Editor’s Note: This is the sixth in a series called “Together While Alone” that will explore creative solutions Columbia residents and businesses are employing to connect to each other while still staying safe and healthy. It was just a “little dream” Maria Carrero had—making a couple dozen masks for those in the medical industry in need of protection. Today, thanks […]
Bike business rolling along
“It’s crazy to think it took a pandemic to bring the bike business back as strong as it was during the ’90s when Lance Armstrong was racing,” mused Brian Curran, owner of Outspokin’ Bicycles on Devine Street after being asked about the surprising amount of business he and other Columbia bike stores have seen over the past several weeks. Derek […]
The “Queen of Rosewood” turns 98
On April 21, a very special event occurred that showed the kindness of the human spirit and how a strong sense of community will get us through this time of crisis. Sgt. Chris Morris of the Columbia Police Department was tagged in a Facebook post explaining a resident of the Rosewood neighborhood was about to turn 98. It was Ms. […]
Senior Resources provides meals during pandemic
Midlands seniors lined up at Richland Library Southeast April 13 to receive a package of five meals, a bag of fresh fruit, and words of encouragement as part of the Emergency Senior Nutrition Program in Richland County. Since March 23 the Midlands organization, Senior Resources, has teamed up with Southern Way Catering to provide thousands of meals for senior citizens […]
COVID-19 times stir up ration book memories
If you like to drink coffee in the mornings, do you take it with cream and sugar? Do you like to bake? Do you search for the lowest gas prices when you need to fill up your gas tank? Many items we use daily have been in short supply or have restrictions on how many you can purchase. What we’re […]
Quirky Crimes in the Capital City
Richland County ffiTwo Notch Road: Police were called to a grocery store at 6 p.m. Sunday after a woman repeatedly tried to pass counterfeit $100 bills to the cashiers. The woman passed one $100 bill early in the morning by buying a $3 candy bar. The cashier used the counterfeit bill detector pen before accepting the money but it passed […]
Food is safe, and now is the time to buy it local
Many of us continue to hunker down in our homes following orders to stop the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, South Carolina farmers are out in their fields planting summer crops and picking spring ones like strawberries and blueberries. Some are getting ready to pick peaches next month while others are busy every day with livestock or poultry. The U.S. Department […]
As the Boy Scouts motto states, be prepared with a well- stocked pantry if you can
ASK US AT THE STARWhat stand- by items should a pantry include? Having an adequate supply of food is challenging these days, so we sought expert advice on stocking a pantry. Those who can be prepared are fortunate, since many can’t get what they need and turn to organizations like Harvest Hope and Senior Resources for assistance. If you are fortunate enough to find […]
She wore a yellow ribbon
It’s not a criticism; It’s an observationSo far the majority of Americans aren’t terribly affected by COVID-19. Most of us are just trying to maintain sanity and stay positive, something hard to do with a populace used to spending a large part of each day occupied with some type of work activity. Since I’m not ready to grab my automatic rifle, Confederate flag, and unsubstantiated rumors, […]
Nailing the Lockdown
I’m just saying...This quarantine is getting tiresome. I understand there’s a virus out there and we definitely need to be careful and my heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones but forcing people to NOT go to work and make a living can’t continue. If a food server, bartender, hairdresser, or a nail tech is working to put food […]