Robert L. Sumwalt III is the only South Carolinian to ever serve on the five-member National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He is stepping down as chairman at the end of June. A native Columbian, he is a graduate of Dreher High School and UofSC. He earned a master’s degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He has served almost 15 years […]
Barriers and Distortions
2020-2021, a school year like no other. Plexiglass and masks put literal barriers between us all, making it harder than ever to connect. We had stickers on the benches in the cafeteria to remind kids not to get too close. Only half the kids could go to recess at a time. We had to re-think everything, but somehow, we got […]
Jazz comes to Wildewood
Will Oncken, a Columbia local who has been playing the saxophone off and on for 20 years, performed recently for Wildewood Downs Retirement Community. He played oldies like “Satin Doll,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and “Stompin’ at the Savoy.” He plays jazz on the side for fun. By day he is an attorney at Turner Padget and […]
First graduating class of Spring Valley High School to celebrate its 50th reunion
Spring Valley High School Class of ’71’s 50th Reunion will be held Saturday, August 7, from 6–10 p.m. at DiPrato’s Delicatessen, 342 Pickens Street. Cost will be $55 per person. Checks can be made payable to Karen Deas, SVHS Reunion, 128 Normandy Road, Columbia, S.C. 29210; by PayPal: SVHSClassof1971@gmail.com; by Venmo: @SVHSClassof1971; or $60 cash at the door. For more […]
The Beer Snake
It’s not a criticism; It’s an observationI have been trying to survive the monotony of a four day medical procedure prep. Most normal daily habits had to be altered to give the doctor good sight lines into my digestive system on Tuesday. It was Sunday night and I was getting edgy. Extra Edgy. The last 18 months had been stress inducing for everyone. Our politicians and […]
Sunnybrook
Excerpt No. 27 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. Chapter 6 (Cont’d) Joey threw his bike to the ground and lunged toward Eric, but Chris and Ryan both stepped in front grabbing Joey around the chest. […]
Roach Anxiety— The Nasty Conclusion
I must apologize to roach lovers wherever you are. This story has been based on my personal experiences and my worst childhood nightmares. I am no longer afraid of roaches, and I don’t even hate them. In fact, I understand their necessary role in life on Planet Earth. I hope you understand. These creatures, officially cockroaches (derived from the Spanish […]
Madden and Savely named co-executive directors of SCPA
The S.C. Press Association executive committee has named Jen Madden and Randall Savely co-executive directors of the press association, effective July 23 when Bill Rogers officially retires. Madden and Savely have a long-standing working relationship with the complementary skills and knowledge needed to successfully lead the organization. Both noted they’re excited to continue to work together for the good of […]
FOLKS ABOUT TOWN
Paige Jernigan has joined Colliers South Carolina as the accounting and finance coordinator in the Columbia office. Anna Kate Twitty has joined Flock and Rally as its new director of communications. Lydia Brandt has received a Fresh Voice in the Humanities Award from South Carolina Humanities for her work as associate professor of architecture, American art, and theories and methods […]
Gov. Henry McMaster announces line item vetoes of FY 2021-2022 state budget
Governor Henry McMaster has announced his line item vetoes of the FY 2021-2022 state budget. Totaling $152.5 million, the governor’s 15 vetoes, include seven proviso subsections that contain 226 earmarked appropriations that lack the necessary transparency and accountability for state funding. “While some important and unprecedented transparency measures were adopted in the budgeting process this year, public transparency must be […]
