A West Columbia funeral home that has been part of the community since 1928 has found new owners.

The family-owned Charleston company McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation recently announced its acquisition of the original Thompson Funeral Home at 200 State St.

“Owner, president and CEO Mark Smith, a Bamberg native, said that he and his team are very honored and grateful to have the opportunity to expand services into the Midlands,” a release states. “The McAlister-Smith family feels that by moving into the beautiful and historic funeral home location in West Columbia, they are breathing new life to the Thompson legacy of top-notch funeral service for the families of West Columbia, Cayce, Springdale, Lexington, Columbia, Olympia, Swansea, Pelion, Gaston, Sandy Run, Red Bank, Irmo, Chapin and other communities in the surrounding area.”

Thompson Funeral Home was purchased by a national funeral service conglomerate about 10 years ago, and they ended the lease at the State Street Chapel about two years ago.

“I believe the people in West Columbia, Cayce, and surrounding locations will be happy to have a conveniently located family-owned funeral home that is dedicated to providing personal service,” John David, the former second-generation owner of Thompson Funeral Home, is quoted. “Mark has appointed me to be on hand to assist with the opening and I look forward to being of service to my friends and community once again.” 

County COVID level remains low

Lexington County’s COVID-19 Community Level remained low for a second-straight week, but the area’s case rate continues to see small spikes.

The case rate used to calculate the county’s most recent Community Level, a tool provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advise counties how best to combat the virus, was 138.4 per 100,000 people in the seven days leading up to Feb. 9.

The county’s case rate dipped to a 2023 low of 109.79 per 100,000 people two weeks prior before climbing to 130.45 the next week.

The low level means that masking isn’t currently recommended by the CDC or the state Department of Health and Environmental Contro

Lexington Police announce golf tournament details

The Lexington Police Department has announced details for its fifth annual golf fundraiser.

The Lexington Police Department Foundation Golf Tournament will be held at Golden Hills Golf & Country club on April 10, with proceeds going to the namesake foundation, which supports officers and community focused programs.

A maximum of 25 four-player teams will be able to participate, with the entry fee for a team bing $300, and corporate sponsorships available for between $250 and $2,500.

For more info, call Officer William Norris at (803) 359-6260 or email golftournament@lexsc.com.

West Columbia Chick-fil-A closes for remodel

A Chick-fil-A on a busy Lexington County thoroughfare is closed for a remodel.

The West Columbia restaurant at 2299 Augusta Rd. along U.S. Highway 1 announced via its Facebook page that it would temporarily close beginning Feb. 10.

The announcement doesn’t specify when the location is expected to reopen.