Lexington, SC 01/14/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Investigators with the Lexington Police Department are in hopes that someone will be able to recognize a thief from a few very poor-quality photos. Police believe the person depicted in these photos stole a handgun from a vehicle that was parked overnight in the driveway of a home in the Wellesley neighborhood on January 5, 2025. Please click on this ad to learn more about our company Police say that this person not only took the gun but also tampered and stole from other vehicles in that neighborhood. Apparently, he went from home-to-home checking for unlocked vehicles and stealing what interested him in the cars and trucks he could get into. If you have information about these incidents, contact Detective Matthews at 803-358-7262 or by email at jmatthews@lexsc.gov . For you to remain anonymous, contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or on their website at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com . You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Lexington, SC 01/14/2025 - The Lexington Police Department is crediting the public for helping the locate 14-year-old Khalil Shaw, age 14, of Lexington. Shaw left his parent’s home on the morning of January 7, 2025, and had refused to return when he spoke with them on the phone last weekend. Find out more about our company by clicking on this ad to be taken to our webpage Investigators who worked on this case had published a photo of Shaw on social media several times. It was posted again on January 13, 2025, and afterward, police received tips that led them to Shaw. He was returned to his home by police shortly after he was located. Police say that Shaw was in good health when he was found and returned to his family. They are considering Shaw a runaway and do not suspect he was being held against his will.

Lexington, SC 01/14/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Representatives for Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon have reported that a young man they were seeking has been taken into custody. 21-year-old Tony Bernard Gantt turned himself into deputies last Thursday ending a manhunt for him. Investigators believe that Gannt was involved in a violent home invasion in the Gaston area of Lexington County. This crime occurred in the last few days of 2024. Gannt and at least one other suspect that is still being sought is believed to have invaded a home and committed several violent acts. During this home invasion, someone died. Investigators have not yet charged Gannt or his cohort with the crime of murder. This is an ongoing investigation. Please click this ad to see more about us from our webpage Now investigators say they are looking for Kierstan Damien Rucker, aged 19, of Lexington County. He is believed to have been involved with Gannt in the same home invasion and related crimes. You can read more about Rucker by going to this post. LINK: Lexington County sheriff deputies asking for help to locate a violent teen wanted on multiple charges

Gaston, SC 01/14/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Deputies with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department are asking the public for their assistance in locating a teen who is wanted on a long list of violent crime charges. According to the department, they are looking for Kierstan Damien Rucker, age 19, of Lexington County. Please click this ad to see more information on our webpage Investigators say that just before New Years Day of 2024, Rucker invaded a Gaston area home. While in that home, he committed the crimes of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and first-degree burglary. During the commission of these crimes, a person was killed. At this point, investigators are still looking into the facts surrounding that death to decide whether to charge Rucker with homicide. Deputies say that Rucker is 6’2” tall and weighs 185 pounds. Law enforcement officers say that Rucker should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. If you see him or know where he can be found, do not approach him or acknowledge that you know he is wanted. If you are in proximity to Rucker, retreat to a safe place and immediately call 911.

Lexington, SC 01/13/2025 - Mission Lexington is excited to announce that Ron Williams, Director of Operations, will be expanding his role within the organization to oversee capital funding initiatives and manage projects related to corporate and foundation giving. As Mission Lexington continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of the Lexington community, Ron’s new responsibilities will be critical in driving the success of the organization’s capital needs and ensuring long-term sustainability. Click this ad to learn more from our website In his expanded role, Ron will manage strategic funding opportunities, working closely with corporate and foundation partners ready to advance Mission Lexington's mission. “We are thrilled to have Ron take on this expanded role,” said Amy Reeves, Executive Director of Mission Lexington. “As the demands of our community grow, it is essential that we remain agile and proactive in securing the funding needed to sustain our programs. Ron’s extensive experience and strategic vision will be key to ensuring that Mission Lexington continues to thrive and provide critical support to those who need it most."   Mission Lexington is committed to providing vital support services to individuals and families in crisis throughout the Lexington area. "I look forward to this expanded opportunity to ensure our neighbors in crisis have the support they need when they need it most," said Ron Williams.

Lexington, SC 01/13/2025 - The Executive Hustle is one of the most popular and unique events hosted by the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, and the next gathering is set for Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Executive Hustle is a relaxed, guided speed networking event that helps individuals in business introduce themselves and their company’s products and services to more than 15 to 20 new contacts. “The Executive Hustle facilitates moving beyond simple introductions, allowing participants to meet others in business, and learn more about their products and services. The Chamber provides a unique format and a casual environment to develop new connections and relationships,” said Angelle LaBorde, Chamber President & CEO. See more information on our website by clciking this ad Registration is at 5:45 p.m. and the event starts at 6:00 p.m. with casual networking at the Chamber’s office, located at 311 W. Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072. At 6:15 p.m., the program begins and will last until 7:30 p.m. Registration is $20 for shareholders and $30 for non-shareholders and includes light refreshments and beverages. This event is proudly sponsored by the Chamber’s Platinum & Gold Sponsors. Seating is limited. Participants can register here. For more information, call (803) 359-6113.

Cayce, SC 01/23/2025 - The City of Cayce is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Hospitality and Accommodation Grants program . This annual funding opportunity is designed to support local businesses, tourism-related initiatives, and community organizations that contribute to the city's economic growth and cultural development through hospitality and accommodation services.  The Cayce Hospitality and Accommodation Grants provide financial assistance to businesses and organizations that are working to enhance the visitor experience, promote tourism, and drive economic activity in the City of Cayce. Eligible applicants can apply for grants that support a variety of projects including:   Tourism marketing and promotion efforts Facility improvements and upgrades Event hosting and community programming Infrastructure projects that improve the hospitality experience   Click on this ad to see more information on our website Applicants must meet the following criteria:   Registered business or nonprofit organization located in the City of Cayce Services that support tourism, hospitality, or accommodation Plan for how the grant funding will be used to benefit the community and enhance visitor experiences   "We are excited to open the application process for the 2025 Hospitality and Accommodation Grants," said Steven Gaither, Grant Manager for the City of Cayce. "These grants are a key tool in supporting the local economy and fostering tourism growth in our community. We encourage local businesses and organizations to apply and take advantage of this valuable opportunity."  Applications for the 2025 Hospitality and Accommodation Grants are open now through March 31, 2025. Interested parties can access the application form and detailed guidelines on the City of Cayce's official website at  caycesc.gov/grants   Grant recipients will be notified in March 2025, and funds will be distributed shortly thereafter. For more information about the program, please contact Steven Gaither at (803) 550-9545 or  sgaither@caycesc.gov .

Pelion, SC 01/13/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Pelion Police Chief John Rebolj resigned his position last week leaving the department’s top position open. Reports cite unspecified tensions between Rebolj and Pelion’s Mayor Frank Shumpert and other members of the town’s council. Rebolj had years of police service, including a long stent at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. He also has military experience and has served in the SC National Guard for many years. Click on this ad to see more details in The Lexington Ledger During his tenure in Pelion, the town took on the responsibility of hiring and managing the area’s 2 elementary schools, middle school, and Pelion High School’s SROs. He also oversaw the modernization of the department’s fleet getting rid of some of its older sedans and a used 4x4 pickup truck and switching to new police package Chevrolet SUVs. The Town of Pelion’s leadership will begin making decisions regarding a new leader for the department soon. Until that is done, they have another senior officer leading the department.

Lexington, SC 01/23/2025 (Paul Kirby) - Detectives with the Lexington Police Department have reached out to the community for help in finding two suspects linked to a shoplifting incident. The officers say that these people hit the Lowe’s Home Improvements store on Sunset Boulevard on November 11, 2024. According to officers, the suspects stole approximately $550 in merchandise from the retailer. They were caught on the store’s video surveillance system as was the black GMC Jimmy they were travelling in. Click this ad to learn more from our website If you have information about this case, you are asked to contact Detective Tomaino at 803-358-727. You can also reach the detective by email at mtomaino@lexsc.gov . Tipsters that want to remain anonymous should contact Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or at the website www.midlandscrimestoppers.com . You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Lexington, SC 01/13/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Detectives with the Lexington Police Department are continuing to search for 14-year-old Khalil Shaw who ran away from his home on January 7, 2025. Since the day he went missing, police have asked the community to help in their search for him. After leaving home on Railroad Avenue in the town, Shaw contacted his parents by phone. He refuses to tell them where he is, and he will not come home. Click on this ad to see more information on our website Detectives say that Shaw is 5'5” tall and weighs 110 pounds. He was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and a black hoodie, with red flip flops. If you have information to share, contact Detective Corporal Voravudhi at 803-359-2067 or by email at cvoravudhi@lexsc.gov .

Lexington County, SC 01/10/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Snow and ice began to fall across Lexington County early Friday morning. A thin layer coated outdoor surfaces and roads causing schools to close earlier than they had announced Wednesday and Thursday. By 10:00 a.m., multiple vehicle collisions began to be called into the county’s 911 Communications Center and the regional SC Highway Patrol dispatch facilities. Emergency vehicles responding to these wrecks had to use extra precautions as they were not immune to the slick surfaces of the roads. Click on this ad to see more information on our website Shortly after noon, the snow and sleet had stopped, and some light rain began to fall. This quickly began to melt any accumulated snow and sleet that was on the ground. The rain stopped in most areas within an hour of its start. Forecasters predict that temperatures will drop into the mid-20s overnight refreezing any wet precipitation that is left on the ground. Lexington County residents are being urged to stay indoors and off the roads during the remainder of this weather event. If you absolutely must drive, leave extra time for travelling and go as slow as possible. Continue to follow your preferred news source for updates on the weather and road conditions.

Batesburg-Leesville, SC 01/09/2025 - Thursday, Lexington County School District Three announced the hiring of Adrian McDade as its new Director of Child Nutrition. Mrs. McDade brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to student health and well-being to her new role. Mrs. McDade joins Lexington Three from Greenwood School District 50 where she served as the Assistant Director of Child Nutrition. During her tenure in Greenwood, she was instrumental in planning, developing and directing the district’s food services program, including creating training materials and leading classes for employees. Click on this ad to learn more about us from our webpage A graduate of Lander University, Mrs. McDade earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing. Her professional journey also includes serving as a Health Inspector for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), where she honed her skills in ensuring food safety and compliance. Adrian and her husband have been married for 19 years. They have two children: Aubrey, a college student at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Hayes, a 10th grader at Greenwood High School. Lexington County School District Three looks forward to the leadership and vision Mrs. McDade will bring to the district’s child nutrition programs.