2021 Sportsarama

The New Normal with COVID, Dog Ownership, and Pet Professionals


The appearance of the COVID-19 virus turned our everyday lives upside down in ways that we had not imagined. Toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies became precious commodities. People began wearing masks in their everyday life if they braved going out in public at all. And our natural desire to be social had to take a backseat to slow […]

COVID strikes Sportsarama


Due to COVID protocols, the Dreher Blue Devils and Eau Claire Shamrocks will not be able to participate in Saturday’s Sportsarama. Dreher was scheduled to face C. A. Johnson, and Eau Claire was to play Ridgeland-Hardeeville. The new schedule isas follows:Saturday, August 14W.J. Keenan Stadium6: 30 p. m. Ridgeland Hardeeville vsC.A. Johnson*7: 10 p. m. W.J. Keenan* vs Columbia7: 50 […]

Local Veteran, educator turns 100; honored by County Council, Columbia Mayor, and S.C. Governor


The Richburg family is honored to celebrate the 100th birthday of patriarch Stonewall McKinney Richburg on Saturday, August 14 at Spring Valley High School. Festivities begin with a birthday drive-by at 10 a.m. and conclude with a proclamation from Richland County Council, a presentation of the Centenarian Award from the Office of Governor Henry McMaster, and anticipated remarks from Steve […]

Moe running for mayor


Former Columbia City Councilman and current restaurant owner Moe Baddourah announced Thursday, August 12 at city hall his intention to run for mayor. “Going through the pandemic last year and the major changes and issues we’re dealing with now whether its COVID related or city growth, I feel like I’m the best candidate for the job,” Baddourah said. “I have […]

Improving my memory

It’s not a criticism; It’s an observation


While talking to Chad on our regular Monday phone call and taking my turn to tell him an old story, my thought disappeared. After a few minutes, some embarrassing silence, and a loud click from my brain, I remembered the story thread and moved on. Chagrined? Absolutely. From the time I was a child, I had a solid memory. Never […]

Sunnybrook

Excerpt No. 33 from Mike Maddock’s novel available now on Amazon


Editor’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 7 (Cont’d) “Wait! What are you doing?” Joey panicked, but before he could give his thoughts on the matter, Mary Katherine pulled his face into her […]

India Part 4: The Accident


I knew we were on the right road. For miles, the shoulder of the road shadowed by the Himalayas had been lined with holy men, sadhus, and thin shadows moving slowly alongside the mountain road in the direction of Mother Ganga, the holy Ganges River. Their long white beards and saffron gowns flew in all directions as they plodded along […]

FOLKS ABOUT TOWN

For the tenth consecutive year Rhythmlink has been awarded a spot on the “Best Places to Work in South Carolina” list in the Small Employer category, honored by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. This year Rhythmlink placed 13 out 20 total companies in this category, earning a spot on a final list of the 81 most innovative and top-notch […]

Devine supports mask mandate for city schools


As the 2021-2022 school year quickly approaches, the topic of face coverings has floated back to the surface. A rise in COVID-19 positives and the new DELTA variant have Columbia City Council looking for ways to help students, especially those not eligible to receive the vaccine. With that in mind, city council approved a state of emergency ordinance at a […]