The City of West Columbia has received a $288,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This grant will allow the city to develop and implement an action plan to improve safety for the U.S. Highway 1’s pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, according to a release.

"We are grateful for this funding from the USDOT," Mayor Tem Miles is quoted. "The safety of our residents is our top priority, and this grant will allow us to take additional steps toward making our streets safer for everyone."

With the grant, West Columbia plans to: 

• Develop a comprehensive action plan identifying key safety challenges along the Highway 1 Corridor and outline a data-driven strategy to address them.
• Implement projects such as installing crosswalks, improving sidewalks, traffic calming measures, and conducting educational campaigns.
• Make the Highway 1 Corridor more accessible and user-friendly for all.

According to the release, the grant will help make the U.S. 1 corridor more accessible and user-friendly for all.

Twin-City News takes over Saluda Standard-Sentinel

Two local newspapers are coming together.

The Twin-City News, a local paper based out of Batesburg-Leesville, is set to acquire the Saluda Sentinel. Jan. 5 will be the first issue combining content and subscribers, according to a post by Twin-City. 

“I’m 72 years old," Ralph Shealy, former publisher and editor for the Saluda Sentinel, is quoted in a Twin-City News article about the merger. “I’m in good health, but it’s time to let the younger folks run things.”

According to the article, Shealy will continue to write news for Saluda and cover the area’s high school sports.

“The Twin-City News will continue to have the same Saluda County news, features, classifieds, ads and sports as has been in the Standard-Sentinel,” the Batesburg-Leesville paper posted.

Twin-Cities’ article states that the paper will honor all existing subscriptions from the Standard-Sentinel and they will be receiving the mailed print edition beginning Jan. 5 until the end of the existing subscription. Following the end of the subscription print and/or e-edition renewals will be available at Twin-City rates.

“We appreciate the support this newspaper has received from this community through the years,” Shealy posted to Facebook. “We feel the new arrangement will be best for all concerned, and request your continued support, as we work out any kinks that may occur in the early going.”

Local Non-Profit seeking proposals for Class of 2024 project

Leadership Lexington County, a nonprofit focused on leadership development, is looking for other local nonprofits to send in proposals so they can benefit from the Class of 2024’s community project.

The group brings in local leaders each year for “hands-on learning opportunities that inform participants of the resources and challenges in our region and promotes community action,” Leadership Lexington County’s website states.

The  2024 class is set to start activities this month and is looking to “actively engage in a year-long project dedicated to benefiting a local non-profit organization in Lexington County. This initiative aims to make a positive and lasting impact in the community,” a release states.

Interested non-profit organizations must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• Hold 501c3 status in good standing with the Secretary of State office (proof required)
• Serve Lexington County
• Provide the most recent 990 documentation

The application deadline is Monday, Jan. 8.

Person killed in apartment fire identified

Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified the body of James Ray Wright III, 45, of Irmo, who died in a fire that occurred at the Irmo Village Apartments on Chipwood Court, according to a post by the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.

The incident remains under investigation by the Irmo Police Department, the Irmo Fire Department, and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office.

The post states that an autopsy was scheduled for Jan. 4 at the Medical University of Suuth Carolina in Charleston. 

“Last night, we were reminded that police officers are relied upon to do so much in the community,” Irmo Police Chief Bobdy Dale said in a statement. “Senior Corporal Christopher Kaderly showed just that when he quickly responded to an apartment fire in the Irmo Village Apartments. Learning that there was an occupant of the burning apartment, S/CPL. Kaderly made entry without hesitation. S/CPL. Kaderly was able to drag the victim from the burning apartment.  Although the victim was likely already deceased, S/CPL. Kaderly showed courage by entering a burning building in an attempt to save an individual's life at great risk to his own.  I am proud of him and his bravery was truly impressive during the incident.”

District 5 mother suing district after child was duct taped to a chair

In March of last year Olivia Michelle Murray, former teacher’s aide at Seven Oaks Elementary, was charged with cruelty to children after allegedly restraining a four-year-old with duct tape. The child’s mother, Akira Yelder, filed a lawsuit in November against Lexington-Richland School District 5, per The Post and Courier’s Ian Grenier, 

According to Grenier’s article, Yelder’s son's enjoyment at the school began to lower upon Murray being introduced to the classroom, adding that her son began getting negative progress reports from Murray.

In a press release following Murray’s arrest, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department stated that the teacher’s aide used duct tape to tape Yelder’s child to a chair while the teacher was out of the classroom. Murray told detectives that he had been moved to the back of the classroom for being disruptive and not listening.

According to Grenier, the lawsuit claims that the son, labeled as J.J., immediately tried to unwrap the tape from around his legs but Murray reapplied the tape which restrained him until another teacher walked in and removed the tape.

Grenier further reports that the lawsuit accuses the class teacher and Murray of negligence and caused Yelder’s son physical harm, embarrassment and emotional and mental distress.

The district previously confirmed to the Chronicle that Murray was terminated from her position following her arrest.