Lexington Town Council’s first meeting of 2025 heard lots of applause, much of which was for the Town of Lexington’s police department and Lexington High School Athletics. Both are turning 100 years old in 2025.

Chief Terrence Green hosted a presentation detailing the department’s 100-year badge.
A lot of thought went into the badge’s design, he told the public in a video. Every element of the badge is symbolic of something. For example, some parts resemble the department’s first-ever badge.

100 years ago, it was one officer patrolling the town. Today, the Lexington Police Department consists of 62 personnel, including 53 sworn officers, one sworn reserve officer, two administrative staff and six chaplains, according to the website.

Next, town officials honored Lexington High School Athletics for 100 years of excellence during the Jan. 6 meeting.

There will be a celebration this Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Grove on Augusta, 3152 Augusta Hwy. in Gilbert. Starting at 5:30 p.m., locals will celebrate the Wildcats’ 100-year anniversary with dinner, a presentation, a show from Tokyo Joe and a silent auction.

More information on tickets and pricing is available on the Lexington High School Facebook page.

In other news

The public has two opportunities to provide input on public projects the town is undertaking.

The town is accepting input on its Greenways and Trails Master Plan as well as its Transportation and Traffic Safety Action Plan. Visit lexsc.gov to learn more, and keep up with the Chronicle for further reporting on these.

During the Jan. 6 meeting, the public also learned about yoga. Lots of communities participate in the Health for Humanity Yogathon, a January challenge, which, according to Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (hssus.org), is “a yogic practice done in reverence to the sun. Research shows several physiological and psychological benefits from Surya Namaskar when practiced regularly. They are performed as a series of 10 physical postures, flowing in a graceful, continuous sequence. The Surya Namaskar Yajna seeks to promote the practice and its benefits among all Americans aspiring for a fit body and balanced mind.

“Since its inception in 2007, participants from 43 states have actively participated in the Yogathon through Yoga centers, community organizations, schools, and colleges, and also as individuals.”

Lexington student Shayla Bowers was also recognized during the meeting for her Royalty USA Jr. Teen 2025 title. Her community service has all been in the name of Shayla’s Sanctuary, which raises money for families in need of service dogs. Her organization does other charitable acts as well.

Council also honored Ashley Fouty, an assistant principal at Pleasant Hill Middle School, who has been named the 2025 South Carolina Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA).

Town council started talking impact fees, which are fees paid by developers intended to help accommodate new growth. Council is early in the process of updating impact fees. The goal is to have them updated by February, officials said. Keep up with the Chronicle to learn more.

Old Mill, LLC, owns properties on East Main Street and South Lake Drive that council is looking to put additional parking on.

Opposite of 102 Taylor Dr. on East Main Street near Hazelwood Brewing Company is where 75 public parking spaces may be added.

Opposite of 503 S. Lake Dr. near Second Wave Coffee is where 15 public parking spaces are planned.