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'No shortcuts’: Irmo arborist transforms passion for recreational climbing into family business
Arborist David Morris points to a now-changed tree line. Morris founded Arborism Tree Care in 2018. What began as one man in a van has grown into a family operation that includes his wife, son-in-law and two employees.
Preparations underway for Monday’s Murdaugh retrial hearing in Lexington, S.C.
A mic sits on the judge's bench in the courtroom Alex Murdaugh would have his first retrial hearing in a few days later. The Friday afternoon before the retrial hearing was devoted primarily to technical preparations by broadcast and streaming outlets, coordinated by Lexington County Sheriff's Department personnel.
‘Maintain our history.’ Site of segregated Lexington Rosenwald school receives historical marker
Lexington Rosenwald school alum gather just outside the brick walls of the Rosenwald Community Learning Center, to honor its predecessor: a wood-frame school built in 1928-1929, among the period’s state-of-the-art educational facilities for African-American students.
Nearly a century after the Lexington school opened its doors, former students and teachers traveled from near and far to witness the unveiling of a historical marker from the S.C. African American Heritage Commission.
‘There's growth here … become part of it.’ New businesses in Swansea include an arts workshop, barber and more
Inside Lapidary Arts Workshop in Swansea, owner Tom Stidom and his wife, Patricia, show off their fully operational flume. This multi-disciplinary studio isn’t just about crafting custom jewelry; they’re working to keep the fading tradition of gemstone faceting alive and accessible in the heart of rural Lexington County.
Army veteran from Lexington recognized as state Legionnaire of the Year
Ricky Younginer, S.C. Legionnaire of the Year, sits next to his trophy at Richland County American Legion Post 6. The award is American Legion’s top award in the state, which recognizes a member’s exceptional public service.
Lexington Two Innovation Center hosts barbering, cosmetology competition for S.C. students
A student stylist uses a tool to work on another student's sectioned natural hair. Students from across South Carolina gathered at the Lexington Two Innovation Center for the Annual Catherine Kelly Battle of the Schools, an event meant for barbering and cosmetology schools to show off their talents.
‘Give nature its best chance.’ Couple creates their dream home on wildlife habitat, pushing back on Lexington’s rapid development
Wayne Haltiwanger, when asked by a contractor if he and his wife wanted this historic tree removed, the couple said absolutely not. The tree still holds an old rusted bucket once used for gathering sap.
Chihuahua bred in Lexington County wins ‘Best of Variety’ at Westminster 2026
Sandi Murdock of Murdock Kennels, home of Omegas Chihuahuas, holds three puppies she bred. Three-year-old Nacho, also bred by here, took home a grand title from the Super Bowl of dog shows, The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Lexington County councilman welcomes Abraham 2.0 to continue Midlands camel ministry
Abraham 2.0 is bottle-fed by his owner, Lexington County Councilman Clifford Fisher.
Camel duty has resumed for Lexington County Councilman Clifford Fisher after months spent grieving his beloved giant family member, Abraham. After the 29-year-old camel, who became a local icon and was featured in multiple community events and plays, died last October due to a serious intestinal blockage, Fisher vowed not to seek another camel unless God brought him one.
Southern summers do it best
Blue hues take hold on the Lexington side of Lake Murray at sunset. A man-made lake, Murray has 620 miles of shoreline and spans Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda
counties.
See inside of Lexington's Connick School of Irish Dance
Irish dance students practice while upbeat music and the sharp tapping sounds of shoes fill the room. From an outside perspective, it may just look like dance practice. But at the Connick School of Irish Dance, it’s much more, according to the dancers and their families—this Lexington studio is where precision meets belonging, and it’s one of the places where Irish tradition beats strong in South Carolina.
Beekeeping takes a family
David and Morgan Day look for the queen bee at their bee farm. The Lexington sheriff’s captain spends weekends with his daughter among multiple Midlands bee farms.
Midlands water politics boil over: Is Batesburg-Leesville mayor scapegoat for S.C. ethics issue?
Batesburg-Leesville Mayor Lancer Shull stands in front of the town’s current, nearly century-old water facility. The South Carolina Ethics Commission penalized this Midlands mayor who gets a per diem by serving on Lexington County’s largest water supplier, a role and reimbursement many other Midlands mayors (and other kinds of public officials) also have but haven’t faced repercussions for.
S.C. needs more foster parents, especially for teens
Frances Watson of Batesburg-Leesville has been fostering South Carolina kids in the system for over three decades.
Sweet Southern sewin': Legally blind West Columbia quilter does it for God
It was through 80s television that Sonya Smithart learned quilting - cutting techniques, pattern reading and sewing intricacies - to help those in need, though she herself is legally blind.
Downtown Lexington
jeweler talks diamond
alternatives, love of
custom-made pieces
Jerry Crady, owner of Jeweler’s Studio, shines his own wedding band. He once proposed to his wife, Jennifer, with an engagement ring
he made.
He's Lexington's new Santa, but his family's personal Santa
John Highsmith poses in his santa suit. When he's not playing Santa, he enjoys hunting ducks, deer, quail and rabbits.
Mayesville residents may be its quarrelsome town council's only hope, experts say
A longtime Mayesville resident sits through yet again a dramatic councilmeeting in which the new mayor and longtime council struggle to compromise.
