Former President Donald Trump stopped by a stalwart West Columbia restaurant after he appeared at the Statehouse Jan. 28 for an event to announce the S.C. leadership team for his recently launched run for another term in office.

The Republican who lost his bid for re-election in 2020 popped into popular burger and chicken spot Zesto for one of the restaurant’s iconic chocolate-dipped cones, according to a tweet from POLITICO’s Meridith McGraw.

According to a post from Trump adviser Jason Miller, he paid for his order with a $100 bill and his advance team proceeded to cover the orders of everyone in the restaurant at the time.

An employee who greeted the former president at the counter was caught on video asking Trump if she could pray for him, taking his hand and asking God to help him in his bid for another term.

While Trump’s 2024 presidential run has been met with skepticism by some Republican leaders, he was joined by some of the states biggest GOP names during his Columbia rollout, including Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Joe Wilson.

Zoo to reopen aquarium and reptile center in March

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden announced the reopening of a renovated amenity just in time for spring.

The popular attraction that straddles Columbia and West Columbia along the Saluda River revealed that its Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is set to open March 2.

“Thanks to the generous support of The Boyd Foundation, the multi-million-dollar renovations will transform the heart of the zoo into a state-of-the-art animal care facility — providing guests with an engaging experience that places Riverbanks’ critical role in wildlife conservation at the front and center,” a release states.

The upgraded aquarium and reptile center will include features such as conservation labs showcasing work that was previously only able to be seen during behind-the-scenes tours, a new desert biome and more.

“The new Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center is a major step toward achieving our mission to create meaningful connections, inspire action, and ultimately, make a lasting impact on conservation, not only in South Carolina but across the globe,” Tommy Stringfellow, Riverbanks’ president and CEO, is quoted.. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Boyd Foundation, we are making significant strides in phase one of our vision for the future, Bridge to the Wild, which will fundamentally change the way guests experience wildlife and connect with nature at Riverbanks.”

Bridge to the Wild is the ongoing plan to bring a major overhaul to the zoo at a total projected cost of $32 million, including a white rhino habitat that opened in 2020 and substantial new additions along the riverfront.

Governor highlights Lexington County in address

Gov. Henry McMaster made two prominent mentions of Lexington County during his annual “State of the State” address Jan. 25.

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transforming the former Gilbert Elementary School into the Center for School Safety and Targeted Violence, which would allow agencies from South Carolina and elsewhere to train for active shooter scenarios.

“This partnership with Lexington School District 1 will provide a state-of-the-art training center in a real life setting for law enforcement and school personnel,” he said.

He also highlighted his push for the state to invest $78 million more in lottery funds to expand Workforce Scholarships for the Future through the S.C. Technical College System.

“In the last two years, this highly successful program has empowered over 10,000 South Carolinians to earn an industry credential in high-demand careers like manufacturing, healthcare, computer science, information technology, transportation, logistics, or construction,” he said, before highlighting a local example.

“Geena Rocanella, a graduate of Airport High School in Lexington School District 2, is pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Midlands Technical College. In the afternoons, she works in an after-school program, caring for preschool and elementary-age students. After-school programs provide activities for students and allow mothers and fathers to work.”

The governor proceeded to recognize Rocanella and Midlands Tech President Ron Rhames, who were both in attendance.

Irmo school turns 25

A Lexington-Richland District 5 school celebrated its first quarter-century Jan. 25.

River Springs Elementary School in Irmo marked its 25th anniversary with some joyous festivities.

“Serving as a ‘surprise’ birthday party for Navigator, the school mascot, the event included the Dutch Fork High School band and Dazzlers as well as a brief history of the school,” a release states. “Following the celebration, each student received a 25th anniversary commemorative light up ball as well as cake and ice cream during lunch.”

“Among the guests were two teachers, Jane Davis and Lisa Ingram, who have been at River Springs Elementary School since the doors opened. Ingram said she has never seen herself anywhere else.”

Lexington Live announces first spring dates

Lexington Live is announcing its spring return bit by bit.

The town’s Icehouse Amphitheater has thus far revealed three April dates for its free concert series that takes place during the spring and fall, with Walker Brewer, Lexington’s downtown venue promoter, telling the Chronicle that they will continue to announce one a week until all eight are on the calendar.

Thus far, rock-leaning cover bands have been the way, as Under the Sun is slated for April 6, Hijacked for April 13 and Vinyl Junkies for April 20. The concerts are retaining their traditional 6:30 p.m. start times on Thursday nights.