Jacqueline Ferrara

Entrepreneurial business academy opens in West Columbia

Mota Crosslinking Business Academy held an official ribbon cutting ceremony in West Columbia Wednesday, and will serve as a connecting point for aspiring business professionals. The academy provides classes for developing entrepreneurs and business owners of all ages and ethnicities. MCBA actively advocates for more diverse and inclusive programs within the community to bring together all cultural markets.

Colonial Life Arena hosting three-day Monster Jam

Monster Jam will take the stage April 9 through 11 in an action-packed motor sports competition. Six monster trucks will provide live entertainment and compete for the title with gravity-defying stunts at Columbia's Colonial Life Arena. The event is one of the first to welcome fans and families back since the beginning of the pandemic.

Local chefs to be featured in Sweet and Savory Competition in Columbia

Palmetto Place Children and Youth Services will soon present the Sweet and Savory Chefs' Competition Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 701 Whaley. In true 2021 fashion, the event will be held both virtually and in person.

Girl Scouts and PalmettoPride kicking off litter prevention campaign on Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day 2021, the Girl Scouts and PalmettoPride will be hosting a four-day, statewide litter prevention campaign. The campaign will begin with a press event on Earth Day, Thursday, at the State House. It will be led by Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, followed by virtual readings of PalmettoPride children's books.

Doko Rodeo bringing bull-riding action, family fun to Blythewood

The 11th annual Blythewood Doko Rodeo is set to take place April 23 and 24, rain or shine at the town's community park arena. All ages are welcome to enjoy the action and watch world-class cowboys, cowgirls and steer compete for prize money, trophy buckles and international rodeo qualifying points.

List of Midlands restaurants offering Valentine's weekend specials

It's the weekend of love in the Midlands, with thousands of couples - and groups of friends - planning on heading out to celebrate Valentine's Day. Although many will celebrate at home this year to avoid potential crowds, there are lots of local restaurants offering specials for those who choose to dine in or pick up to-go food.

Women in Construction Week to begin Sunday, offering virtual and in-person events

The National Association of Women in Construction hosts Women in Construction Week each year. This year's activities will be featured Sunday, March 7 through Saturday, March 13, with a variety of opportunities for Midlands residents to participate alongside the local Columbia Women in Construction chapter. NAWIC is dedicated to supporting women in the construction industry.

South Congaree Championship Rodeo holding inaugural "Bull Bash" this weekend

The first Bull Bash will be coming to West Columbia Friday and Saturday: two back-to-back nights of competition featuring bulls, broncs and champion riders. Several reigning champions including the world-champion bull, saddle bronc and last year's champion bareback bronc will be featured.

Officials hold groundbreaking ceremony for new retail, office building in BullStreet District

The development is continuing in Columbia's BullStreet District. A groundbreaking ceremony by Hughes Development Corporation was held Thursday at noon on the WestLawn, across from REI and behind the newly-opened Starbucks. The event marked the beginning of construction on a five story, 79,000 sq.-ft. office building developed by the corporation.

Entrepreneurial business academy opens in West Columbia

Mota Crosslinking Business Academy held an official ribbon cutting ceremony in West Columbia Wednesday, and will serve as a connecting point for aspiring business professionals. The academy provides classes for developing entrepreneurs and business owners of all ages and ethnicities. MCBA actively advocates for more diverse and inclusive programs within the community to bring together all cultural markets.

Lexington-Richland Five hiring substitute teachers

Lexington-Richland School District Five is in search of additional substitute teachers for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. The COVID-19 pandemic opened the door for first-time substitute teachers to support students while starting a new career path. Parents, unemployed professionals, college students and anyone wishing to make a difference in the lives of students are suitable candidates.

Landy's Pharmacy moves to larger location in northeast Columbia

Landy's Pharmacy has moved to a larger facility in northeast Columbia and officially opened the new location Monday, Jan. 25. The full-service retail and compounding neighborhood pharmacy offers a broad selection of supplements. Additional services include delivery, a drive-through and a new parking lot.

Columbia wellness studio hosts night of art and meditation

The Well Collective, a local health and wellness business on Rosewood Drive in Columbia, hosted its second Mindful Art and Meditation workshop Tuesday evening. The session was led by Julie Khansard, a local Columbia artist and former TWC employee. The workshop was held in the yoga studio and welcomed guests by providing paper and pastels for the session.

Lexington's seventh annual Chili Cookoff is Sunday

It's calling for a "chili" day in Lexington this weekend. The seventh annual Lexington Chili Cookoff will be held from noon to 5 p.m Sunday at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Guests can enjoy live music, food and beverages at the outdoor amphitheater and open-air covered pavilion located at 107 West Main St.

Historic Columbia hosts behind-scenes tour of developing Main Street restaurant

Historic Columbia hosted a virtual walk-through tour Thursday night of renovations taking place at 1639 through 1645 Main Street, Columbia. The property is set to be converted into a restaurant named Smoked, serving high quality smoked meats and oysters with a members-only access speakeasy. The second floor will be turned into luxury apartments.

Leaf Lover's Plant Shop opens in Lexington

Leaf Lover's Plant Shop, a new home and garden store, officially opened its own location this month in Lexington. The shop carries a variety of plants and household items including succulents, rare plants, annuals, strawberries and aroid plants. Pots, soils, wind chimes, glasswork and artwork are also available.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden hosting annual Wild About Recycling event

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is set to host its third annual Wild About Recycling event Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free recycling drop-off is for residents of Lexington and Richland Counties. Wild About Recycling is a community partnership between Lexington and Richland Counties, the City of Columbia and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.

Student United Press Release

A student run organization to promote diversity is being pitched to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at UofSC. The press release details important information about what membership entails and how to get involved.

Crisis Management Press Release

Creative Writing Sample