South Carolina’s Largest Independent Real Estate Broker Visit us on the Web and You’ll Find Over 100 New Home Communities, Open Houses, Virtual Tours, Printable Flyers, and Your Dream Home! Locally Owned & Operated Since 1965 www.RussellandJeffcoat.com Save Thousands Today! Come Pick Your Plan – Call for upgrades! Patio Homes – Incentives Available! Closing Cost Paid by Builder w/approved lender. Model Open 1-6 Everyday! Colony … Continue reading Russell Jeffcoat Realtors Incorporated

On a recent visit to Balney Elementary, Santa Claus chats with, clockwise from Santa’s right knee, Malaysia Cooper, Shawn Phillips, Jordan Todd, Brandon Stevenson, Ben Outlaw, and Jeremy Stoney. Continue reading BLANEY ELEMENTARY

Traffic concerns and controlling growth are key issues for the two candidates running for Elgin mayor. The Feb. 6 election pits former Elgin mayor and Town Council member Pete James against current Elgin council member Melissa Emmons. “I predicted all this growth in 1983 when I was mayor,” said James, 72. “I could foresee all of this and all the problems that were coming as … Continue reading ELGIN TOWN ELECTIONS – TRAFFIC, GROWTH TOP ISSUES

Caption: (1) by SPECIAL TO THE STATE – [ WATEREE ELEMENTARY ] Melissa Smith’s second-grade class at Wateree Elementary had a pajama party and family movie night to kick off their studies of Christmas traditions around the world. Those who watched ‘The Polar Express’ included students Chloe Horton, Kaitlyn Salvage and Brenna Branham and family members Dewitt Peake, Steve Branham and Herbert Branham. (2) by … Continue reading ALMANAC/SCHOOLS

Opening Doors For You C & C Builders of Columbia Wherever you want to be… We are there! RUSSELL & JEFFCOAT REALTORS INCORPORATED Great Partners. Great Communities. A – Magnolia ParkMagnolia Park LUGOFFBrick or Brick/ VinylPick A PlanLow Property TaxesModel Open Daily 1-6Lugoff – across from elementary school. Wildwood Lane & Hwy. 34Call Diane Nevitt 414-3945 B – Heath PondHeath Pond – Phase IVElgin & … Continue reading C & C Builders

Holiday listings: SAINT MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Hispanic ministry presents “Las Posadas,” the reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest for lodging in Bethlehem, followed by a Christmas Mass and party in the fellowship hall. 6 tonight. 170 St. Andrews Road, Columbia. (803) 798-2776 WESTSIDE FIRST CHURCH OF GOD: Drivethrough Christmas pageant 6-8 p.m. today. 3508 Delree St., West Columbia. (803) 796-6475 BLANEY BAPTIST CHURCH: Christmas Eve 11 a.m. … Continue reading MATTERS OF FAITH – NOTES

KERSHAW COUNTY KERSHAW COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT has announced its list of Golden Apple winners. The program recognizes certified and support staff with gift bags from the Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce. APPLIED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CAMPUS: Marcia Geddings and Melissa Gainey, August: Larry Watkins and Chet Horton, September: Julie Putnam and Lisa Sweet, October; Lil Gaines and Mary Workman, November. BARON DeKALB ELEMENTARY: Darlene Platt and … Continue reading School News

HANUKKAH KATIE AND IRWIN KAHN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER: Community Hanukkah Festival. Sponsored by the Jewish Family Service of the Columbia Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center. 5:30 tonight. Includes dinner, menorah lighting, games and music. $4 children, $6 adults, $25 family maximum. (803) 787-2023, ext. 219 STATE CAPITOL:Community menorah lighting with remarks by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. 6 p.m. Sunday. Steps of the … Continue reading LIFE AND FAITH HOLIDAY EVENTS CALENDAR

RICHLAND 2 NORTH SPRINGS ELEMENTARY GWENDOLYN WASHINGTON,a fifthgrader at North Springs Elementary School, submitted a winning illustration for the 2007 Economics Concepts Calendar published by the S.C. Council on Economic Education. A student of Jan Rampey, Gwendolyn’s illustration was on producers and consumers. Winners receive a $50 savings bond. SPRING VALLEY HIGH SPRING VALLEY’S MATH TEAMrepresented South Carolina in the national i Test mathematics competition, … Continue reading SCHOOL NEWS

Caption: PHOTO: BW Blaney volunteer firemen Dale Hornsby and George Marthers discussed fire prevention with Blaney Elementary first-graders and kindergartners as part of Fire Prevention Month. Here, first-graders check out a fire truck: top, Niqueria Harris, Kyle Banner, Jaelin Phillips, Robert Storey; standing, Alena Fry, Isabella Hoyle, Jaimie Whitfield, Chase Brown, Kaitlyn Cook, Francesca Montalbano; seated, Damien Rice, Ja’Sean Wise, Sean Place, Mackenzie Saverance, Johnathan Marthers, Tre Cooke … Continue reading BLANEY ELEMENTARY