Lexington, SC 11/22/2024 - Lexington County narcotics agents arrested a man last week who is accused of trafficking fentanyl. Juan Enrique Escobar Doroteo, 22, is also charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime and possession of a weapon by an unlawful alien, according to arrest warrants. “Lexington County Narcotics Enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration agents obtained a search warrant for a home in the 600 block of Bush Berry Road in Pelion,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “During the execution of the search warrant, the agents seized more than 253 grams of fentanyl, a handgun, some ammunition and more than $9,000 in cash.” Agents detained Doroteo during their search of the home. He was eventually arrested and transported to the Lexington County Detention Center, where he is still being held.

West Columbia, SC 11/22/2024 - After a postponement due to Helene, Lexington School District Two’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration was held November 20. About 300 attended the second annual event, open to district families and the public. Among the family focused activities were a mariachi band and dancers, food trucks, student artwork and informational displays, student music and dance performances, arts and crafts, a mobile Lexington County Public Library, and more. Volunteers from the district, the University of South Carolina, and other organizations were also on hand.  “An event like this is valuable to our families, schools and community, because it brings us together to celebrate what makes us who we are in Lexington Two,” said Denise Quickel, the district’s director of bilingual services. “It’s an opportunity to learn more about some of the cultures that represent the district. It is also an amazing opportunity to showcase the many talents of our Lexington Two students and teachers.” PHOTO CAPTION: Lexington Two's Hispanic Heritage Celebration drew about 300 attendees at the district's Performing Arts Center. Attendees grab something to eat at one of the food trucks at the Hispanic Heritage Celebration.

Lake Murray, SC 11/22/2024 - Get ready, car enthusiasts! Capital City/Lake Murray Country (CCLMC) is hosting the world-renowned Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Coker Tire on Sunday, June 29, 2025. This nine-day, 2,300-mile classic car rally will showcase 120 of the finest antique vehicles, making 17 stops along the way before crossing the finish line at Moore Park (formerly Irmo Community Park) in Irmo, South Carolina. An Automotive Spectacle Like No Other This isn't just a race—it’s an adventure that celebrates history, precision, and community. Spectators can marvel at vintage cars, interact with drivers and navigators from around the globe, and even let the little ones climb inside some of these incredible machines. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend! “When the Great Race pulls into a town, it transforms into a festival,” said Jeff Stumb, Great Race Director. “Last year, over 250,000 people enjoyed the event. With 500 people traveling in the race entourage alone, the excitement is contagious!” The Finish Line The race will traverse the western portion of Lake Murray Country, passing through Newberry and crossing the finish line in Irmo’s Moore Park. Miriam Atria, President/CEO of CCLMC, shared her enthusiasm: "We’re thrilled to host the grand finale of the Great Race right here in Irmo. This is a unique opportunity to showcase our beautiful region, from Lake Murray to our vibrant dining and accommodations. We can’t wait to welcome the racers and fans to experience our true Southern hospitality!" An International Lineup Participants from Japan, England, Australia, Canada, and across the U.S. will bring their pre-1974 cars, trucks, and motorcycles to compete. With vehicles like a 1912 Haynes and a 1918 American LaFrance in the lineup, you’ll witness pieces of automotive history in motion. The rally combines strategy, precision, and endurance as drivers follow daily instructions to navigate secret checkpoints. Like golf, the lowest score wins, and with a $160,000 total purse—including $50,000 for the overall winner—the stakes are high! Mark Your Calendar Start Line: Saturday, June 21, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the MSRA “Back to the 50’s Weekend” car show. Finish Line: Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Irmo, South Carolina, near the sparkling waters of Lake Murray. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly event, the 2025 Great Race finish in Irmo is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and join in the celebration of history, adventure, and southern charm right here in Capital City/Lake Murray Country. Stay tuned for more event details on CCLMC’s social media and at LakeMurrayCountry.com . See you at the finish line!

Chapin, SC 11/22/2024 (Paul Kirby) - Officials say Lexington County Fire Service units as well as trucks and personnel from the Irmo Fire District, Columbia-Richland Fire Service and the Newberry County Fire Service responded to a house fire in the 600 block of Meadowlark Rd outside of Chapin just after 5 a.m. on Friday morning. When they arrived on scene, they found that the home was heavily involved in fire. Six people were able to escape the blaze but were left displaced as a result of the fire. No human was injured, however 3 dogs who were in the home at the time of the fire were killed. The people are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The fire marshal has determined that the fire was started by a kerosene heater that was placed too close to combustible materials.

Harbison, SC 11/21/2024 - Midlands Technical College (MTC) will inaugurate Dr. Gregory D. Little as its seventh president on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The inauguration ceremony will be at Harbison Theatre at 6 p.m.   Dr. Little came to MTC from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education where he served as the acting executive director and president. He previously held roles as superintendent for Mount Airy City Schools in North Carolina and Lexington County School District One. In 2022, he accepted the role as Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation for the South Carolina Technical College System. “During these first few months at MTC, I’ve gotten to know many business partners, faculty and staff, as well as our students,” said Dr. Little. “And it is clear to me that while we provide high quality, higher education at an affordable price, we are really in the dream making business.”   Little earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington followed by a Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

West Columbia, SC 11/21/2024 - The Lexington Two Adult Education Program received 5 top awards from the South Carolina Department of Education Office of Adult Education at its annual Celebrating Our Success event. The program, which operates in conjunction with Lexington Four, was awarded the following: Young Adult Population Award:  Presented to the top 15 performing programs in the state in service of 17- to 21-year-olds that had the highest percentage of measurable skill gains. Enrollment Growth Award:  Presented to Adult Education programs that exceeded the number of students served over the previous program year. High School Equivalency Diploma (GED) Completer Award :  This award includes two categories, and Lexington Two won both:       - Highest Percentages of GEDs: Presented to programs with the highest percentage of Levels 4, 5, and 6 students to receive a High School Equivalency Diploma. - Highest Numbers of GEDs : Presented to programs with the highest number of Levels 4, 5, and 6 students to receive an Equivalency Diploma. Adult Basic Education Performance Award: Presented to the top five programs in the state with the highest aggregate average. Adult Basic Education (ABE) & English as a Second Language (ESL) Overall Performance Award: Presented to the programs with the overall highest aggregate average. “Our teachers and all of our staff work hard to develop positive and encouraging relationships with our students. They know that we are their biggest cheerleaders,” Director Christy Henderson said.  “By meeting the students where they are, our small classroom sizes allow us to tailor their learning to their specific needs.  We come alongside each student to assist them in reaching their short-term and long-term goals.” Registration is going on now for the next session, which begins January 7. Day and evening classes are offered. Registration is by appointment only; call (803) 739-4048.  Counselors will be on hand during registration to work with students on offerings that will best suit their schedules and career goals.

Lexington, SC 11/20/2024 (Paul Kirby) – On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, Lexington County School District One released the details of their Personal Communication and Electronic Devices Policy that was passed at the November 19, 2024, school board meeting. The new policy will go into effect on January 7, 2025. This policy was created after a state law was passed recently that mandated such a policy exist for all SC State public school students. According to the new policy, elementary school students may possess personal electronic devices/accessories as long as the devices remain off and are not visible during the school day while on school property. Middle/high school students may possess personal electronic devices/accessories as long as the devices remain off and are not visible during the school day. Students are not permitted to access personal electronic devices or personal electronic device accessories during the school day which is defined as the time between the start of first class through the end of the last class to include the time between classes and during lunch. Personal communication devices are not permitted to be used in locker rooms, restrooms, or other personal spaces at any time. There are some important definitions that will better help everyone understand this policy. Personal electronic devices are any device utilized to access the internet, wi-fi, cellular telephone signals, or to capture images or video. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and gaming devices. “Personal electronic device accessories” include any wired or wireless accessory or wearable technology that connects to a device and any other accessory commonly used in conjunction with a personal electronic device. Access is defined as viewing, holding, wearing, or otherwise using a device for the purpose of communication, internet access, gaming, recording, or any other function commonly associated with devices. A School Day is defined as the period of time between the morning tardy bell/start time and dismissal bell/dismissal time at the end of the instructional day. The consequences of violating this policy are also clearly spelled out in it. Teachers and administrators will only enforce consequences for students whose devices or accessories are visible or heard. Consequences will be as follows: FIRST VIOLATION: Warning. Student/Parent conference held. SECOND VIOLATION: Detention. Student/Parent conference held. THIRD VIOLATION: One Day ISS. Student/Parent conference held. FOURTH VIOLATION: One day OSS. Student/Parent conference held. Students are prohibited from possessing a device at school. FIFTH VIOLATION: Recommendation for expulsion. **The board recognizes that enforcement of this policy during non-instructional times presents challenges for school staff. Therefore, during class changes and at lunch if a middle/high school student is not complying with this policy, he/she will be asked to power off their personal electronic device/accessory and put it away. If a student does not comply with this directive, he/she will be referred to an administrator for failure to obey. Violations of the laws of the United States or of the state of South Carolina may subject students to criminal prosecution. You can see this policy and the justification for putting it in place statewide at https://www.lexington1.net/ There are some justifiable exceptions to these rules. First, instructions on how teachers or parents may request one of the exceptions below will be shared after Thanksgiving Break. A teacher may only allow the instructional use of personal electronic devices/accessories if they have been authorized for classroom use explicitly by the District Superintendent or his/her designee in writing. If explicitly required by a student’s IEP or 504 plan, the student shall be allowed to access their personal electronic device for medically or educationally necessary purposes described and required for administration of the IEP or 504 plan. A student who is a member of a volunteer firefighting organization or emergency organization may be authorized to carry a device with written permission from the District Superintendent or his/her designee.

West Columbia, SC 11/20/2024 - Lexington School District Two, the Greater CWC Chamber & Visitor’s Center, Cypress Real Estate Partners, and the City of Cayce dedicated Hattie’s Crossing today at 4:00 p.m. Located at 800 Lexington Avenue in Cayce, this historic event, was made possible by community partnerships. “As a prior student of Cayce Grammar, I am excited to see the history of our beloved school memorialized, and now as a member of Council and our Chamber, I am encouraged to see the growth bringing new families to our community, all while we celebrate and maintain the original purpose of the property,” stated Tim James, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Cayce and the President of the Greater CWC Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center. "We are pleased to recognize and celebrate the roots of Lexington School District Two, and to have one of its educators, Hattie Derrenbacher, as a namesake for this new development," said Lexington Two Superintendent Dr. Brenda Hafner. "It's a fitting tribute to the woman who dedicated her life to educating the children who would one day be productive citizens and leaders of our great city of Cayce." Mark James, with Cypress Real Estate Partners, stated, "We are pleased that the redevelopment of the historic Cayce Grammar School property into a vibrant new residential infill neighborhood will be starting soon. We have worked hard with the City of Cayce to honor the legacy of this neighborhood school and bring a new and attractive community to Cayce. These single-family homes will blend attractive and traditional architecture with the benefits of new construction. We look forward to getting started and appreciate the support of the city and the neighborhood.” “Infill development is part of our comprehensive plan, and this is a perfect opportunity for partnerships that transform a blighted property into a vibrant housing opportunity,” exclaimed Jim Crosland, Cayce’s Interim City Manager.

Cayce, SC 11/20/2024 - The magic of Christmas returns to the City of Cayce for the 2024 Christmas in Cayce festivities! Beginning Thursday, December 5, after the annual tree lighting ceremony, Cayce citizens and visitors can drive through Cayce City Hall grounds to experience more than 35,000 Christmas lights and the City’s 22-foot Christmas tree at no cost!   December 5: City of Cayce’s Annual Tree Lighting, 6 pm This year’s Cayce Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature the Busbee Creative Arts Academy band, chorus, and dancers. The Woman's Club of Cayce will be collecting canned goods and non-perishable food items, before and after the tree lighting, for Cayce Cares. These donations will be used to benefit God’s Helping Hands, the Scooter Scott Project, and will be given to local families in need. If you are unable to join us in person, watch as it airs live at 6 pm on WLTX! December 6: Carols Along the Riverwalk, 6 pm – 8 pm Stroll along the Cayce Riverwalk with hot chocolate while listening to holiday music. Beginning at the N Avenue Entrance (201 N Avenue at the intersection of Axtell and N Avenue) of the Cayce Riverwalk, the sounds of the holidays will flow through the trees during this reverse caroling event where several local church choirs and musicians will be located throughout the first half-mile of the Riverwalk. Parking is available at Brookland-Cayce High School and includes a free trolley ride to and from the Riverwalk entry.   December 7: Christmas Traditions: Olde & New, 6 pm – 9 pm The sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas abound at Christmas Traditions: Olde & New at the Cayce Historical Museum , located at 1800 12th Street beside Cayce City Hall. Each room at the Museum will be decorated with trees and crafts from the 18th century to the present. The event will also feature live entertainment, a holiday market, docents dressed in period attire, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and light refreshments!

Columbia, S.C. 11/20/2024 - The South Carolina Department of Transportation will temporarily close and detour the Pond Branch Road on-ramp to I-20 eastbound for road work beginning November 21 at 6:30 a.m. The ramp is expected to reopen the same day. As part of this closure, a signed detour route has been set up. The route will utilize Pond Branch Road, Calks Ferry Road, Nazareth Road and Longs Pond Road. A map of the detour can be found below. SCDOT encourages drivers to slow down and stay alert for signs and crews working.

Lexington, SC 11/19/2024 (Paul Kirby) – During last weeks public hearing on mandatory curbside garbage pickup for all residents, the overwhelming consensus from citizens in attendance was that they were not interested in being forced to use that type of service. According to Councilmember Todd Cullum, this had a first reading that passed but the purpose of passing that reading was so the council could hear from the people on this issue. “We have talked about this every few years for as long as I have been on council,” Cullum said. “This time, it was brought up and moved through the first reading because we wanted to hear what the residents of the county thought about it. After hearing from them last week, it was clear that they wanted to continue the handling of solid waste as we deal with it now,” Cullum said. Currently, the county’s system allows residents who want curbside solid waste pickup to contract with a hauler that covers the particular area or region of the county they live in. If they don’t want their solid waste picked up at the curb, they can haul their own trash and waste to one of the county’s convenience stations. Those are open on Sunday afternoons, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday all day. Solid waste can also be hauled to the county’s Edmund landfill on the days that the convenience stations are closed. Household garbage is deposited in the transfer building and yard trash, organic and construction debris is taken further down into the landfill where it’s buried by a large tractor. Cullum said that dealing with solid waste is more of a challenge than most people understand. “From the day a baby is born until the day a person dies, they create solid waste that must be dealt with. Although our public hearing last week makes it clear that people want things to stay as they are, that doesn’t mean that things will stay as they are forever. I expect we will need to build more convenience stations in the future to meet the demands. I could also see some urban zones existing where everyone’s solid waste is picked up curbside. I think there will always be a need for convenience stations in the future. Even though I live in a city that has mandatory curbside pickup that I pay for in taxes, I still occasionally have the need to visit the convenience station nearest to me. Christmas is a prime example of when I might need to go to the closest station. As for now, we don’t plan to change anything at all. Curbside solid waste pickup will be an option but we won’t mandate you use it.”

Harbison, SC 11/18/2024 (Paul Kirby) – Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has released the name of the woman who was killed after she was shot outside the Bojangles on the Harbison Boulevard last week. According to Fisher, this shooting happened in the 100 block of Harbison Boulevard on Thursday, November 14, 2024. Coroner Fisher said that Antoinette Michelle Hammonds-Colon, 40, of Columbia, was transported to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the upper body. She was pronounced dead on November 15, 2024. An autopsy was conducted at MUSC in Charleston, SC today. The Columbia Police Department and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate this incident.