Karate Hall of Famer bests national bench press record at age 74

  February 19, 2026

West Columbia, S.C.’s Bruce Brutschy breaks national record actually, but unofficially By W. Thomas Smith Jr. I love bench press. To me, outside of pull-ups (chin-ups), the bench press is the premier test of a man’s upper body (UB) strength. Apparently also true for the National Football League which gauges an athlete’s UB strength by…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move

Carnes Crossroads named National Community of the Year

  February 19, 2026

The highest national honor in residential homebuilding landed in Goose Creek, South Carolina. On February 17, 2026, the National Association of Homebuilders named Carnes Crossroads as both Residential Community of the Year and Amenity of the Year in the United States, awarding it the association’s prestigious Gold Award, the highest recognition for excellence in the…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: agriculture, construction, on-the-move, residential-real-estate

TD SYNNEX Leaders Recognized as 2026 CRN® Channel Chiefs

  February 19, 2026

TD SYNNEX (NYSE:SNX), a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem, announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named 19 TD SYNNEX leaders to the prestigious 2025 CRN® Channel Chiefs list, which recognizes the IT vendor and distribution executives who are driving strategy and setting the channel agenda for…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: hi-tech-information-tech, on-the-move

Upstate Forever announces 2,100+ recently conserved acres

  February 19, 2026

In the final months of 2025, local conservation nonprofit Upstate Forever worked with landowners and partners to close on more than 2,100 additional acres of conservation easements across seven counties: Anderson, Oconee, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens, and Spartanburg in SC, and Polk County in NC. “We had a great year-end in 2025, with nine new and amended…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: environmental, non-profit, on-the-move

Fireflies unveil Battle at BullStreet pre-game plaza party

  February 19, 2026

Food trucks, live DJ and drinks will highlight the pre-game festivities  The Columbia Fireflies announced details for its Battle at BullStreet pre-game  plaza party event today. Prior to the 3:00 Clemson vs. South Carolina baseball game at Segra Park, the  plaza located on the corner of Boyce and Freed Streets will host festivities featuring live music, drinks and  the highly-anticipated…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move, sports

PSTA statement on educator salaries in Ways and Means budget

  February 19, 2026

The Palmetto State Teachers Association strongly supports the recommended increase to educator salaries contained in the General Appropriations Act language released today by the House Ways and Means Committee. The proposal to invest an additional $150 million to raise each cell on the statewide teacher salary schedule by $2,000 for the 2026-27 school year demonstrates…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: education, on-the-move, op-ed

The 8th annual Cottontown Art Crawl returns on March 7th!

  February 19, 2026

Annual Festival, Presented by Prisma Health, Enjoys its 8th Year in 2026. The 8th Annual Cottontown Art Crawl, presented by  Prisma Health, returns on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10am-4pm in the Cottontown/Bellevue  Historic District in downtown Columbia. This FREE, family- and pet-friendly event hosts  approximately 215 artists along with 20+ food vendors, live music…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move, the-arts

City of Orangeburg announces approval of Toptracer Range installation at Hillcrest Golf Course

  February 19, 2026

The City of Orangeburg, in partnership with South Carolina State University (“SCSU”), announced that City Council has approved the installation of the Toptracer Range System at Hillcrest Golf Course, bringing state-of-the-art golf entertainment and training technology to the community. This transformative investment positions Hillcrest Golf Course at the forefront of modern golf experiences, offering residents…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: economic-development, on-the-move

Charleston County School District launches CFO’s Financial Support Roundtable as part of strategic plan implementation

  February 19, 2026

The Charleston County School District (CCSD) announced the launch of the CFO’s Financial Support Roundtable, a new initiative aligned with the Financial Services Strategic Plan that went into effect July 1, 2025. This roundtable reflects CCSD’s continued commitment to transparency, collaboration, and exceptional internal customer service across the district. As part of the Strategic Plan, Financial…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: education, on-the-move

William Means Real Estate reports $452 million in 2025 sales, marking double-digit growth in Charleston’s luxury market

  February 19, 2026

William Means Real Estate announced another record-breaking year with $452 million in total sales for 2025, further building on its legacy as one of Charleston’s premier boutique firms. With more than 279 homes sold and an average sales price exceeding $1.6 million, the company continued its strong performance in Charleston’s competitive luxury market. According to…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: on-the-move, residential-real-estate

Charleston Parks Conservancy announces spring lineup of free events to connect community with Charleston’s parks

  February 19, 2026

The Charleston Parks Conservancy has announced its full slate of free spring events, inviting families, neighbors, and nature lovers to connect with Charleston’s parks through music, play, learning, and volunteerism. With more than 200 hours of free events offered throughout the year, the nonprofit, which stewards 26 parks across the city, is making it easier…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: government, on-the-move

Community Engagement Council continues to discuss 106 Coming Street project

  February 19, 2026

The College of Charleston continues its efforts to partner with a diverse group of community members to help guide the commemoration and development efforts of Coming Street Commons, a planned student residence hall at 106 Coming St. in downtown Charleston. The Community Engagement Council (CEC) will reconvene on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, for further discussion and collaboration. The CEC meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Center, School…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: economic-development, education, on-the-move

Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge grand opening

  February 19, 2026

Who: Councilman Sam Johnson, Owners Justin Nelson and Dr. Tiniece Javis What: The City of Columbia’s Office of Business Opportunities will be hosting the grand opening of Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. City representatives will be in attendance. Crown & Ash Cigar Lounge is an experience for all cigar…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: government, on-the-move

The Ghosts Of Winter

  February 18, 2026
Tom Poland

By Tom Poland Fall in full tumble gives us a kind of X-ray vision. We see that a leafless land is a lovely land, a surprising land. We see what leaves hide. What we miss summer when we drive blind. Green clusters of mistletoe festoon the barren crowns of oaks. Abandoned shacks and mansions. Silos…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, georgetown-sc-gazette, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc, laurenscountybuzz   Category: life, on-the-move, the-arts

Bridal Expo at The Grand Holland Estate to Inspire Couples on March 15

  February 18, 2026

Couples planning their big day are invited to an elegant afternoon of inspiration at the Grand Holland Estate Bridal Expo on Sunday, March 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the estate’s picturesque venue in Simpsonville. Located at 815 Holland Road, the Grand Holland Estate will open its doors for an immersive experience designed to…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: on-the-move

Main Street Fountain Inn Seeks Local Acoustic Musicians for Community Events

  February 18, 2026

Main Street Fountain Inn is inviting local acoustic musicians to be part of the city’s vibrant downtown event lineup. Organizers are currently seeking solo artists and small acoustic acts interested in performing at smaller community gatherings, including the popular Farmers Market and other downtown events throughout the year. These performances offer musicians a chance to…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, music, on-the-move

CPM Federal Credit Union of Simpsonville to Host Free Medicare Webinar on February 26

  February 18, 2026

CPM Federal Credit Union of Simpsonville will host a free live webinar, “Your Guide to Medicare: From Eligibility to Enrollment,” on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. EST. The online session is designed to help individuals better understand Medicare options and make informed healthcare decisions. During the 60-minute webinar, participants will receive…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: education, headlines, on-the-move

Center for Community Services Announces Volunteer Community Work Day in Simpsonville

  February 18, 2026

The Center for Community Services is inviting residents to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand during its upcoming Volunteer Community Work Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Volunteers will work in and around the organization’s campus at 1102 Howard Drive, Building 7, helping to maintain the…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: on-the-move

Mauldin Gears Up for Annual Blues & Jazz Festival on April 18

  February 18, 2026

Festival season in the Upstate will kick off in style this spring as the City of Mauldin prepares for its annual Blues & Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Set for 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., the popular community event promises an evening filled with live music, flavorful food, and creative expression. Held on the…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, food, headlines, music, on-the-move

Mauldin Gears Up for Annual Blues & Jazz Festival on April 18

  February 18, 2026

Festival season in the Upstate will kick off in style this spring as the City of Mauldin prepares for its annual Blues & Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Set for 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., the popular community event promises an evening filled with live music, flavorful food, and creative expression. Held on the…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, music, on-the-move

Fountain Inn Police Seek Community Feedback as Part of Reaccreditation Effort

  February 18, 2026

The Fountain Inn Police Department is inviting residents, business owners, and visitors to share their thoughts as the department works toward reaccreditation through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (SCLEA) program. Accreditation is a voluntary process that evaluates law enforcement agencies against rigorous professional standards in areas such as training, policies, operations, and accountability. Achieving…

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Posted in: golden-strip-news   Category: on-the-move

A connection between us

  February 18, 2026

By Jeff Becraft   I went to Walmart this week… twice in one day. I had to get the quota in. I don’t get as much of a quota as I used to at the Plastic Palace. Used to, it would be three times per week. Now, I just wait till the list gets really…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: life, on-the-move

Lander’s Give Day sets new fundraising record, surpassing $108,000

  February 18, 2026

Lander University’s annual Give Day set a new milestone, raising more than $108,000 and marking the most successful Give Day in the University’s history. The record-breaking total reflects strong participation and generosity from Lander’s alumni, friends, faculty, staff and supporters who came together to support scholarships, academic programs, athletics and student experiences across campus. “Surpassing…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, golden-strip-news, upstatebizsc   Category: on-the-move, philanthropy

City of Cayce announces retirement of longtime Municipal Clerk

  February 18, 2026

After three decades of dedicated service, the City of Cayce announces the retirement of Cayce Municipal Clerk, Mendy Corder. Mendy started her journey with Cayce as the City’s receptionist in 1996, whereher welcoming presence and organizational skills quickly made her a valuable part of the team. She later served in the Records Department at the…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: chamber, economic-development, government, on-the-move, politics

SC Humanities announces Ask Me Anything State Tour

  February 18, 2026

Statewide series introduces new Executive Director and invites public dialogue across all seven congressional districts. South Carolina Humanities announces the launch of its new statewide public engagement initiative, SC Humanities Ask Me Anything: Communities. Conversations. Culture, a seven-stop tour across South Carolina designed to introduce the organization’s new Executive Director, Jennifer “Bingo” Gunter, and invite…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: conversations, non-profit, on-the-move, the-arts

CAE wins SCAA’s Commercial Airport Project of the Year

  February 18, 2026

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) was recently awarded the South Carolina Aviation Association’s (SCAA) Commercial Airport Project of the Year award for its checkpoint modernization project. Completed in November of 2025, the multi-year project expanded the airport’s security area to increase the number of screening lanes from two lanes to four. “This project was made possible…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move, transportation

Town of South Congaree swears in new Police Chief

  February 18, 2026

The Town of South Congaree officially swore in Carl J. “C.J.” Quinlan as its new Chief of Police during a ceremony held during the February 17, 2026, Town council meeting. Chief Quinlan brings more than 30 years of combined military and law enforcement leadership to the role, along with a distinguished record of service, training,…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: chamber, economic-development, government, on-the-move, politics, public-safety

McCrory Construction promotes Ashlie Neil to project administrator supervisor

  February 18, 2026

McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, has promoted Ashlie Neil to Project Administrator Supervisor, a leadership role in which she will oversee project administrative operations and support across the company’s field teams. Neil, who began her career with McCrory as a project administrator in the company’s Columbia office, brings more than 10 years of…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: construction, on-the-move

A Measured Start: Mayor’s Forum focuses on real issues facing Georgetown

  February 18, 2026

By Karen Owens, Publisher For residents looking for high drama or theatrics at the Winyah Auditorium last Thursday, the inaugural Mayor’s Forum did not live up to that threshold, which was a relief in my mind. However, it did provide Mayor Jay Doyle an opportunity to communicate his concerns and vision directly to his constituents…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: economic-development, employment, environmental, government, local-industry, on-the-move, op-ed, politics

HGTC Foundation secures grant for improved oral health access

  February 18, 2026

The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Foundation has received a grant from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association,  to expand access to dental health education, treatment and resources for underserved populations across South Carolina. The two-year grant will support HGTC’s Oral Health Regional Collaborative Network,…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, government, health-wellness, health-care, on-the-move, philanthropy

Will Schenk named Director of Research | South Carolina at Colliers

  February 18, 2026

Charleston/Columbia/Greenville/Spartanburg, SC  – Colliers announced the promotion of Will Schenk to Director of Research | South Carolina, recognizing his leadership in delivering data-driven insights and market intelligence across the state. In his new role, Schenk leads Colliers’ real estate research across four South Carolina offices, collecting, analyzing and reporting on data for more than 70…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: commercial-real-estate, on-the-move

G3 Engineering & Surveying celebrates 15th anniversary with launch of scholarship program supporting future industry leaders

  February 18, 2026

G3 Engineering & Surveying proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, marking a milestone in the firm’s growth, service, and commitment to the Southeastern United States. To commemorate this significant occasion, G3 is launching the G3 Engineering & Surveying Scholarship Program, reinforcing its long-standing dedication to education, workforce development, and community investment.  Fifteen Years of…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: construction, engineering, environmental, on-the-move, utilities

PickleRage celebrates grand opening of first South Carolina location in North Charleston

  February 18, 2026

PickleRage, a premier indoor pickleball club franchise, announces the grand opening of its first South Carolina location with a two-day event at 5101 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC. The celebration will take place on March 6-7, 2026, welcoming players, community leaders and local residents to experience the new indoor pickleball facility. Friday at the…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: on-the-move, sports

Laurens City Council Meeting Cut Short Due to Lack of Quorum; Mayor’s Youth Council Recognized

  February 18, 2026

The Laurens City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, opened on a positive note as Mayor Nathan Senn recognized members of the Mayor’s Youth Council before the meeting was ultimately adjourned due to a lack of quorum. Honored during the opening portion of the meeting were Youth Council members Jay Williams, Natalie Marsh, and…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: government, on-the-move

Laurens County Republican Party to Host Gubernatorial Candidate Nancy Mace for Public Forum

  February 18, 2026

With South Carolina’s Republican primary season already underway, the Laurens County Republican Party, in partnership with the Lakelands Young Republicans, continues its effort to give voters direct access to the candidates seeking office in 2026. Local Republicans and community members are invited to attend a free public event on Tuesday, February 26, at The Ridge,…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: on-the-move, politics

Love House Learning Academy receives $15,000 grant from Power:Ed to create community learning hub for middle school youth

  February 18, 2026

BEAUFORT, SC – Love House Learning Academy (LHLA), has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Power:Ed, the philanthropy of SC Student Loan Corporation, to develop and deliver a comprehensive financial literacy program for approximately 75 sixth to eighth grade students in Beaufort County, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial choices…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: education, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

2026 SC Nonprofit Summit: Woven Together

  February 18, 2026

The 2026 SC Nonprofit Summit, one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit, philanthropic, and community leaders in the southeast, will be held in Greenville, March 9-11, 2026. The Summit is presented by Together SC and cohosted by the United Way Association of South Carolina and the South Carolina Grantmakers Network. Wells Fargo is the presenting…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: non-profit, on-the-move

GCSD launches new electric buses

  February 18, 2026

If you spot a school bus with a bright blue fender and bumper rolling through Georgetown County, you’re witnessing an exciting new chapter for student transportation in Georgetown County School District. On Wednesday, February 11, GCSD officially began the soft launch of its new state-owned electric school buses in the Georgetown and Waccamaw attendance zones.…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: education, government, on-the-move, public-safety, transportation

Georgetown Business Association presents donation to local charity The Village Group

  February 18, 2026

The Georgetown Business Association presented a $3,000 check to The Village Group during its recent monthly meeting held at The George Hotel. The local charity was selected to be this year’s beneficiary for the association’s community outreach, with proceeds generated from last year’s festivals and events. The Village Group Executive Director Ray Funnye accepted the…

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Posted in: georgetown-sc-gazette   Category: economic-development, local-industry, non-profit, on-the-move, restaurant, retail

SwordFest comes schwinging back on March 7

  February 18, 2026

Here they come again, descending in hordes upon Columbia. Pirates. Soldiers from past centuries. Martial arts fighters. Modern sport fencers. Medieval knights in full armor. Jedi knights from a whole other galaxy. Hear their battle cries, and the schwinging and clanging of their cold steel blades! There are even kids whacking at each other with…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: life, on-the-move

City of Clinton Launches New Website to Better Serve Residents and Businesses

  February 18, 2026

The City of Clinton has officially unveiled a newly redesigned website, offering a modern, easy-to-navigate platform that makes it simpler than ever for residents, businesses, and visitors to access city services and information online. The new site, available at www.cityofclintonsc.com, serves as a digital hub for city government — providing quick access to everything from…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: government, on-the-move

10X Digital and Student Housing Insight announce strategic partnership to support growth of student housing operators

  February 18, 2026

10X Digital, a full-service digital marketing agency with deep experience in the student housing sector, announced a strategic partnership with Student Housing Insight (SHI), a leading media, events and business development platform serving the U.S. student housing industry. The partnership brings together two organizations dedicated to helping student housing owners, operators, universities, and industry suppliers…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: business-services, marketing-and-communications, on-the-move

VIP Marketing and Craft Creative win three Golden Gavel Awards

  February 18, 2026

VIP Marketing and its premium video production subsidiary, Craft Creative, recently announced they earned three Golden Gavel Awards at the 2026 Golden Gavel Awards ceremony during the Trial Lawyers Summit in Miami Beach, Florida. The brands were recognized across three categories, including: Video Production Services (Film, Video, and Sound) Best Blog and Content (Digital) Best…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc   Category: marketing-and-communications, on-the-move

SC Digital Resource Alliance (SCDRA) announces statewide expansion and new executive committee

  February 18, 2026

More South Carolinians will soon gain access to affordable broadband, devices, and digital skills training as the SC Digital Resource Alliance (SCDRA), led by backbone agency Palmetto Goodwill, expands its digital equity initiatives from a regional collaboration to a statewide effort. Founded in 2022, the SCDRA – formerly the Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC) –…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz, upstatebizsc   Category: employment, hi-tech-information-tech, non-profit, on-the-move, philanthropy

Schedule announced and tickets on sale for 2026 Reedy Reels Film Festival

  February 18, 2026

The 2026 Reedy Reels Film Festival will bring 85 films to the South Carolina Children’s Theatre during the last week of March. Tickets start at $10 for single film sessions and go through $135 or weekend passes. Tickets and the entire weekend schedule can be found here. Highlights of the three-day festival include: Opening night…

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Posted in: upstatebizsc   Category: entertainment, festivals-special-events, on-the-move

The LRADAC Foundation welcomes three new board members and names Laura Ledford as board Chair

  February 18, 2026

The LRADAC Foundation, the nonprofit support arm of LRADAC, announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Wayne Boutwell, Chief Executive Officer of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia; Charity Garris, Director of Patient Experience for the University of South Carolina’s Neurological and Rehabilitation Hospital and Brain Health Network; and Dave…

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Posted in: midlandsbiz   Category: non-profit, on-the-move

SCDNR Director addresses Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

  February 18, 2026

Mullikin reflects on the Biblical mandate to cultivate and conserve the natural world By W. Thomas Smith Jr. Four days before his article about “protecting the Lord’s Garden” was published in THE CHRISTIAN POST, Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), was in Charleston for the 2026 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition…

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Posted in: lowcountrybizsc, midlandsbiz   Category: on-the-move

LCSD56 Students Get a Fresh Taste of Local Agriculture Through Certified SC Cafeteria Program

  February 18, 2026

Students in Laurens County School District 56 are gaining a deeper appreciation for where their food comes from — one meal at a time. LCSD56 Child Nutrition officials recently announced that the district is participating in the Certified SC Cafeteria Program, an initiative that brings more South Carolina–grown produce into school cafeterias throughout the year.…

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Posted in: laurenscountybuzz   Category: food, health-wellness, on-the-move