The Columbia Metropolitan Airport will continue boosting another cohort of artists in 2024 and 2025.

The airport recently announced the four Midlands-based artists who will represent the region through the Art in the Airport program, which rotates gallery displays of local artists in the airport terminal.

The latest cohort consists of “abstract figurative painter and photographer” Anthony Lewis (March-May 2024), “full-time artist and creator of Fantasy Floorplans” Brandi Roberts (June-August 2024), “self-taught avant-garde visual artist and photographer” Ozon Wilson (September-October 2024) and Brenda Peake, “a painter who primarily works with oils” (December 2024-February 2025).

“We are thrilled every year to have the response that we do from Midland’s artists interested in participating in this now coveted program,” Kim Crafton, vice president of marketing and air service development at the airport, is quoted. “CAE’s Art in the Airport program, managed and run by Marketing Manager Samantha Kingsmore, allows for us to provide a warm welcome from the region to our passengers as they land in Columbia, SC. It creates an immediate sense of place, while also adding eye-catching, one-of-a-kind art to the walls of the airport.”

SCDOT announces I-26 traffic shifts

The state Department of Transportation has announced two upcoming traffic shifts in accordance with the Midlands Connection project to improve a 16-mile segment of Interstate 26 from Exit 85 in Little Mountain to Exit 101 in Irmo.

“SCDOT announces an I-26 Eastbound traffic shift starting December 18, 2023, weather permitting,” the department posted recently to the Midlands Connection website. “The traffic shift will begin near Mile Marker 97, just east of Broad River Road, and end near Mile Marker 101, just west of Broad River Road. Both travel lanes will be maintained and shifted to the right onto the final concrete pavement. Traffic shifts will occur throughout the project area until major project construction completion in 2024. SCDOT reminds the public to use caution when driving through work zones.

“SCDOT announces an I-26 Westbound traffic shift starting January 5, 2024, weather permitting,” the department continues. “The traffic shift will begin near Mile Marker 101, just west of Broad River Road, and end near Mile Marker 97, just east of Broad River Road. Both travel lanes will be maintained and shifted to the right onto the final concrete pavement. Traffic shifts will occur throughout the project area until major project construction completion in 2024. SCDOT reminds the public to use caution when driving through work zones.”

The project is widening the stretch of interstate from four lanes to six and eight lanes, and will have replaced seven overpass bridges by the time it’s completed. The plan also includes interchange improvements, weigh station upgrades, and the addition of noise barriers.

Columbia adds Saluda River access point

The City of Columbia recently celebrated the addition of a new ease-of-entry access point into the Saluda River.

The new river access point is located along the Saluda Riverwalk, “the Mill Race Rapids near the Candi Lane parking lot,” per a release.

“The access point will greatly increase river accessibility for canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats, and enhance water/safety recreation at one of the most popular locations on the Saluda River,” the release states.

The new access point is stated to add:

• Safe ease of entry access to the Saluda River
• New access connection to the existing Saluda Riverwalk trail
• Access point with an opportunity for less experienced river users to get on the river below the class IV rapid of Millrace
• Upgrades tie in seamlessly at the existing Saluda Riverwalk trailhead and greatly improve one of Columbia’s most popular water recreation destinations

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Mayor Pro-Tem Ed McDowell attended the Dec. 20 ribbon cutting for the new access point.

Irmo coach recognized by Panthers

A local coach was recently recognized by the region’s pro football team.

Irmo High’s Aaron Brand, who just oversaw a historic season that saw the Yellow Jackets go undefeated in the regular season before losing in a 4A state semifinal, was named the Carolina Panthers High School Football Coach of the Week (presented by GMC).

Recipients of the award receive a $1,000 grant to support their school’s athletic department. The recipients were honored at halftime of the Panthers’ Dec. 17 Charlotte home game against the Atlanta Falcons.

“On behalf of myself and the Irmo football community, I accept this award with great humility, knowing that none of this would be possible without the outstanding coaching staff that we have and our players' unbelievable desire to work their tails off daily,” Brand is quoted in a Facebook post from Lexington-Richland School District 5. “I am honored to be recognized for this outstanding opportunity!”