Lexington, SC 02/17/2026 – Join the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. for an essential update on the future of state infrastructure. The event will be held at the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, located at 311 W. Main Street, featuring guest speaker Allen Hutto, Chief of Staff for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Presented by Heidelberg Materials, the "Community Conversations" series is a monthly initiative that spotlights the leaders and topics most critical to the Midlands' business climate and quality of life. This month’s session focuses specifically on state transportation, with a goal of providing clarity on vital infrastructure projects and current funding models. The featured speaker, Allen Hutto, brings two decades of expertise as a governmental affairs attorney and has represented public and private interests at the local, state, and federal levels. Having previously served as the CEO of the Building Industry Association of Central SC and Director of Governmental Affairs for SCDOT, Hutto offers a comprehensive perspective on how transportation policy shapes our community. “The Chamber continues to prioritize transportation as a pressing issue for our businesses and residents, especially with the pending County’s Capital Project Sales Tax initiative,” said Angelle LaBorde, President & CEO of the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center. “We are proud to offer this series as a way for our members to connect with key leaders and understand firsthand how local, county, and state government is driving progress across our region’s transportation network.” This is a unique opportunity to gain insight and learn how leadership is moving the Midlands forward. While admission is complimentary, space is limited and advance registration is required. To secure your spot or to learn more about the series, please visit lexingtonsc.org/events. For more information, call (803) 359-6113.

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Lexington, SC 02/17/2026 – The Lexington business community "Scored Big" this year as the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center hosted its most vibrant LEXPO business trade show to date. On Thursday, February 12, the Barr Road Sports Complex was transformed into a high-energy arena of commerce and community spirit, drawing a large crowd of over 725 attendees who came out to support and celebrate the business community. Embracing this year’s high-octane sports theme, the energy was electric as more than 90 exhibitors—ranging from small startups to established corporations—competed for the coveted "Best of Show" and "Most Spirited" awards. Over half of the participants went all-out, donning jerseys and creating elaborate, sports-inspired booth displays that showcased the creativity and competitive fire of the Midlands' business scene. The Chamber is thrilled to announce this year’s award recipients, who truly knocked it out of the park with their creativity and spirit. Leading the pack as the Best of Show winners were The Guttermen/Palmetto Creek Property Maintenance, who wowed the judges with an incredible, custom-designed outdoor landscape display. Taking home the Best of Show Runner-Up honors was Absolute Glass for their concessions themed booth, complete with popcorn, peanuts and cracker jacks! Community favorite Mission Lexington earned the Most Spirited award for their “Mission Mania” wrestling theme, which was a “knock-out,” followed closely by Whataburger, who claimed the Most Spirited Runner-Up title. They offered tasty food, a game for prizes and swag, and brought their “What-A-Guy” mascot. Additionally, we were excited to recognize Krantz Kooling & Heating was named as the “Rookie of the Year.” They were first-time participants who made their debut with a fun, race car theme. Beyond the competition, the event featured the fan-favorite "Flavors of Lexington," where guests sampled the best of the local culinary scene. From the bold tastes of Ember Lexington, Mediterranean Café, Old Mill Brew Pub, and Salsaritas, to the classic comforts of Travinia Italian Kitchen, Whataburger, Biggby Coffee and Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q, the evening was a true testament to the diverse and thriving hospitality industry in Lexington. “The Chamber is dedicated to showcasing the unique products and services of our diverse business members, and this year’s LEXPO exceeded every expectation,” said Angelle LaBorde, Chamber President & CEO. “With hundreds of businesses and residents in attendance, the evening was a powerful reminder of how much our community values its local businesses. The atmosphere was lively, the engagement was high, and the spirit of Lexington was on full display.” Presented by more than 30 corporate and executive-level sponsors, LEXPO continues its decade-long legacy as the premier event for connecting consumers with the local businesses that drive our economy forward.

Lexington, SC 02/14/2026 - At its January 27, 2026, meeting, the Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Brittney Linton as Lexington One’s new Food Service and Nutrition director. An experienced leader in child nutrition and public health, Ms. Linton brings over a decade of expertise in food service management, nutritional compliance and community health education to the district. Ms. Linton joins Lexington One from the Lee County School District, where she served as the Director of Child Nutrition for nearly five years. In that role, she successfully directed all food service activities, ensuring operations remained fiscally sound while adhering to state and federal guidelines. She is credited with planning and organizing district-wide programs that prioritized student health through balanced, educational and accessible nutrition.  Prior to her leadership in school food services, Linton worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. During her tenure as a breastfeeding coordinator and nutritionist, she managed regional peer counseling programs, and monitored federal compliance for WIC sites across the Pee Dee Region. Her background also includes impactful work with Clemson University’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) where she assisted in curriculum development and grant procurement. Linton earned a Bachelor of Science in food science from Clemson University, with a concentration in nutrition and dietetics and has 30+ hours towards her master’s degree. She is highly credentialed in food safety and operations, holding certifications as a HACCP Instructor and a ServSafe® Instructor and Registered Examination Proctor. She serves as vice president of the School Nutrition Association of South Carolina and secretary for the South Carolina Purchasing Alliance, continuing to advocate for innovation and collaboration in school nutrition programs.

West Columbia, SC 02/14/2026 - Five Airport High School athletes declared their intent Thursday to play their sports at the collegiate level. The Airport athletes who participated in the signing ceremony and their commitments are: Laura-Bell Boatwright, Acrobatics & Tumbling, Coker University: Boatwright is a two-year varsity letterman in bowling and cheerleading. She plans to major in nursing. Addie Maynor, Softball, Erskine College: A five-year varsity letterman, Maynor’s accomplishments include All-Region honors in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and she earned Best Offensive Player in 2024. She plans to major in health science. Abigail Gartman, Softball, Columbia International University: Gartman is a six-year varsity letterman. She was selected as an All-Region player in 2024 and was The State Player of the Week. She plans to major in biology. Landon Jeffcoat, Baseball, Spartanburg Methodist College: A three-year varsity letterman, Jeffcoat was selected to All-Region in 2025 as was a key contributor to Airport’s 2025 AAAA State Championship team.  Justin Sightler, Baseball, Columbia International University: Sightler, a three-year varsity letterman, earned All-Region honors in 2025 and was a member of Airport’s 2025 AAAA State Championship team, serving as the team’s catcher in all 35 games.  Coaches, teammates, fellow students, family members, and faculty and staff attended Thursday’s event, which was held in Airport’s auditorium.

Lexington, SC 01/14/2026 - Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has positively identified the person who died in a two-vehicle accident in the 1900 block of Calks Ferry Road in the Lexington area of Lexington County on February 13, 2026 at approximately 5:20 PM. According to Coroner Fisher, Mr. Michael James Turner , 65, of Gilbert was traveling westbound on Calks Ferry Road when he crossed left of center, struck a vehicle that was traveling eastbound on Calks Ferry Road, and then struck a tree. Mr. Turner, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident.

Lexington, SC 02/14/2026 - Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has positively identified the person who died in a two-vehicle accident in the 1000 block of Old Orangeburg Road in the Lexington area of Lexington County on February 13, 2026 at approximately 3:20 PM. According to Coroner Fisher, Mr. Brian Westley Deloach , 56, of Lexington was traveling westbound on Old Orangeburg Road when he crossed left of center and struck a vehicle that was traveling eastbound on Old Orangeburg Road. Mr. Deloach, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to an area hospital with what was reported to be minor injuries. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the incident.

Lexington, SC 02/14/2026 - LIEN SALE In accordance with the South Carolina self-service storage act, Charter Oak Storage, located at 548 Longs Pond Rd., Lexington, SC 29073, will be conducting a public auction to satisfy the Owner's lien for the following spaces. Property contained within the space(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an online auction at www.storageauctions.com . Online bidding will begin February 19th, 2026, at 10 AM and will end on March 5th, 2026, at 10 AM to the highest bidder by cash only. The seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. Charter Oak Self-Storage reserves the right to set minimum bids and to refuse bids. Please refer to www.storageauctions.com  for all other terms and conditions governing the bidding and auction process. Cristhian Espinosa - (B23): Household/Kitchen items Joseph Santiago - (D13): Office Supplies/Boxes Marvin Raines - (B14): Appliances Heather N. Swanson - (B3): Household/Garage items Matthew Harris - (B16): Household/Garage items Preston Peevey - (B24): Household/Garage items Preston Peevey - (B25): Household items

West Columbia, SC 02/11/2026 – Five former standout athletes and coaches at Brookland-Cayce High School will be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. The event is set for halftime of the home varsity boys basketball game on Thursday, February 12.   Following are this year’s inductees: George Beam Coach 1979 - 1986 George Beam was head coach of the boys basketball team and amassed a 76 percent winning record. His teams had seven consecutive state playoff appearances, 1980-1986, and his teams ended their seasons ranked in the state’s Top 10 final polls in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984, 1985, and 1986.  His teams were Region Champions in 1982, 1985, and 1986; Newberry Christmas Tournament Champions in1982; and Hawaii Invitational Tournament Champions in 1985. Mr. Beam was named Region Coach of the Year in 1981, 1985, and 1986, and he was selected Columbia Area Coach of the Year in 1980. Mr. Beam served as president of the Midlands Area Coaches Association, 1981-1986; president of the State Basketball Coaches Association, 1985 and 1986; and coach of the  North Team in the 1986 SC All-Star Game. He was Cayce-West Columbia CWC Optimist Man of the Year in 1980, a 10 Young Community Leaders selection by the Columbia Record  in 1985, and a host of the high school basketball TV show “Roundball Roundup” from 1983-1986. Melanie Murray Athlete Class of 1994 Melanie Murray earned 11 varsity letters, playing softball, basketball, cross-country and volleyball. She was selected to the All-State and All-Region Softball Teams in 1992, 1993, and 1994, SC Coaches Association of Women’s Sports All-Star Team in 1994 (MVP), and Softball North-South All-Star (1994). She received the Golden Glove Award in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 and was a National Junior College Athletic Association 1st Team All-American in 1994 and Fast Pitch Softball Championship Honorable Mention, as well as a member of the All-Tournament Team in 1993. She was offered softball scholarships to Spartanburg Methodist College and Nicholls State University. She was later a member of the Virginia Roadsters Professional Softball Team (1997-1999) and served as head coach of the Spartanburg Methodist softball team (2002-2004).  Erika Pittman Goodwin Athlete Class of 1995 Erika Pittman Goodwin earned four varsity letters in cheerleading. She was captain of Brookland-Cayce’s cheerleading team in 1995 and selected for Most School Spirited Superlative and Most Dedicated as a senior. She was a cheerleader at the University of South Carolina from 1995-1999, serving as captain in 1998-1999. She was a cheerleader at the University of Louisville from 2000-2002 and captain of the school’s co-ed cheer team in 2001-2002. She was later head coach and spirit coordinator for the University of South Carolina and worked with co-ed and all-girls programs for 21 seasons. She led USC cheer teams to Top 10 finishes for 20 consecutive years at the National Cheerleaders Association’s Collegiate Championship and served as South Carolina state director for Varsity Spirit. Cindy Kessler Coach 1970 - 2000 Cindy Kessler served as head coach for softball, volleyball, gymnastics, cheerleading, track and field, and bowling teams. Her team earned a first place finish and State Gymnastics Championship in 1981 and were Gymnastics Invitational State Champions in 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980. As a softball coach, her teams were 4-A State Champions in 1987 and 1988, and she was SC Softball Coach of the Year in those same years. Her volleyball teams were Region Champions in 1975 and 1978. She was a founding member of the Coaches Association of Women’s Sports (CAWS) and was inducted into the SC Coaches Association of Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.  She was the Brookland-Cayce Teacher of the Year in 1982-1983 and was inducted into the Educator Hall of Fame in 2010. She served on the Lexington Two Board of Trustees from 2000-2024. James “Jake” Koy Stone Jr. Athlete Class of 1968 James “Jake” Koy Stone Jr. earned 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. He was a member of Brookland-Cayce High School’s State Championship football team in 1966. In 1967, he was selected to the All-Area Football Team, Shrine Bowl Team, and was the Columbia Area Preseason 1967 Sports-A-Rama Offensive Player MVP.  In 1968, he was named Columbia Area Athlete of the Year Runner-up, Brookland-Cayce High School’s Most Outstanding Athlete, and was the starting left cornerback in the North-South All-Star Game, logging four interceptions.   In track and field, Mr. Stone was the AAA State Champion in low and high hurdles in 1967, and set a Brookland-Cayce High School record in 1968 for scoring 191 points in eight track and field events. Mr. Stone received a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina (1968-1971) and was a USC letterman (1970). He was a member of the 1969 ACC Championship Team.

Lexington, SC 02/11/2026 - On March 2, 2026, Pam Altman will join Lexington One’s Educational Foundation as the new Executive Director.  Altman brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, advancement and institutional effectiveness to the role. She previously served for 12 years with the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation, where she held positions as alumni relations manager and director of advancement services. During her tenure, she helped build the foundation’s alumni program from the ground up and doubled donor participation in five years. She also led fundraising initiatives, managed donor databases and oversaw outreach operations.  Following her work with the foundation, Altman joined the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics as an institutional research analyst and later as director of institutional effectiveness and support. In those roles, she developed and implemented policies and procedures to strengthen organizational effectiveness and evaluated performance in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic goals. "We are very excited for the depth of skills and breadth of experience that Pam will bring to this role," said Bridget Winston, board chair of the Lexington One Educational Foundation. "Her work in change management, process improvement, fundraising, donor relations, marketing and event planning will be an asset to the foundation as we continue our work to support the students and staff of Lexington County School District One." A graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics herself, Altman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of South Carolina.

Who: Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center What: LEXPO 2026 – Lexington’s Largest Business Expo When: Thursday, February 12th, 2026 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Where: Barr Road Sports Complex – 213 Barr Road, Lexington SC February 11, 2026 Lexington, SC 02/11/2026 - LEXPO, the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center’s annual business trade show, brings together more than 90 businesses of all sizes and local restaurants to connect with consumers and network. Happening Thursday, February 12, 2026, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Barr Road Sports Complex, 213 Barr Road, Lexington, LEXPO is expected to attract more than 700 people. For more than a decade, LEXPO has continued to be a community favorite and well-attended event. Exhibitors show their community spirit by decorating their booths utilizing this year’s sports theme as they compete for the coveted “Best of Show” and “Most Spirited” awards. Returning this year will be “Flavors of Lexington” featuring samples from local restaurants. Restaurants include Biggby Coffee, Ember Lexington, Mediterranean Café, Old Mill Brew Pub, Salsaritas, Travinia Italian Kitchen, Whataburger and Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q. Admission is free for Chamber members and $2 at the door for the public. Complimentary tickets are available at the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, 311 W. Main Street or can be downloaded from lexingtonsc.org .