I think I'm going to have to start training now for the next Olympic games. Maybe if Michael Phelps decides to get out of the pool and start swimming in all his endorsement money, then Bob Bowman could be available to coach me. More...

The Musician's and Songwriter's Guild of South Carolina (MSG of SC) recently completed the 501(c) 3 paperwork necessary to become a certified non- profit organization. In addition to helping local musicians and songwriters develop their talent, the group wants to be an active part of the community and put its energy where it can benefit the Columbia area. More...

S.C. State Representative James Smith spoke to the Columbia Rotary Club Monday about his U.S. Army Reserve active duty with the 218 Infantry Brigade, S.C. Army National Guard, in Afghanistan during the past year. During his service, he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. More...

Jobless S.C.'s unemployment rate jumped to 7.0 percent in July, up almost a full percentage point from June's 6.1 percent. N.C.'s unemployment rate for July was 6.6 percent. The national unemployment rate for July was 5.7 percent. The lowest unemployment rate in S.C. for July was Lexington County's 5.2 percent. The highest was in Allendale County at 15.9 percent. More...

Pictured are the 2008 Summer Youth Employment Program participants: Chandlier Abraham - 18, rising senior at Dreher; James Avinger - 16, rising junior at A.C. Flora; Marquis Bacote - 16, rising junior at C.A. Johnson; Chardonnay Cannon - 17, rising senior at Keenan; Adrianna Cosby - 18, graduated May 2008 from C.A. Johnson, will attend Benedict this fall; Ronneria Farmer - 16, rising junior at A.C. Flora; Christopher Garmon - 16, rising junior at A.C. Flora; Brittney Green - 16, rising junior at Eau Claire; Whitney Green - 16, rising junior at C.A. Johnson; Michael Hampton - 17, graduated May 2008 from C.A. Johnson, will attend MTC this fall for surgical technology; Brittney Hunter - 19, graduated May 2007 from A.C. Flora, will start sophomore year at MTC this fall; Bruce Hunter - 17, rising junior at A.C. Flora; Isaiah James - 18, rising senior at Eau Claire; Tashianna Lee - 16, rising junior at Keenan; Terell Magazine - 16, rising junior at Keenan; Matthew Mickens - 16, rising sophomore at A.C. Flora; Rashad Rodgers - 20, graduated from Dreher in 2006, has attended MTC for 2 years, will return to MTC this fall, then USC in the spring; Kyari Williams - 16, rising junior at Keenan. Contributed by Columbia Housing Authority More...

Christine Jane Barr of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and James Nance Haltiwanger Jr. of Anderson, South Carolina, were married Saturday, August 2, 2008, at Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach. Pastor Thomas Clymer officiated the 6 pm ceremony. More...

With eight schools, bands, cheerleading squads, and favorable weather, the 48th annual Sertoma Sportsarama took over Memorial Stadium on August 16. After canceling the 2007 edition due to temperatures well over 100 degrees, this year's Sportsarama was held in the evening to keep everyone comfortable and safe. More...

-ANIMALS The Animal Protection League will hold a Garage Sale August 23, 8 am- 9 pm at 1727 Laurel Street. Donations needed (No clothes please). For drop offs, call Judy at 782-5728 or Debbie at 603-5443. -ART The Columbia Museum of Art is hosting Children of Hope, an exhibit that displays artwork created by children with cancer and blood disorders. More...

In 1881, two lumber magnates from Chicago, Francis Beidler and B.F. Ferguson formed the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company and purchased over 165,000 acres of land along the Congaree, Wateree, and Santee Rivers in South Carolina. More...

NOTICE TO: CAROLINE SUSAN HALL, last known address in Richland County, South Carolina. Previously Elginwood Dr., Elgin, SC 29045. Please Contact: Marshall Hall, 1567 Brazell Rd. More...

When Beth Bolton and David Adams married four years ago, they combined their love for plants and music into a new garden. Bolton's residence in Shandon was the home she had grown up in. Under a canopy of trees, she had created a shade garden. Adams had maintained a sunny perennial garden for 15 years in Coldstream. More...