lexington ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor; Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, First Degree; ICE detainer issued • Amos Maurice Pearson, 42, Anderson ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor • Antoine Raynard Aiken, 47, Summerville ‒ Criminal Solicitation of a Minor; Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor Chief Dale emphasized that online child exploitation investigations require extensive coordination and vigilance. The Irmo Police Department remains committed to proactively investigating crimes against children and encourages parents to remain engaged in their children's online activity. This investigation is ongoing and no further information will be disclosed at this time to protect the integrity of this and future investigations. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Irmo Police Department at (803) 781-8088 or South Carolina Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC

Lexington, SC 07/08/2026 - The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program invites community members to become volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The next FREE online training begins Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with additional trainings offered every four weeks. Volunteer GALs are trained to advocate for a child’s best interests in Family Court, helping ensure safety, stability, and permanency. Training Details: Begins: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (virtual) Format: Virtual with Morning and evening sessions available Application deadline: August 4, 2026 Requirements: Age 21+, clean background, no prior DSS history For additional information, contact Richard Fowler, Regional Recruiter and Trainer for the Guardian ad Litem Program, at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov.

Lexington, SC 07/02/2026 Scott M. Horton, 59, received a sentence of forty-five (45) years in prison following his conviction for murder in the beating death of his common law wife, Patricia Smerdell, on or about June 20, 2020. Circuit Court Judge Debra R. McCaslin imposed the sentence following a recent jury trial in Lexington County. The jury returned a guilty verdict of Murder on Friday, June 19th, 2026. Horton will not be eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Eleventh Circuit Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Jordan Cox. This case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. On the morning of Saturday, June 20th, 2020, Scott Horton made a 911 call reporting that his wife was not breathing and was unresponsive on the floor. Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department arrived at the couple’s home located at 105 Wynnsum Trail following the 911 call. Upon entering the residence, first responders noted that Patricia Smerdell had been deceased for several hours and had numerus bruises across her face and body. Scott Horton reported that he found his wife on the floor after he arrived home from work the night before. He stated that he observed bruising on her face, placed a blanket over her, and left her in the floor overnight. Four days later, in a second interview with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Horton made inconsistent statements about when he first found his wife injured on the floor. An autopsy was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina by forensic pathologist Dr. Angelina Phillips on June 23, 2020. The autopsy documented over 30 separate injuries to Patricia Smerdell, including multiple patterned injuries consistent with the use of a blunt force tool or instrument. The pathologist noted injuries to the victim’s head, face, ear, chin, torso, shoulder, hip, and lower back. The pathologist determined that the numerous injuries were inconsistent with a fall. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head and the manner of death was homicide. At trial, it was established that Scott Horton and Patricia Smerdell were the only two occupants of the home. There were no signs of a burglary, no signs of forced entry, and no items of value were missing from the home. Evidence set forth that the couple had a history of animosity, including testimony from a neighbor that he heard frequent arguments between the pair. Law enforcement was previously called to the residence in 2017 and 2018 due to civil disputes between the couple. Horton has been transported to the S.C. Department of Corrections to begin immediate service of the sentence. During the sentencing phase, the family of Patricia Smerdell shared photographs and memories of her as a mother, sister, and business professional. If you or someone you know is in need of services or experiencing domestic violence, you may reach the Sistercare Crisis Line at (803) 765-9428.

Irmo, SC 06/26/2026 - The Town of Irmo is proud to announce that Mayor Bill Danielson has been selected by the Nominating Committee of the Association of South Carolina Mayors (ASCM) to fill an unexpired one-year term on the organization's Board of Directors. This appointment recognizes Mayor Danielson's commitment to municipal leadership and provides the Town of Irmo with an expanded voice in statewide conversations affecting South Carolina's local governments. The ASCM Board of Directors meets twice annually to develop educational and training opportunities for South Carolina’s Mayors, discuss legislative advocacy at the State House, and coordinate initiatives that strengthen municipalities across our state. The association also hosts mayoral forums during Hometown Legislative Action Day and the Municipal Association of South Carolina's Annual Meeting, providing opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of best practices among municipal leaders. Mayor Danielson was recently appointed to the prestigious 2026 Small Cities Council for the National League of Cities. "I am honored to be selected to serve on the Association of South Carolina Mayors Board of Directors," said Mayor Bill Danielson. "This opportunity allows me to represent the Town of Irmo while working alongside mayors from across our state to exchange ideas and further advocate for our Irmo communities. Local governments each face unique opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to bringing those conversations back to Irmo as we build a community where residents and businesses are continuing to thrive."

IRMO, SC 06/20/2026 -The Town of Irmo has officially named longtime resident, educator, and community advocate Julie Zimmerman as the first-ever recipient of the Heart of Irmo award. Coordinated by Councilman Mike Ward and presented by the Irmo Town Council, this new semi-annual honor recognizes outstanding local volunteers who demonstrate an exceptional, selfless commitment to uplifting the community. Councilman Ward introduced the award by highlighting the vital role that local volunteers play in our community. "Over the last several years and decades, we're seeing fewer and fewer people step up and volunteer their time," Ward noted. "There are a lot of unsung heroes. And so, we started the Heart of Irmo award, awarded to volunteers who are giving back to their community completely selflessly." When the town turned to the public for nominations, Zimmerman’s name rose to the top. Community submissions highlighted her extensive hands-on advocacy, noting that she is "always willing and ready to support her neighbors and community by assisting those with food insecurity." Another nominator added, "Julie embodies the joy of service. Julie and Irmo go hand in hand." Upon accepting the award, Zimmerman expressed her gratitude and shared the simple motivation behind her efforts. "I am humbled and honored, and it's such a blessing to be recognized," Zimmerman said. "But the reason why I do what I do is to help people. My efforts to serve my neighbors are at the heart of everything I do. Whether it's starting Neighbors Helping Neighbors (an initiative that provides resources to those in need), helping Councilman Penfield with the free Christmas tree distribution, or simply seeing someone in need at Kroger and giving them a smile. This is just really at the heart, no pun intended, of what Irmo is. Giving back to the place that has given so much to me is one of the greatest honors of my life." The Town of Irmo extends its deepest congratulations to Julie Zimmerman for her unwavering service and for setting a definitive standard for what it means to be the "Heart of Irmo."

Lexington, SC 06/20/2026 - Christopher Lamar Corbitt, a 34-year-old Wagener man, has been sentenced to fifteen (15) years in prison following his conviction at trial in Lexington County for Trafficking Methamphetamine, more than 28 grams but less than 100 grams, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime. Circuit Court Judge Martha Rivers presided over the jury trial and imposed the sentence when the trial concluded on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Under South Carolina law, trafficking drugs is classified as a violent and serious offense. Corbitt will not be eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitors Player Long and Melissa Moon. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. During the summer of 2024, investigators with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s Multi-Agency Narcotic Enforcement Team were conducting an ongoing investigation into Corbitt. On July 8, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Corbitt’s vehicle in the Pelion area of Lexington County. A search of Corbitt’s vehicle yielded just over 93 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. There were additional items of evidence in the vehicle that indicated Corbitt sold drugs. Assistant Solicitor Long commented that “methamphetamine has a devastating impact on our communities. This verdict and sentence demonstrate our commitment to working alongside law enforcement in aggressively prosecuting drug traffickers who threaten the safety of Lexington County residents.” Corbitt will be transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin serving his sentence.

Lexington, SC 06/09/2026 - Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) is proud to unveil the third “Greetings From” mural in their “Connecting and Protecting Communities” series across Lexington and Richland counties. The “Greetings from Columbia” mural has been installed in partnership with the City of Columbia at the top entrance to Finlay Park, almost directly adjacent to the park’s signature spiral fountain. It was designed and painted by Austin Garrett Reagan, with input and guidance from the City of Columbia, and was funded by Keep the Midlands Beautiful. The first “Greetings From” mural was unveiled in Swansea in July 2025 and the second was unveiled March 9, 2026 in Lexington. “The ‘Greetings from Columbia’ image and the anti-litter and recycling theme will be a vibrant greeting for visitors to our newly re-opened Finlay Park, and inspire civic and community pride,” said Columbia Strategic Initiative Administrator Skot Garrick. “These murals are designed to help instill pride among residents and visitors in our city and state. We each play a role in keeping our community an attractive, healthy, happy, and safe place for all of us to live, work and play. Something as simple as putting litter where it belongs, every time, can make a tremendous difference,” said Traude Sander, Executive Director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful. To learn more about volunteering with Keep the Midlands Beautiful, to donate towards litter reduction, recycling, beautification or educational programs, or to sponsor a “Greetings From” mural in one of the other 19 municipalities across Lexington or Richland counties, go to https://kmbsc.org, email programs@kmbsc.org or call (803) 733-1139. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “Greetings from Columbia” mural will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 11:00 am in front of the mural at the top entrance (Laurel Street) to Finlay Park.

Pelion, SC - 06/09/2026 - Pelion Rookie Ball All-Stars finished as the runner up in the Diamond Youth Baseball (DYB) District 4 All-Star Tournament on June 3, 2026, and advanced to the state tournament in Orangeburg on June 27th - 30th. Front Row (L-R): Nolan Shumpert, Nolan Downey, Colton Dallis, Grant Roebuck, Graham Lundeen, Colton Woodward; Middle Row (L-R): Zaidyn Smalls, Jackson Ritchie, Jace Roark, Koen Skinner, Easton Holderness, Drayton Green-Garner; Back Row (L-R): Justin Shumpert (Manager), Assistant Coaches: Cody Roebuck, Jack Lundeen, Chris Woodward, Austin Dallis