Lexington, SC 11/21/2025 - Alan Rojas Santos, age 39, pled guilty on November 17, 2025, in Lexington County to Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the First Degree. The Honorable Brian Gibbons sentenced Santos to fifty (50) years in prison. Under South Carolina law, Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor in the First Degree is a violent and most serious offense. The charge is also a “no parole” offense and requires mandatory sex offender registry.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitor Whitney Taylor and investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. This case was one of chronic and traumatic sexual abuse of a minor that will not be tolerated in Lexington County.   On October 23, 2024, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a sexual assault that had occurred in Lexington County.  Upon further investigation, the victim disclosed that Alan Rojas Santos began sexually abusing her at the age of eight. The abuse spanned for several years and he ultimately confessed.    Santos has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin the immediate service of his sentence.

Lexington, SC 10/30/2025 - William David Boone, age 57, was convicted on October 15, 2025, by a Lexington County jury of Burglary in the First Degree, Domestic Violence in the First Degree, and Obstruction of Justice. The Honorable Jessica Salvini sentenced Boone to fifteen (15) years in prison. Under South Carolina law, Burglary in the First Degree is a violent and most serious offense. Domestic Violence in the First Degree is a violent and serious offense. The burglary charge is also a “no parole” offense.   This case was prosecuted by Assistant Solicitors Whitney Taylor and Christy Oler.  This case was investigated by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.   On September 26, 2024, Boone forced entry into his former cohabitating girlfriend’s home and assaulted her. Boone struck the victim with a metal pipe and attempted to strike her with multiple other objects around the house. Most of the assault was captured on the victim’s 911 call, where she could be heard pleading for him to stop and screaming to the 911 operator that Boone was going to kill her if law enforcement did not get there quickly. During the assault, an eyewitness in the home was forced to strike Boone and intervene on behalf of the victim to save her. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and company After Boone’s arrest, he went to extreme lengths through jail calls and messages from the Lexington County Detention Center to ensure the victim would not cooperate or show up for trial. The victim did not cooperate with the prosecution of the case and did not show up for trial.   Boone was also recorded bragging about assaulting the victim and the witness. In one call, he stated: “If I get out of here, she may not live.”   Boone’s violent criminal history spans more than three decades, which includes six prior convictions for Domestic Violence of a High and Aggravated Nature and/or Assault and Battery of a High and Aggravated Nature, as well as additional convictions for domestic violence and assault. His prior convictions for domestic violence involve at least five different women.   William Boone has been transported to the South Carolina Department of Corrections to begin service of his sentence.   This case serves as an example that violent offenders can and will be prosecuted in the 11 th Judicial Circuit, with or without the victim’s cooperation.   If you are in a domestic violence crisis or need Sistercare’s services, you may call the Confidential 24-Hour Service Line:  (803) 765-9428 . Staff provide crisis intervention, shelter screening, referrals, and information 24 hours a day. Sistercare provides resources for survivors of domestic violence and their children.

West Columbia, SC 10/28/2025 - Lexington County area veterans are invited to recognition events at Lexington Two schools for Veterans Day. Following is a sampling of programs. Contact schools for additional information. Busbee Creative Arts Academy: Annual Veterans Day program will include performances by students in band, orchestra, dance, theatre, and chorus, as well as poems and reading selections. 9:30 a.m. November 7, cafetorium Congaree Elementary School: Annual Veterans Day program.  9:30 a.m. November 11, cafetorium Fulmer Middle School: Annual Veterans Day recognition program, with special presentations by chorus, band, strings and art students. Area veterans and families are invited, and light refreshments will be served. Call the office if you’d like to attend, (803) 822-5660, or just stop by. 9:30 a.m. November 11, gymnasium Saluda River Academy for the Arts:  Second- and third-graders will present “Americans We” in recognition of Veterans Day. 9 a.m. (second grade), 12:30 p.m. (third grade) November 11, SRAA stage Springdale Elementary School: Veterans Day parade on the playground, to include the Airport High School JROTC and band. Springdale Elementary parent/veteran is a featured speaker. 1 p.m. November 11 Wood Elementary School: Veterans Day program and parade, with guest veterans invited to participate in a parade through the school. 8:15 a.m. November 11, cafetorium. Wood Elementary is also raising funds, through October 31, for the Disabled American Veterans DAV. If the school reaches its goal of $250, it will get 24 flags to plant outside the front of the building in honor of its Veterans Day celebration.

10/27/2025 - The vehicles listed have been abandoned in Calhoun County and are currently housed with Gaines Automotive Inc. at 135 Zeus Lane Gaston SC 29035. Pursuant to applicable South Carolina law, the owner and/or lien holder has the right to claim the motor vehicle within thirty (30) days after the date of this notice upon payment of all towing, preservation and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle into custody. The failure of the owner and/or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the thirty (30) days allotted it is deemed that the owner and/or lien holder waived all rights, title, interests in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the vehicle at public auction. If the vehicle is not reclaimed within the time period disclosed above the vehicle may be disposed of according to state law. For inquiries the contact is listed above. These vehicles are not for sale. We are looking for the legal owner 1. 2001 Buick LeSabre VIN:1G4HR54K31U279046 2. 2005 Ford Taurus VIN:1FAFP53285A159436 3. 2004 Chevy TrailBlazer VIN:1GNDT13S822209500

10/21/2025 - The below listed vehicles have been abandoned in Calhoun County and are currently housed with the company listed below. Pursuant to applicable South Carolina Law, the owner and or lien holder has the right to claim the motor vehicle within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice upon payment of all towing, preservation, and storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody. The failure of the owner and or lien holder to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle with the time provided it is deemed as a waiver by the owner and or lien holder of all rights, title, interest, in the vehicle and consent to the sale of the vehicle at public auction. If not reclaimed within the time period outlined above the vehicle may be disposed of according to state law.  These cars are not for sale we are trying to find the owners 2007 PJ Trailer - 4P5FD322571100703 2004 Chevy Impala - 2G1WF55K3492327275 2008 Buick Lucerne - 1G4HD57208U151870 2014 Chevy Malibu - 1G11B5SL3EF220863 2016 Kia Optima -    5XXGT4L36GG089083 2020 Jaguar - SADCJ2FX4LA637258 1996 - Chevy GMT - 1GBJC39R9TE192858 2004 - Lexus - JTHBA30G645033807 2005 - Cadillac - 1GYEE637750230381 2007 - Mercedes - WDBTK72F57T083238 2010- Freightliner - 1FUJA6CK7ADAR7091

West Columbia, SC 10/21/2025  – The volleyball team from Pine Ridge Middle School has won the Lower Midlands Athletic Conference Championship. The Yellow Jackets entered the championship tournament, held this past Saturday at Airport High School, with a 10-2 record and sole possession of second place in the Lower Midlands Athletic Conference’s West Division.  Pine Ridge had a first-round bye in the tournament, then defeated William J. Clark Middle School, followed by Fulmer Middle School, to earn a spot in the championship game. Their opponent: the undefeated Lower Midlands Athletic Conference East Division champion Guinyard-Butler Middle School, whose team was undefeated in regular season play.  The match went three sets, with Pine Ridge coming out the winner. The head coach of the Pine Ridge Middle team is Kylee Williams, and the assistant coach is Skylar Lacey Outzen.

Cayce, SC 1 0/20/2025 - Eighteen local elected leaders, including Cayce Mayor, Elise Partin , from across South Carolina been selected for the inaugural South Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows program, a bipartisan initiative designed to strengthen education policy from early childhood through workforce development.  The program, launching this month, brings The Hunt Institute’s proven fellowship model to the Palmetto State after proven  success in North Carolina and Virginia . Fellows will examine South Carolina’s education system, connect with experts and practitioners, and develop strategies to improve educational outcomes in their communities.  Mayor Partin stated, “As Mayor for Cayce, SC, I’m honored to represent our community in The Hunt Institute’s inaugural SC Hunt State Policy Fellows program! It’s humbling to be selected to be with such a dynamic group of elected officials. I’ve already learned so much like every $1 investment in early childcare produces $7 in ROI. The SC State Chamber has good data on the cost when people can’t go to work because of childcare issues. This has a direct impact on our residents and it’s something we can improve. ” “We’re focused on giving leaders practical strategies that strengthen education and support families across South Carolina,” said  Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute . “This cohort brings together leaders who are positioned to drive meaningful change in their communities.”  From October 2025 through February 2026, Fellows will participate in three convenings focused on early childhood, K-12 education, and postsecondary and workforce development. Sessions will feature briefings, panel discussions, and collaborative work with South Carolina education experts and practitioners.  The 2025 South Carolina Hunt State Policy Fellows cohort includes:   Mayors:   Billy Chavis, Town of Holly Hill, Lyman Dawkins III, City of Gaffney, GP McLeer, City of Fountain Inn, Elise Partin, City of Cayce, and Miko Pickett, City of Mullins  County and City Council Members:   Chris Bowers, Pickens County Council, Dr. Aditi Bussells, City of Columbia, Eddie Crosby, Dorchester County Council, Dennis DiSabato, Vice Chairman, Horry County Council, Ron Felder, Aiken County Council, Chaquez T. McCall, City of Florence, Sarai Melendez, City of Walhalla, Meghan Smith, City of Spartanburg, and Dan Wood, Town of Bluffton  School Board Trustees:   Wendy Burgess, Anderson County School District 1, Michelle Goodwin-Calwile, Greenville County School District, Liz Morris, Aiken County School District, and Rebecca Rundlett, Kershaw County School District  The Hunt Institute has successfully convened five cohorts in North Carolina and one in Virginia, building a network of more than 100 local and state leaders committed to strengthening education policy. The South Carolina cohort extends this work to support leaders across the Southeast.  Mayor Elise Partin of Cayce

Lexington 10/18/2025 - The Lexington County School District One Educational Foundation recently awarded the 2025-2026 Michelin VEX Robotics Grant Awards.  Thanks to the generosity of Michelin North America and the Lexington, South Carolina leadership team, this is the eighth year of this Educational Foundation grant award.   This year’s grants total $10,000, which is an outstanding financial investment by the Michelin US5 leaders. The support is given to strengthen STEM learning and develop the career skills of Lexington District One students. More specifically, these Educational Foundation grants support the middle and high school VEX robotics teams in Lexington District One and the participating students as they design and build robots to compete in local and state VEX competitions. Each year these students involved in robotics teams cultivate skills in design, building, engineering, coding, computational thinking, range of motion, and simple machinery, as well as collaboration, teamwork, marketing, and public speaking – all of which are desirable career skills to future employers.   The following ten VEX robotics school teams in Lexington District One were recognized this school year as Michelin VEX Robotics Grant winners by the Lexington One Educational Foundation:   Beechwood Middle School          Coaches Danielle Wyatt and Gina Rawl; Principal Leah Saratopolous Carolina Springs Middle School   Coaches Kristen Young and Ashleigh Mann; Principal Patrice Green Gilbert Middle School                  Coach Aquia Evans; Principal Dr. Stephanie Burgess Lakeside Middle School               Coach Cezar Gherasim; Principal Dr. Megan Carrero Lexington Technology Center     Coaches Melissa Boehler and Daniel Cummins; Director Bryce Myers Pelion Middle School                   Coaches John Leneschmidt and Carman Mangus; Principal Jessica Keisler Pleasant Hill Middle School         Coaches Darren Sigmon and Garrick Ball; Principal Julie Painter River Bluff High School                Coach Horst Daichendt; Principal Jacob Smith White Knoll High School              Coach Anibal Perez; Principal Nicholas Pearson White Knoll Middle School          Coaches Stacey Summerall and Maritza Castellanos; Principal Donald Hardie   The Lexington One Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff are extremely grateful for corporate partners like Michelin North America that choose to invest in local students and their future careers through their charitable donations to the foundation. Gilbert Middle School Lakeside Middle School River Bluff High School

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Lexington, SC 10/19/2025 - Pastor John Lastinger, a local pastor of 47 years and conservative candidate for South Carolina House District 88, is running a true grassroots campaign powered entirely by volunteers and supported by local contributions from within Lexington County. His campaign accepts no donations from special interests and is backed by community members who share his commitment to faith, family, and freedom. Pastor John treats every donation with care and transparency. His campaign has filed all ethics reports on time, including the pre-election report for contributions and expenditures due fifteen days before the election, on Oct 6. These reports are publicly available through the South Carolina Ethics Commission at ethics.sc.gov . Pastor John is calling for a return to the principles that made America strong -- faith, family, and freedom. “Our nation was founded on truth, that we are one nation under God,” he said. “'When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan' (Proverbs 29:2, NLT). We can’t get there from here unless we return to our roots of faith, personal responsibility, and the Constitution.” He believes government should serve the people, not control them; that parents have the right to guide their children’s education; that fiscal restraint protects taxpayers; and that defending life and liberty is the duty of every leader. “'In God We Trust' isn’t just a phrase,” Lastinger added. “It’s the foundation of everything that makes this nation worth fighting for.” Election Day is Tuesday, October 21. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and some precincts are combined. To find your polling location, visit JohnLastinger.com .

West Columbia, SC 10/16/2025 - Five Lexington School District Two educators have been awarded Bright Ideas grants from Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative for innovative school projects. They are: Amanda Altman , a science teacher and department head at Airport High School, has been awarded $1,000 for her project "Data At Their Fingertips: Modern Tools for Future Scientists.” The grant primarily for her Chemistry I and AP Chemistry classes  will purchase two wireless chemistry starter bundle probes that measure pH, pressure, temperature, voltage, and conductivity.  She said the project wll integrate wireless data collection technology to transform chemistry labs into dynamic, inquiry-based environments, allowing students to collect and visualize real-time data and make immediate connections between theory and results.  Kimberly Hardin ,   a science teacher at Brookland-Cayce High School, has been awarded $1,000 for her project "From Ecosystem to Inquiry:   An Aquatic Learning Lab for STEM and Environmental Literacy.” The grant will help Hardin create a classroom aquarium as a living laboratory where AP students will investigate ecosystems, water quality, and nutrient cycles;   Hardin received a grant last year, and this year’s will build on that, allowing her students closer study of water quality variables and marine ecosystems. She said the aquarium will provide students daily opportunities to connect biology, chemistry, and environmental science while fostering curiosity, data skills, and collaboration. Ryann Gaffney ,  a special education teacher at Busbee Creative Arts Academy, has been awarded $800 for her project  “ Pouring Possibilities: A Coffee and Soda Experience,”  to provide students with intellectual disabilities hands-on experience to build work and transition skills. Gaffney said the student-run coffee and soda shop will help her students gain real-world work experience in money-handling, time management, and teamwork to grow their job readiness, social skills, and confidence.  Brooke Jones, a fourth-grade teacher at Riverbank Elementary School, has been awarded $999.70 for her project "Roller Coaster Engineering,” to purchase roller coaster engineering kits. Instead of simply reading about force, motion, and energy, Jones said students will actively design and build functioning roller coasters. The project integrates math, science,and engineering while encouraging creativity and perseverance. By testing their models, Jones said students will engage in authentic trial-and-error learning, reflecting the work of real engineers. Olivia Loynes , an ELA teacher at Northside Middle School, has been awarded $800 for her project “Hear Us Out: Amplifying Middle School Voices Through Podcasting,” to purchase equipment and create a podcast studio. Loynes said students will have a space to write, record, and share their podcasts, strengthening their literacy skills by creating book reviews, sharing stories, and interviewing school and community members. They will also strengthen collaboration skills and take on responsibility of their roles within the larger team. Students will be able to share their voices and ideas beyond the walls of our classroom, publishing their podcasts for our school and local community to hear and enjoy. Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative awarded more than $19,000 in grants this year to teachers in areas that they serve to support local educators and their students in innovative project work. Lexington Two educators will be honored along with other grant winners at a luncheon later this month. Northside Middle School teacher Olivia Loynes, second from right, with Erin Hedgecock of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative and Northside administrators: Principal Dr. Tiffany Hall, right, Assistant Principal Bryson Summers, left, and Assistant Administrator Rebecca Helms Brookland-Cayce High School teacher Kimberly Hardin, right, with Erin Hedgecock of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative. Busbee Creative Arts Academy teacher Ryann Gaffney, right, with Erin Hedgecock of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative. Riverbank Elementary teacher Brooke Jones, center, with Riverbank Principal Dr. Karen Holloman, right, and Erin Hedgecock of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative Airport High School teacher Amanda Altman, right, with Erin Hedgecock of Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative.

Irmo, SC 10/16/2025 - Looking for your next  great read? The Friends of the Irmo Branch Library’s Fall Book Sale will be held Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 23-25, in the  library’s community room, 6251 St. Andrews Road.   This year’s Fall Sale is being held during National Friends of Libraries Week, Oct. 19-25, and we will have treats and giveaways as part of the celebration.  On Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon during the book sale, the Friends are sponsoring the Purple Cup Coffee Truck in the library parking lot, and offering a free cup of coffee with each book purchase. You can also spin the Friends Wheel for prizes and discounts and enter a drawing for a chance to win a coffee mug and a $15 Barnes & Noble gift  card. The members-only sale will be Thursday, Oct. 23, from 2-5 p.m.  One of  the perks of being a Friend of the Irmo Branch Library is that you get to shop early for the best books! You can become a member at the door for as little as $10.   The public sale will be: Friday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. –4 p.m. PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO SUNDAY SALE HOURS   Most books are priced from 50 cents to $2, and you can save even more by purchasing a bag to fill at a fixed price. Members receive a discount on purchases of books by the bag. Some CDs and DVDs are also available. Payment is by cash, check or card.   The Friends have a huge selection of all types of books, including a large number of children’s books, thanks to our recent Donation Days events, and some specially priced vintage books as well.  Special deals are planned during the sale, and money from the sale will go to help fund Irmo Branch Library programs, services and materials. You can also purchase Friends T-shirts and tote bags.   A non-profit, volunteer organization, the Friends support, promote and help fund the Irmo Branch Library .