Councilman Sam Davis announced over two weeks ago he was not going to run for re-election after his current term ends at the end of the year. At the time his announcement served as a notice that District One would be getting new representation. However, it became a preamble for a seismic shift in the makeup of Columbia City Council. […]
In defense of responsible breeders
First let me say I completely support responsible all-breed rescue and breed rescue groups. In fact, I co-founded South Carolina Sheltie Rescue in the late 1990s. Three of my Shelties came into my life as adults or adolescents by chance, or by “foster failure.” We often hear the phrase “Adopt Don’t Shop.” I agree there are too many dogs languishing […]
Early Columbia Cemeteries
Part Three: First Baptist ChurchPart Three: First Baptist Church
The Columbia Baptist Church (later renamed First Baptist Church of Columbia) was established in 1809. In 1811, a house of worship was built on the southeast corner of Sumter and Hampton (then Plain) streets. The modest 40 square foot building was made of handmade bricks, becoming the first brick church in Columbia. This building served the church until it was […]
S.C. Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association awards scholarships
Six young players of bluegrass and other traditional music, three from Columbia, have won a total of $1,300 in scholarships from the S.C. Bluegrass and Traditional Music Association (SCBTMA). Three of the 2020 Bill Wells Memorial Scholarship recipients attend Ben Lippen School, which has a bluegrass band. Nathanael Cole of Columbia, a sophomore who plays mandolin, fiddle, bass, and more, […]
Helen Keller and Jewish Space Lasers
It’s not a criticism; It’s an observationAs I get older, less and less surprises me. But a recent conspiracy theory about Helen Keller not only surprised but flabbergasted me. Apparently many young Tik Tok users think the lady never existed, or her story was false. Helen Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880. Every school kid growing up in Alabama, a state that didn’t feature […]
Sunnybrook
Excerpt No. 7 from Mike Maddock’s novel available now on AmazonEditor’s Note: We are pleased to publish Mike Maddock’s novel, Sunnybrook, in its entirety as a “50 Something” weekly series for 2021. All published excerpts will also be available on our website, www.TheColumbiaStar.com. PROLOGUE (Cont’d) “I mean you party every weekend like you’re still in school. You don’t do anything with Joey unless it’s playtime, and you actually seem to […]
Holy Land—Part 6: Mount of Beatitudes, Pater Noster, Baptism of Jesus
I have always been attracted to the Holy Land, modern Israel and Jordan. Three times I have found myself wandering through the historic sites searching for the meaning of life. In 1970, after doing research in Thailand for my dissertation, I stopped off in Jerusalem for three days. In 1983, after completing two years as principal of an American school […]
FOLKS ABOUT TOWN
Ryan Clark has joined McGregor & Company, LLP’s Columbia accounting staff. Sherard “Shekeese” Duvall and Tiffany James have been named board members at Justice 360. Chernoff Newman has named Heather Price president of advertising, Peter LaMotte as president of public relations, and David Campbell as chief operating officer and vice-chairman. Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands has […]
South Carolina to set record with 3.2-million trees planted
S.C. Floodwater Commission Chairman Tom Mullikin is leading a record-setting effort, POWERPLANTSC, to plant 3.2-million trees across S.C. on Earth Day, April 22. “This will be the largest single-day tree planting event in American history,” said Mullikin during a recent POWERPLANTSC luncheon at the Palmetto Club in downtown Columbia. “A project of the S.C. Floodwater Commission, this will involve a […]
Dunkin’ brings new next generation store to Columbia
People who live, work and travel through Columbia can now experience Dunkin’s store of the future. Dunkin’ opened its new restaurant at 7338 Garners Ferry Road Thursday, February 11 and it features the brand’s next generation design, with a modern atmosphere and innovative technologies. Elements of Dunkin’s new restaurant experience include: Modern Design: The openness, colors, and materials used in […]
