WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Time is running out to claim a $10,000 Mega Millions prize from a ticket sold in West Columbia The unclaimed ticket was purchased from Circle K at 4048 Charleston Highway for the November 8 It matched four white ball numbers and the gold Megaball number to win $10,000 The prize must be claimed by 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the Columbia Claims Center or be postmarked by that date if submitted by mail the $10,000 will be deposited into the Education Lottery Account to support education programs in the state Players have 180 days from the draw date to claim winnings For more information, visit sceducationlottery.com (WOLO)– A lucky winner only has a couple days to claim their winning Mega Millions ticket The winning ticket that was sold in West Columbia If you purchased a Mega Millions ticket from the Circle K at 4048 Charleston Hwy in West Columbia in November drawing and matched four white ball numbers and the gold Megaball number to win $10,000 The ticket must be claimed no later than Wednesday the envelope must be postmarked by that date the $10,000 winnings will be deposited in the Education Lottery Account to support educational programs in South Carolina For complete information on claiming prizes, visit sceducationlottery.com WEST COLUMBIA — Incumbent Rory Burke faced off with former councilman Jamie Walker for the Position 4 seat with the outcome the same as when they last went head to head in 2021 Burke received almost two-thirds of the total ballots cast to retain the seat he won from the then-incumbent Walker four years ago unofficial results from the Brazoria County Elections Division posted Saturday night showed Burke receiving 171 votes Would you like to receive our daily headlines? Signup today Get the latest local and national sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning Receive updates on the latest issue of The Facts Receive the daily weather forecast and the weekly outlook in your inbox each morning Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Receive email alerts anytime there is breaking news or a severe weather alert Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account CRBR Women of Influence Walmart customers who shop at the Neighborhood Market on 1019 Old Barnwell Road will be part of a first-of-its-kind rapid remodel project Walmart launches first-of-its kind remodel in West Columbia The store will temporarily close on Monday April 21 for three to four weeks as the store undergoes a major remodel Pharmacy and the Pharmacy drive-thru will remain open to serve customers and members Walmart will donate all remaining food from the Grocery department to Harvest Hope Food Bank supporting those in need and helping prevent food waste “The generous food donation from our partners at Walmart is a lifeline for so many of our neighbors here in the Midlands,” said Erinn Rowe “This act of kindness directly translates to meals on the tables of families who need them most We are deeply grateful for Walmart’s continued commitment to our community and their invaluable support in our mission to fight hunger.” The Neighborhood Market remodel will include enhancements to both the customer and associate spaces the store will feature a variety of new and improved amenities upgraded deli/bakery areas and a remodeled break room for store associates The building’s exterior and interior will be repainted lighting and signage will be installed throughout the store RELATED: Historic Basilica of St. Peter in downtown Columbia gets $9M addition RELATED: How relentless growth is changing the dynamic of Midlands’ smaller towns all Walmart associates at this location will continue working playing a crucial role throughout the remodel process “We understand that this is a big change and we appreciate our customers’ patience during this time Our goal is to create a greater shopping experience that wows our customers and members every time they step through our doors,” said Gabe Boyd “Walmart is proud to be part of the West Columbia community and are looking forward to welcoming back the community once the remodel is complete” Blanchard Machinery begins construction on a $65M Calhoun County facility to boost growth Ritedose secures FDA approval for its formoterol inhalation solution expanding COPD treatment options and str[...] Kimberly-Clark will invest $200M to expand its Beech Island plant creating 150+ jobs and enhancing manufactur[...] South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis will stay in office for now as the House opts not to act on Senate reso[...] Techo-Bloc will open its first South Carolina facility in Lexington County Discover 20 of South Carolina’s most promising startups making waves across tech Sign up for your daily digest of Columbia Business Report Hundreds turn out to see what governor and South Carolina Department of Employment and Wor[...] Blanchard Machinery begins construction on a $65M Calhoun County facility to boost growth Ritedose secures FDA approval for its formoterol inhalation solution expanding COPD treatment optio[...] Kimberly-Clark will invest $200M to expand its Beech Island plant creating 150+ jobs and enhancing [...] South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis will stay in office for now as the House opts not to act on S[...] Techo-Bloc will open its first South Carolina facility in Lexington County Columbia Business Report is the market leader in business media in South Carolina We connect you with decision-makers and stakeholders throughout the state Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Log in for access to the latest digital and special editions Quarterback Cam Ward of the Miami Hurricanes warms up before the Pop-Tarts Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium on Dec The last time a Texan was taken first overall in the NFL Draft was 2019 when the Arizona Cardinals selected quarterback Kyler Murray The draft is the league’s annual event where teams pick new players from college to add to their roster.  Murray had the typical pedigree of a first overall pick – he won three state championships with powerhouse Allen High School and was named Mr. Texas Football twice. His father was a star quarterback at Texas A&M another quarterback from Texas is expected to be the top overall pick: Cam Ward But his path to the professional ranks looked quite a bit different from Murray’s Michael Shapiro, sports reporter for chron.com, recently profiled Ward He spoke to the Texas Standard about the quarterback’s circuitous route to the NFL.  This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity: Cam Ward most recently played for the University of Miami in Florida but his high school ball was in West Columbia What makes his story unique for a potential No Kyler Murray was a quarterback that was celebrated throughout his high school career Cam Ward was unknown throughout his high school career West Columbia is a population of under 4,000 people and Cam Ward’s offense in high school was called the Wing T which focused on running the ball and passing fewer than 10 times per game His one collegiate offer came from Incarnate Word in San Antonio and the only reason he ended up there was because him and his dad went to a camp at Incarnate Word when he was in high school And all these stops later will now place him likely with the Tennessee Titans tell me about going from Incarnate Word in San Antonio which is not exactly known as a football powerhouse What did he do there that got him to that next step?  he wasn’t even the starting quarterback there He had to overtake the incumbent who had the job for multiple years And that kind of is a story that Cam has followed really at every single stop where he starred as a starter for two years Then Eric Morris left for a job at North Texas he made it work and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.  » GET MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE: Sign up for Texas Standard’s weekly newsletters some touchdown numbers that are kind of unheard of.  it’s actually really interesting because as we noted earlier Cam Ward really never got to throw the ball very much in high school was college football’s all-time passing touchdowns leader you can throw the bowl about 50 times a game And Cam said that’s all I needed to hear.  Let’s talk about the Tennessee Titans They’ve got the first overall pick in this draft on Thursday Why do so many people think they’ll pick Ward I think there are two kind of things pointing to Cam going to Tennessee who are still looking for their kind of quarterback of the future after a few years in the NFL wilderness There is the arm talent and the physical tools He’s been compared to Patrick Mahomes He’s being compared to Murray himself Then there’s this kind of self-belief and confidence Even though he’s a kid from a small town even though he is a kid that really wasn’t heralded in high school Cam thinks he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL And the plays he puts on tape kind of show that.  But you got to talk to Ward for this story Can you talk about that and how he’s using that to fuel himself?  there is a chip on his shoulder that people really just didn’t recognize his talents up until even later in his college years he’s not a kid who’s necessarily bitter at a situation but he remembers and thinks about the long hours him and his dad would drive around the state looking for a collegiate offer that wouldn’t come until Incarnate Word believed in him it was really Cam and his parents as the people who believed in his football talent Now it seems like the world is finally starting to figure out.  If you found the reporting above valuable, please consider making a donation to support it here. Your gift helps pay for everything you find on texasstandard.org and KUT.org ©2024 Texas Standard. A service of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin | Contact us WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — According to the West Columbia Fire Department emergency crews are responding to a gas leak in the 2800 block of Augusta Rd near Pinecrest Ave The incident is currently active and hazardous Officials said the westbound lanes on Augusta Rd are closed Fire units are with Dominion Energy to contain and resolve the leak Officials said drivers should avoid the area and take alternate routes Show Breaking News BarCloseNewsAaron Wilson HOUSTON – The rocket arm electrifying style of play and prolific success of the top college football quarterback were once dramatically overlooked It took years for the rare talent of Cam Ward to be discovered and put on full display at college football’s biggest stage The unique journey of the 22-year-old West Columbia High School graduate from a small town in Brazoria County with 3,644 residents and being a zero-star recruit to emerge as the top overall pick in the NFL draft for the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night is essentially unprecedented Cam’s father of the path of Brett Favre from relative obscurity in rural Mississippi Ward is the pride of Brazoria County and the talk of the NFL His parents have been with him every step of the way including being with him at the draft in Green Bay when his name will be called and he’ll walk across the stage to shake hands with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell “We do pinch ourselves,” said Patrice Ward He’s come to this point and we can’t really explain the feeling about the goodness and grace of God and Cameron working so hard to fulfill his dreams “It’s very overwhelming with so much going on We instilled in him to be a God-fearing young man who treats people the right way.” winner of the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards and Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year wasn’t a recruiting priority primarily stem from his roots in a small town and operating a winning run-first Wing-T offense that rarely called for him to throw the football Eric Morris always believed and was instrumental in Ward’s path to Incarnate Word and Washington State I’ve been around some great players that helped me get to this place The coaching staff really helped me since coming in as a young 17-year-old kid running a wing T offense That’s how he went from Incarnate Word and winning the Jerry Rice award as the nation’s top freshman and passing for 4,648 yards 47 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a sophomore and being named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year to success at Washington State as a transfer I kind of hear the Brett Favre story was similar but I don’t know if it will ever happen again,” said Calvin Ward I don’t think most people realize how hard it was “It was a constant need to find a mega camp or a college camp to showcase him and how far is it getting positive feedback with no one willing to offer him because they didn’t see it on film ‘I’m going to keep working and keep finding places to go.” With a more patient approach for the Hurricanes in his final season of college football Ward controlled the game with his arm and his legs 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 204 yards and four touchdowns He was fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting ability to improvise and adapt on the fly to defenses and his mobility all set Cam Ward apart Touch and timing are major pluses to Ward’s game Adapting to new environments and his leadership are other traits that make Ward a standout He appreciates what it’s taken to get to this point Washington all the way into Miami,” Ward said “I just think me having to get experience different changes it’s going to end up helping me in the long run because you never know what football will take you You never know what God has in store for you He finished his entire career with 18,137 yards and 158 touchdown passes with 20 touchdown runs No quarterback has thrown as many touchdown passes as Ward in NCAA history “It was a lot of fun for us,” Calvin Ward said of the Miami experience The difference was the U on the side of the helmet.” Calvin Ward works for the local electrical utility company Patrice Ward retired after teaching school for three decades Ward made the most of the experience in football and basketball “Cameron is a student of the game,” Calvin Ward said He’s still going to get better every day at anything new he puts his mind to His father has been representing him along with some outside help in marketing “It’s been a good experience,” Calvin Ward said Before the family flew to Green Bay for the draft Ward remained hard at work with a throwing session with his longtime quarterbacks coach Darrell Colbert “He’s working out right now,” Calvin Ward said “We’re waiting for him to get home and then get on the plane to go to Wisconsin.” The family has met with the Titans coaching staff and owner Amy Adams Strunk several times “We’re very impressed with them,” Calvin Ward said he’s the Titans missing piece to being back in the playoffs.” “We’re just glad he’s in this position,” Patrice Ward said “The only thing Cameron wants for Thursday is for the commissioner to call his name and ask the team for playbook.” he has the faith and the trust in God,” Patrice Ward said The most important thing is being a good person Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved Aaron Wilson is an award-winning Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and www.click2houston.com including previous stints for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun This marks his 10th year covering the Texans after previously covering a Super Bowl winning team in Baltimore TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Contests and Rules Contact Us Meet the Team Careers at KPRC Closed Captioning / Audio Description Public File Current EEO Report Terms of Use Privacy Policy Do Not Sell My Info FCC Applications Copyright © 2025 Click2Houston.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group Texas (AP) — Years had passed since Hurricane Harvey's howling winds and heavy rains tore apart Dan Lee's century-old roof in West Columbia a nonprofit that has helped more than 450 homeowners and relies on an AmeriCorps community service program that sends young adults to work on projects across the U.S The organization repaired Lee's roof and got rid of the mold left behind in Harvey's wake I had holes in the ceiling where it got wet and the sheetrock had failed," Lee said at his home President Donald Trump 's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency a 30-year-old federal agency that dispatches 200,000 volunteers and hundreds of millions of dollars that meant a 10-person team it was counting on would not arrive a few days later as planned entailing a loss of nearly 2,000 hours of service that had been committed to help 11 homeowners "You can imagine what it's like to be in your home never knowing how much rain's gonna come in that day," said Debbie Allensworth executive director and co-founder of Mosaic in Action The far-reaching government cuts have left communities across the country — small and large in red and blue states alike — scrambling for alternatives amid the uncertainty from after-school programs to veterans' services to natural disaster response AmeriCorps employs more than 500 full-time federal workers most of whom are now on administrative leave and has an operating budget of roughly $1 billion it has long been a target of critics who decry bloat "President Trump has the legal right to restore accountability to the entire Executive Branch," Anna Kelly said this week via email after Democratic officials in about two dozen states filed a federal lawsuit In the weeks since corps members were let go and grants were abruptly canceled organizations and volunteers have been searching for alternative solutions High Rocks Education Corporation was told last week to immediately halt its programming funded by the AmeriCorps State and National grant program teaching digital literacy and mentoring kids in afterschool programs High Rocks executive director Sarah Riley said the organization has been trying to find emergency money to support corps members who will no longer have a paycheck and the nearly two dozen partner organizations that relied on AmeriCorps "We're all desperately trying to figure that out," Riley said Meanwhile there is a broader ripple effect that leaves holes in communities that was a really important adult in their life who cared about them who's now gone with no ability to say goodbye," she said a 23-year-old team leader with AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps started reaching out to sponsor organizations days after being discharged three months early She and her peers also started an online fundraiser which brought in over $11,000 in donations within a little over a week Now they are headed to work at an environmental and education center in rural Oregon — without the support of the federal agency "We weren't ready for our service to end," Gibbons said the Casper Housing Authority was counting on an AmeriCorps team to kick-start food production on an urban farm providing fresh Within 48 hours of learning that AmeriCorps was dismissing the 10 workers the authority received a $20,000 donation from the Zimmerman Family Foundation allowing it to bring in the corps members and pay them minimum wage Such workarounds are bandages that will be difficult to maintain executive director of the Volunteer Louisiana service commission Public funding through AmeriCorps has always been coupled with private dollars but it is a symbiotic relationship with one requiring the presence of the other to subsist "It's not sustainable in the long term," Jeansonne said "because those investments historically have been part of the puzzle And while AmeriCorps is a large national investment it's unique in that most funding decisions are made locally by state service commissions like the one he runs in Louisiana "It's meeting critical community needs," he said "These are people in Louisiana or Mississippi or Arkansas identifying the needs and making sure that the dollars go there." This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025 audio and/or video material shall not be published rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use The AP will not be held liable for any delays errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing City Manager Debbie Sutherland climbed her way through positions in West Columbia starting on the road though vocational office education training and becoming city manager in 2007 After more than four decades serving West Columbia including the last 18 years as its top administrator City Manager Debbie Sutherland is ready to hand the reins to someone else WEST COLUMBIA — After more than four decades serving West Columbia an emotional decision that will close out a 42-year tenure with the city An official website of the United States government Open Search  Mobile Menu The additional two loads of horses are expected to arrive and be available for adoption/pickup on Sunday February 23.  The two expected loads will have Online Corral animals and approximately 30 additional horses for adoption to the public shipping lists will be uploaded to the website as they come available Two of the four expected loads of horses have been delivered to the South Congaree Arena in West Columbia hazardous road conditions in the Great Plains have delayed the shipment of two loads Online Corral adopters were contacted yesterday if their horse's arrival to the facility is delayed Staff are working diligently to get the additional animals to the facility.  — The Bureau of Land Management will host a wild horse and burro placement event offering a limited number of excess animals gathered from western rangelands at the South Congaree Arena in West Columbia “The BLM has placed over 300,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971,” said Southeastern States Acting District Manager Shayne Banks “This is an opportunity to provide a good home to one of America’s Living Legends.” Around 150 animals are expected to be available for adoption at the event which will be open to the public February 20-23 from 8 a.m BLM staff will be onsite to provide more information and assist with the adoption application process The BLM’s Adoption Incentive Program allows adopters to receive $1,000 when they receive title to their animals after successfully caring for the horse for one year. To learn more about BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program, visit https://www.blm.gov/whb **Note** It is unlikely burros will be offered at this event For all press inquiries, please contact Hunter Paffrath at (769) 366-4821 or hpaffrath@blm.gov The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations An official website of the Department of the Interior Attendees pray Thursday during the National Day of Prayer commemoration at Pocket Park in West Columbia during the National Day of Prayer commemoration Thursday at Pocket Park in West Columbia Alex Montealeger shares a personal prayer for the military police and first responders Thursday during the National Day of Prayer ceremony in Angleton Preston Ulrich leads worship Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Mary Sharpe prays for the churches Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Nicholas and Kassandra Stommel pray Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Kenny Stanford prays for the federal government Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Nita Kennemer lifts her hand in prayer Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Kenny Stanford bows his head in prayer Thursday during the National Day of Prayer at Pocket Park in West Columbia Jorge Galvan performs “The Goodness of God” during the National Day of Prayer ceremony Thursday in Angleton Cathy Drury gives welcomes attendees to the National Day of Prayer ceremony Thursday in Angleton Justin Gambino reads a Bible passage before his prayer for the arts entertainment and media during the National Day of Prayer in Angleton Residents in Angleton and West Columbia gather for the National Day of Prayer seeking unity and guidance through prayers Under a gray sky at Veterans Park in Angleton residents gathered Thursday for the 74th annual National Day of Prayer joining a nationwide call to lift voices for families leaders and communities in need of healing Gauri Godbole is a reporter with The Facts Email notifications are only sent once a day has been nominated for best chef in the Southeast region This is the second-consecutive year Robinson has been nominated West Columbia restaurateur named James Beard finalist — again This James Beard thing is becoming old hat for a Columbia-area chef West Columbia Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque has been named a 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalist for the second consecutive year Robinson earned the semifinalist nod in the Best Chef Southeast category and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago The Columbia region previously received recognition in 2023 for Chef Jessica Shillato in the Best Chef: Southeast category; Lula Drake in the Outstanding Hospitality category; and CITY GRIT Hospitality Group (Aaron Hoskins Sarah Simmons and Elie Yigo) in the Outstanding Restaurateur category Last year’s recognitions included Chefs Kitwanda “Kiki” Cyrus and Tyrone Cyrus and Robinson in the Best Chef: Southeast category and Lula Drake in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program which resulted in the first-ever win for Columbia Related: Columbia restaurant and bar wins James Beard Award Related: Tupelo Honey announces opening date for Columbia location “Simply receiving attention from the James Beard Foundation speaks volumes about the level of culinary talent located in our region finalists and a winner in addition to our current recognition moves us closer to being considered a foodie destination,” said Experience Columbia SC President and CEO Bill Ellen said in the release “We are proud of all our past recognized chefs and establishments and we are excited for City Limits Barbeque to receive this coveted attention Let’s all do our part keep these chefs and restaurants in our region by continuing to show them our support.” The complete list of semifinalists is available here The Fireflies are adding specialty items to the menu on select Friday games during the 2025 season Riverbanks Zoo and Garden continues its momentum from a landmark 50th anniversary year with a series of events[...] This is the second-consecutive year the chef has been nominated for the prestigious award The spot will feature Korean fried chicken rice bowls and other Korean-inspired comfort food The airline will take off from CAE for the first time on June 5 Cayce / West Columbia, Springdale, South Congaree, Pine Ridge, Three Fountains, Boiling Springs, Gaston, Swansea, Pelion, Sharpe's Hill, Mack Edisto, Edmund, Fairview, Samaria, Batesburg-Leesville, The Ridge, Hollow Creek, Summit, Gilbert, Lexington, Oak Grove, Red Bank/White Knoll, Chapin, Irmo and Lake Murray! SearchCORRECTED: Machine shop in West Columbia receives significant damage in what is believed to be an arson fire Paul KirbyApr 142 min readUpdated: Apr 15 West Columbia, SC 04/14/2025 (Paul Kirby) – A commercial building was seriously damaged by fire Sunday night. Firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire at Midlands Machine Works on Smith Drive near Sox Street shortly after 11:00 p.m. When they arrived on the scene, they encountered a significant amount of smoke coming from around the large rollup doors of the work area. Click this ad to learn more about our products and servicesAfter the fire was out fire marshal’s began to try and establish the cause of the fire they located what they felt were devices that could be used to intentionally cause the fire The West Columbia Police Department was called and their officers asked for assistance from the SC State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Agents responded and began an official investigation an officer from the West Columbia Police Department was sitting at the scene guarding the building until investigators returned today One official said that the fire’s damage could be over a million dollars This is because of the expensive milling and c and c machines that first got heated and then quickly cooled by the water used to fight the fire                                                                                       DBA: The Lexington Ledger Contact: (803) 587-3144                                                                                                           Tips call the hotline at: (803) 587-3144 email: thelexingtonledger@gmail.com                                                                                      Content protected by US copyright laws © 2023 by "This Just In". Proudly created with Wix.com WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — West Columbia pitmaster Robbie Robinson has been named a finalist for 'Best Chef' in the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards. The James Beard Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the culinary world Robinson, of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia has earned recognition alongside some of the best chefs in the United States Robinson is only the second pitmaster to be nominated more than once in the same chef category Robinson is the only chef from South Carolina to receive a nomination this year The barbecue restaurant is known for its authentic Texas and Carolina BBQ West Columbia chef South Carolina’s lone James Beard Award nominee A Midlands barbecue master is South Carolina’s only representative for the annual James Beard Awards The James Beard Foundation has revealed its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees This is the second consecutive year Robinson has been nominated considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries as well as a commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive The 2025 awards will commemorate a milestone — the 35th anniversary of the awards — celebrating the transformative role the awards have played in honoring culinary excellence and shaping the evolution of American food culture while reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to leading and supporting the industry for years to come The nominees were revealed during a live ceremony at the Conrad Los Angeles Related: West Columbia restaurateur named James Beard finalist — again Related: Philadelphia native brings cheesesteaks to Columbia with new spot we are thrilled to announce the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees and Achievement Award honorees — including our first Impact Award recipients,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in the release “These remarkable leaders exemplify our ‘Good Food for Good’ mission through their commitment to excellence to the evolution of the independent restaurant industry We look forward to celebrating everyone at the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards in June.” The full list of James Beard Award nominees can be found here (pdf) This is the first South Carolina location for the brand 1 (Augusta Road) in West Columbia is aimed at safety improvements and cost the state $9.9 million 1 (Augusta Road) in West Columbia is expected to wrap up this spring From Z to You is a weekly column in Free Times Route 1 in West Columbia is set to wrap up $9.9M in highway safety improvements this spring The work to add raised medians along a busy stretch of Highway 1 in West Columbia is expected to wrap up soon Have a question about life in Columbia and the Midlands you want answered? Email Zoe at znicholson@free-times.com with the subject line "From Z to You." Question: When will construction along U.S Transparency is important. This is a self-submitted question. But I drive this stretch of road — between Jarvis Klapman Boulevard and Wren Road — every single day To say it's a headache for the hundreds of commuters who traverse it is an understatement The stretch of Highway 1 anchors much of West Columbia's big-box retailers The $9.9 million construction project is funded by the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program and is being managed by the state Department of Transportation Aimed at improving safety on the bottlenecking corridor the project is adding concrete curbed median along several stretched of the road including between Lowe's Home Improvement and Methodist Park Road "The purpose of this project is to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes along the corridor while maximizing traffic operations," an SCDOT handout about the project reads The project got federal funding based on the frequency of crashes raised medians reduce "crash potential" by limiting the areas where drivers can turn thus limiting the stretches of roads two cars could come head to head According to reporting from The State, that stretch of road saw an average of 25 crashes a month in 2014 when a study was done ahead of the project The project has been in the works for more than five years SCDOT said the construction is supposed to wrap up "in spring of 2025," which is .. Zoe is the Editor of Free Times, mainly covering city life, arts and culture. Reach her at znicholson@free-times.com or on X @zoenicholson_ She was the daughter of the late John Edward Gardner and the late Susan Jewell Watson Gardner She was married to the late Joel Clifton Turner SC; Grandchildren Christy Hannon,  and her husband Carolyn was a homemaker and helped raise generations of children and it was rare someone would leave with empty hands She was a life-long member of Shiloh United Methodist Church but is best remembered for playing the piano for more than 50 years She was an avid reader and had a green thumb that a master gardener would long for She was a servant of her community and could always be found helping others She will forever be remembered by her favorite names ~ “Nanny” and “Aunt Carolyn” ~ and for her deep love of God A graveside service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held on Friday memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Agape Hospice House during the last part of her journey to Heaven Matt Catchpole is opening Ikie Lu Record Club in West Columbia Artist Kevin Pettit affixes the sign to Ikie Lu Record Club Based on the Japanese concept of jazz kissa cocktails and easy listening in a midcentury space off Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia In a former Spanish-language church tucked off of Sunset Boulevard, Matt Catchpole wants to introduce West Columbia to jazz kissa.  The concept is a Japanese one that's spread across the world and puts an emphasis on creating a cocktail or wine lounge aimed at listening and appreciating jazz recordings At Catchpole's soon-to-be-opened restaurant on Lucas Street filtered through a high-fidelity sound system to various seating areas across the midcentury-inspired space The longtime hospitality industry veteran said he's offering something with which diners might not be familiar "We are trying to do something that doesn't exist in the Columbia area," he told Free Times Ikie Lu Record Club is the culmination of years of planning and dreaming from Catchpole. The hospitality industry veteran recently worked as the general manager at State Street's Terra and has been consulting with Publick House on Devine Street in addition to stints opening restaurants in Alabama and New York City He is leveraging his travels to bring something he said West Columbia needs something that exists between fast food and upscale dining "West Columbia has Terra and it has Zesto's The business is named for Catchpole's grandmother Catchpole and his family want the space to be an homage to her legacy He's always dreamed of opening a restaurant — he and his family even bought a piece of land in West Columbia before buying the Lucas Street space — but Catchpole never imagined it would happen so soon "This was always supposed to happen," he said "but this was supposed to happen years down the road."  The business will be a casual but elegant space for adults to sip on a cocktail or glass of wine before or after dinner Catchpole is building operations to require minimal staffing with bar service and prepared foods aimed at efficient service and no-frills hospitality An emphasis on vinyl records and surround-sound listening will be complimented by a drinks menu focusing on wine and classic cocktails "done right," Catchpole said A food menu of prepared foods like smoked trout dip and shrimp rolls will be served and Catchpole bought a hotdog roller after visiting Sea Wolf In addition to the jazz kissa concept and restaurants like Sea Wolf, Catchpole is pulling a lot of inspiration from other places he's visited, including the famed New Orleans bar Bacchanal a come-as-you-are wine bar with a patio and excellent wine offerings While the food and craft cocktail menus are still being ironed out "but not push the envelope where we don't need to."  He's aiming to keep cocktails priced between $12 and $15 and hopes to keep wines as affordable as possible but we don't want you to spend too much," he said tinned fish and other food goodies will be for sale Housed inside a building that used to be a garage Ikie Lu's interior has been totally revamped to offer breezy near-coastal vibes that lean into the midcentury modern aesthetic An outdoor patio will feature cornhole and old church pews while a community table and several lounge chairs are arranged throughout the interior for groups to enjoy It's a setup Catchpole said West Columbia "has never seen before," but one he hopes the burgeoning city will enjoy Ahead of the club's private event for the Columbia Food and Wine Festival on April 24, Catchpole is undertaking a myriad of projects to get the space upfitted "It would've been easier to build from the ground up," he admitted Catchpole plans to staff Ikie Lu with two to three servers per shift Tentative hours are Thursday and Friday 3 p.m Zoe is the Senior Features Editor of The Post and Courier and Free Times. Reach her at znicholson@free-times.com or on X @zoenicholson_ Cloudy skies this evening followed by thunderstorms late WEST COLUMBIA — City leaders have approved a development that carries the same purpose as its namesake’s vision two centuries ago Master Plan Consulting of Spring received the green light March 19 from West Columbia City Council to proceed with its 40-acre 146-lot subdivision to be called Bell’s Landing The property off Highway 35B just south of Bell Creek Kavan Van Hal is a reporter and photographer for The Facts Commercial real estate brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap has sold Woodberry Plaza a six-suite retail strip property located in West Columbia Big Lots-anchored West Columbia retail center sells for $4.2M A West Columbia retail center anchored by a Big Lots store is under new ownership Woodberry Plaza is located on 13.48 acres at 3230-3260 Augusta Road The 84,110-square-foot shopping center is fully leased and has been without a vacancy for more than four years situated in the primary retail corridor of the West Columbia submarket “Our client already had a presence in the Columbia MSA and was looking to expand his holdings further in the market,” said Allyssa Paragano “We identified Woodberry Plaza as an opportunity for him in terms of long-term growth not only in the tenant mix but also with the additional acreage included in the deal.” investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap’s Charleston and Atlanta offices Discount retail giant Big Lots announced it would close all its stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September Big Lots reached a deal that will keep hundreds of its stores and distribution centers open Related: Iconic Vista building in Columbia undergoing multimillion-dollar transformation Related: Historic Columbia fire station being transformed into boutique hotel Big Lots said it will be sold to Gordon Brothers Retail Partners a firm that specializes in distressed companies Gordon Brothers will then transfer Big Lots’ stores distribution centers and other assets to other retailers which owns more than 400 discount stores in the U.S plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores and operate them under the Big Lots brand “Despite the negative press surrounding Big Lots store closures our client remained undeterred,” said Paulson “He was prepared to assume the vacancy if Big Lots had decided to vacate it appears the store will remain open for the time being as it is one of their top performers in the state it’s helping some buyers feel more confident about taking such risks.” The Associated Press contributed to this report