Lexington, SC 03/24/2025 - Junior Girl Scout Troop 2422 created their “Worry Eater Book Nook” to earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award — the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. Girl Scouts who receive this award demonstrate achievements in leadership development, project planning and taking action to make a positive, sustainable impact in the community.  By earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award, these eight fifth graders have become community leaders. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set them apart.  “I am so proud of these girls,” said Dee Pukl, leader of Troop 2422. “They wanted to help kids who have anxiety and kids who don’t have access to books, and they achieved their goal with teamwork, creativity and dedication.” Please click on this ad to learn more about our products and services The “Worry Eater Book Nook” is a Little Free Library® filled with gently used childrens’ books and anxiety bags, which include a girl-designed anxiety workbook, inspirational stickers, colored pencils, and a fidget bracelet. The girls worked with a licensed professional counselor to ensure the activities in their workbook were appropriate, and they shared both print and digital versions of the workbook with the counselor and with their school counselors to make a lasting impact. They converted a former newspaper box to hold the library, and they organized a book drive to stock it. The library is installed at the playground at the Gibson Road Soccer Complex in Lexington. “We thought helping kids with anxiety was important because lots of people experience anxiety, including some of our troop members, and it can change the way they act. Helping others is a good thing to do, and it feels good when you do it,” said the girls of Troop 2422. PHOTO CAPTION: Front row from left: Girl Scouts Emsleigh Robles, Anna Grace Pukl, Lila Crowe, Addison Prather, Ally Dickson. Back row from left: Troop Leader Dee Pukl, Girl Scout Naomi Finnegan, Troop Leader Pam Altman, Girl Scout London Allen.

Cayce SC 03/24/2025 - The City of Cayce ,  announces the newly selected Chief of the  Cayce Police Department : Chief Bruce Wade.  Wade began his career at the Evans Correctional Center in Bennettsville, SC in 1998 as a Correctional Officer. He has been with the  West Columbia Police Department  since 2005; where he was named Police Captain over Investigations in 2012 before being named the Assistant Chief in 2021.  Through a partnership between the City of West Columbia and the City of Cayce, Wade has served in an advisory role at the Cayce Police Department over the last three months. Cayce City Manager,  Jim Crosland , says  “We are thankful for Asst. Chief Wade’s diligence at the advisory level. We welcome him as our new Cayce Police Chief. He is highly regarded in the field of policing; and, through his time with us in this role, he has a keen understanding of the needs of our community.” Please click this ad to see more about our products and services Working to achieve the highest level of training and criminal justice education, Wade will earn his  Doctor of Criminal Justice (D.C.J) in September 2025. Additionally, he has a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Columbia College. Bruce Wade is a graduate of the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, the FBI Command College, and the Local Government Leadership Institute. Cayce Mayor,  Elise Partin , stated that, “Our citizens want to know that when they call for help that someone will be there.  They want to know that their Police Department is focused on crime prevention and citizen safety. Our team does that, but they do it best when they are supported with great leadership. I'm excited for Bruce to provide that and give that guidance and support to our amazing team. His impressive education and background provide a great example for our officers and will be a benefit for our city and citizens!” Cayce’s  Mayor Pro Tem and previous Cayce Public Safety Director,  Tim James , stated, “This is an excellent example of positive governmental relationships that have resulted in the most qualified person assuming the role as Police Chief. This type of partnership is unprecedented and continue to enhance the safety of our community. The criminal element does not know or care about jurisdictional lines, and placing Chief Wade in this position will strengthen our partnership for enforcement beyond our city lines, which is essentially what true crime prevention is.” West Columbia Mayor,  Tem Miles , shared his support for the incoming Cayce Chief by stating, “I am excited our very own Assistant Chief Bruce Wade will be the next police chief for the Cayce Police Department. Chief Wade had spent the last 19 years with our West Columbia Police Department, including serving as our most recent Assistant Chief. I am thankful he will be leading law enforcement in our sister city and continuing to keep our whole community safe.”

Columbia, SC 03/24/2025 - Terry Leslie Washington, 46, of West Columbia, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a Columbia Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for operating without a tag light. Washington was the lone occupant. Washington informed the officer that he did not have a valid driver’s license. Washington told the officer he had a gun and marijuana with him in the car. The officer conducted an inventory of the vehicle, where he found a loaded 9mm pistol along with three plastic pouches of marijuana and a clear plastic baggie containing psilocybin mushrooms. Washington was arrested. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services Washington is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions for strong-armed robbery, robbery/armed with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, robbery while armed or allegedly armed with a deadly weapon and attempted armed robbery. United States District Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Washington to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.  This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.

Lexington, SC 03/20/2025 (Paul Kirby) - The Lexington Police Department is asking for the public’s help them identify an alleged thief. According to the investigator working on the case, this individual is believed to have stolen from a business on the 100 block of Prides Way in the Town of Lexington. This happened on March14, 2025. Police say the combined value of the items stolen is over $2,000. Please click on this ad to read more about our products and services. It may be able easier to identify the suspect based upon his mode of transportation. The suspect rides a ten-speed style bicycle. He pulls a small, 2 wheeled trailer behind his bicycle. The trailer has been modified to carry items instead of children or pets. If you have information about this case, please contact Detective Tomaino at 803-358-7271 or through email at mtomaino@lexsc.gov . To remain anonymous while making a tip, you can call Midlands Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or through their website at www.midlandscrimestoppers.com . You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Lexington, SC 03/20/2025 - Bald Cypress Builders owners Amelia and Matt Pocta recently presented a generous gift of $1,500 to the Lexington One Educational Foundation. This kind corporate donation will provide support to the Lexington Technology Center’s Building Construction Program in Lexington County School District One. The Building Construction Program in Lexington One currently provides real-world experiences for students through courses at the Lexington Technology Center (LTC), as well as Gilbert High School and Pelion High School. This course of study is part of the district’s School of Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technologies Architecture & Construction Cluster. Students are able to complete the Building Construction Career Technical Education Sequence by enrolling in Building Construction 1 & 2. In addition, LTC offers courses in Cabinetmaking, Construction Project Management, and Electricity 1 & 2. Click on this ad to read more about our products and services Students may also compete in the state and national competitions each year with SkillsUSA, which is an organization that promotes leadership and partnership between students and industry. Each school program builds a house and the students are involved in every step of the home building process. The competition gives the enrolled students practical, real-world experiences that industry partners greatly value. Amelia Pocta shared, “"We believe it is so important to support the young people right here in Lexington, assisting them in pursuing life-long careers in the construction field through education and hands-on training. We are extremely thankful to have the opportunity to financially support the educators and students at the Lexington Technology Center who are advancing our industry on a daily basis!" Lexington One Educational Foundation’s Executive Director Julie Anderson Washburn shared, “We are so very appreciative of the continued generosity from local corporate partners like the Poctas and Bald Cypress Builders. They give to the foundation to support our students and Lexington District One’s educational programs! The Lexington One Educational Foundation has existed for 30 years to provide funds for unmet needs in Lexington District One, yet we are only successful in fulfilling our mission when caring individuals ch o ose to generously donate to our endeavors. We are so thankful to Amelia and Matt for their willingness to make a positive impact on our students through this financial investment!” The Lexington Technology Center's Building Construction program offers hands-on learning that transfers into marketable job skills for Lexington District One students in the future. By donating, such corporate partners develop and build future employees for the construction industry in the Lexington, SC community and the state of South Carolina. Contact the Lexington One Educational Foundation staff today to learn how to get involved and make a difference in developing the local workforce.

West Columbia, SC 03/20/2025 - Recently, three Brookland-Cayce High School athletes declared their intent to play their sports at the collegiate level. The Brookland-Cayce athletes, their schools and sports are: Click on this ad to see more about our products and services Amarii King: Lenoir-Rhyne University, football Nate Hughes: Claflin University, basketball Roshawn Weeks: Claflin University, basketball The three seniors participated in a signing ceremony Thursday. Coaches, teammates, fellow students, and family members attended the event, which was held in the Brookland-Cayce High School arena's Hall of Fame room.  CAPTION: From left, Roshawn Weeks, Nate Hughes and Amarii King at Thursday’s signing event.

Lexington, SC 03/20/2025 (Paul Kirby) – Today, Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher released the name of the young man who crashed a motorcycle into another vehicle on Meadowfield Road near Woodtrail Drive in the Gaston area of Lexington County yesterday. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services According to Coroner Fisher, Travis Leon Horton, 38, of Pelion was traveling northbound on Meadowfield Road while fleeing from pursuing police vehicles when he struck another vehicle that was also traveling northbound on Meadowfield Road. Horton, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, the South Carolina Highway Patrol MAIT, and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office continue to investigate the incident.

West Columbia, SC 03/18/2025 - Multiples of the Midlands (The MoM Club) will host its spring/summer consignment sale on Saturday, March 22 from 7 a.m. to noon. The M.O.M. (Mothers of Multiples) Sale is held biannually, featuring gently-used items for children at greatly reduced prices. Organized by volunteer members of The MoM Club, shoppers will find a variety of products at a fraction of the cost they would pay for the same items purchased new. Each sale presents a gymnasium full of merchandise, including clothes (preemie-size 20), shoes, equipment, books, toys, entertainment needs, feeding essentials and much more. The furniture available for sale could include cribs, toddler/twin beds, changing tables and rockers/ gliders. Items are closely examined by the event’s Quality Control Inspectors before being offered for sale. "Parents of multiples are often hit suddenly with the high cost of clothing multiple children at the same time, on top of outfitting their homes to accommodate multiples. This sale is a great way for families to save a lot of money on the items that are necessary on a daily basis,” said Lauren Cook, M.O.M. Club member “While clothing is the main feature of each sale, equipment and entertainment options are in abundant supply. Our shoppers are consistently pleased with our large selection, high quality, low prices and friendly volunteers.” Click on this tab to learn more about our products and services Unlike similar sales, The M.O.M. Sale supports the activities of The MoM Club, a non-profit organization supporting families with multiples. The MoM Club offers monthly meetings, online support, playdates, a “Preemie Closet” and a variety of support opportunities specifically for families raising multiples. Additionally, a portion of the revenues from the sales over the past couple of years have been utilized to support the community through various charitable causes. “Our club members are passionate about giving back to the charities in the community that directly impact the lives of children and support parents, these sales allow our Club to be generous to other worthy organizations,” added Amy Ruple, M.O.M. Club member. The spring/summer M.O.M. Sale will be open to the public Saturday, March 22 2025 from 7 a.m. until noon, St. David’s Church, 132 St. David’s Church Road, West Columbia, South Carolina. Large items (i.e. furniture and equipment) sell very quickly. Plan to arrive early. Admission and parking are free. For additional information, please visit www.multiplesofthemidlands.com/sales.htm and follow the sale on Facebook by searching Spring 2025 Consignment Sale.

Dixiana, SC - On March 22, 2025, AND March 23, 2025, The South Carolina State Farmers Market in conjunction with The Midlands Crafters Association will host a FREE family event for the community. This event will host over 150 vendors, crafters, and local businesses from all over the Midlands. This event is always FREE Admission, FREE Parking and Pet Friendly; everyone is welcome. As a fundraising program and a community building event we host a Silent Auction in conjunction with the craft show. We will highlight Prisma Health Children’s Hospital as our charity for this Spring. A selection of items from our vendors and the local community will be in the Auction to benefit the Children’s Hospital. Questions regarding the 2025 Midlands Spring Arts & Crafts Market can be directed to Jamie Organ at 803- 553-4912 (cell phone) jamie@midlandscrafters.com (email). Click this ad to learn more about these prodcts and services Event Hours: Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9AM until 4PM Sunday March 23, 2025, from 12PM until 4PM FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING! PET FRIENDLY! Where: South Carolina State Farmers Market – 3483 Charleston Highway (South Farmers Shed)

Lexington, SC 03/18/2025 - The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) is excited to announce its Heroes Singer- Songwriter Showcase featuring a performance by Country music Singer-songwriter, Combat Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient Scotty Hastings at the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC on June 13th, 2025 .  The former Army infantryman started writing and playing music after suffering a career ending injury during his service in Afghanistan in 2011. Hailing from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Scotty began playing guitar in 2020 and released his first title track “I’m America” on February 9th, 2024. “For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it’s quiet,” says Hastings, “When I have a guitar in my hands I find peace” Opening for Scotty Hastings will be special performances from local country music artists Carter Lybrand, Brendan Roberts, Robert Stevens. All three special guests are graduates of the Big Red Barn Retreat’s flagship training program, Warrior PATHH (Progressive & Alternative Training for Helping Heroes). The Warrior PATHH program is the only privately funded program that is proven to cultivate and facilitate posttraumatic growth- the positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging, highly stressful situations.  Click on this ad to learn more about or products and services The showcase will be held on June 13th, 2025. Tickets go on-sale March 17th at 9AM and can be purchased online through the Icehouse Amphitheater website at https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/heroes-6-13-2025 . General Admission tickets are $20.00.  Performances begin at 7:00PM with our special guests and the main act, Scotty Hastings, takes the stage at 8:30PM. Gates open at 6:00PM and there will be food and beverages, including beer and wine, available to purchase. Outside food and drink, as well as free standing chairs, are prohibited.   The Heroes Singer-Songwriter Showcase is proudly presented by Nucor Building Systems, a leading manufacturer of custom, pre-engineered metal building systems. Nucor has been operating in Lexington County, SC, since 1995 and is honored to support the Big Red Barn Retreat. This special concert is made possible through the Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant, part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Forces® initiative, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance. Additional support comes from Midlands Media Group and Comporim. All proceeds will benefit the many services the BRBR offers to our military and first responder community at no cost.  For more information on the services, training, and programs provided, please visit https://www.thebigredbarnretreat.org/ .

Lexington, SC 03/18/2025 (Paul Kirby) - Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher has identified the child who died in a house fire that occurred in the 500 block of Canal Drive in near Pelion. According to Coroner Fisher, the fire started around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services According to Fisher, Remede Prigden, 2, of Gaston, was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was done on Monday, March 17 at 8:00 a.m. at MUSC in Charleston. The incident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.

Lexington, SC, 03/14/25 – The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, is proud to announce the swearing-in of new Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers for the Lexington County GAL Program. During the swearing-in ceremony, Efrain Irizzary, Phillip Pickard, Patricia Sims, Nicole McMahon, Angela Cerbelli and Lynne Fallaw took an oath to provide a voice for abused and neglected children involved in family court legal proceedings. The ceremony took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Lexington County Family Court House and was presided over by the Honorable Robert E. Newton. Click on this ad to learn more about our products and services These new volunteer Guardians ad Litem join other dedicated Lexington County community members who have been trained and are advocating for children in the family court system. The primary purpose of each GAL is to represent the best interests of the child during court proceedings. This requires each GAL to visit the child monthly to learn about the child’s wishes. They must also assess the child’s immediate safety and conduct interviews with others involved in the child’s life, including caseworkers, teachers, foster parents, and family members. The GAL then reports this information to the family court judge at scheduled hearings, along with a recommendation on the best course of action for the child. “We’re always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about advocating for children,” says Richard Fowler, regional recruiter, and trainer for the GAL program. “If you are interested in learning how you can change a child’s story, we encourage you to visit gal.sc.gov to learn more.” Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of their time for a child. Free training is provided to all volunteers. The next training classes begins on April 29, 2025. For more information on becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, contact Richard Fowler at (803) 645-9956 or Richard.Fowler@childadvocate.sc.gov or visit gal.sc.gov . Pictured are (L to R) Efrain Irizzary, Phillip Pickard, Patricia Sims, Nicole McMahon, Angela Cerbelli and Lynne Fallaw, The Honorable Robert E. Newton.