Discount admission and ride tickets are now on sale for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair, returning to Columbia October 15-25. Fairgoers who purchase admission and ride vouchers in advance through October 14 can save up to 50% at participating Circle K locations or online at SCStateFair.org. “Fair season willContinue Reading

Turning a minor disappointment into a measurable victory By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Stupidity, defiance, or calculated risk: Probably a bit of all three. Yesterday morning I had routine blood labs done. Everything looked good – Praise God – though my hemoglobin levels (the culprit in my 2024 stroke) wereContinue Reading

Free festival celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with music, food, cultural performances and family activities COLUMBIA, S.C. — Carnaval del Barrio, one of the Midlands’ largest celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month, will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at Finlay Park in downtown Columbia. Admission is free. The family-friendly festival draws hundredsContinue Reading

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Museum will host an Accessibility Morning Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m., offering individuals, families and groups a more disability-friendly museum experience. The program features a quieter, sensory-friendly environment, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and other accessibility resources. Guests who areContinue Reading

NEWBERRY, S.C. — A local fall tradition is reaching a milestone as Newberry’s annual Oktoberfest celebrates its 25th anniversary Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Newberry. The festivities begin Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with Brews and Bites, featuring live music on the entertainment stage. VendorsContinue Reading

By Mike DuBose What if the next major change in your life begins with questions you type into a computer? Suppose that same technology helps you solve everyday issues, yet forces your children or grandchildren to re-think their careers and education. The possibilities are exciting, while others are downright scary!Continue Reading

A three-handicap golfer from Port St. Lucie, Florida, spent the day at Par T, where we had a chance to examine her swing. She explained that she had shortened her backswing and was now keeping more balls in the fairway. Despite her shorter backswing, she remains a highly competitive golferContinue Reading