South Carolina will receive more than $31.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter School Programs.

This will expand existing public charter schools and open 32 new ones across the state in the next 5 years.

“The covid-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of allowing parents to choose the educational model that is best for their child,” Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said.

The Department of Education will collaborate with the Public Charter School Alliance to provide:

• Support for 32 new charter schools.

• Technical assistance for 90 charter institutions and 43,000-plus students.

Mission Lexington’s helping hands

• Lexington United Methodist Church has been named Mission Lexington’s Church of the Month. They lead Mission Lexington in the number of volunteers that serve us on a monthly basis and supply a steady stream of donations for the food pantry.

•Will Cheatham is Board Member of the Month. He is Vice President and Commercial Lender at First Community Bank in Gilbert, SC.

• Delores Hunter is Volunteer of the Month. Delores normally volunteers in our food pantry, but during covid, she has been spending time double-bagging plastic bags for the food pantry at home.

Bi-Lo to sell supermarket

Bi-Lo is looking for a buyer for its supermarket on US 378 west at St. Peters Church Road.

Store employees say they have been told that if a buyer cannot be found after the 1st of the year, Bi-Lo will close the store in April.

This is a risky step for owners as they may lose their employees.

But with jobs still scarce during the pandemic, Bi-Lo appears to have taken the high road to let its employees start looking for other jobs.

Parade of Lights cancelled

The Cayce-West Columbia Chrismastime Parade of Lights has been cancelled.

The C-WC Chamber said safety for all during the pandemic is its top priority.

It reminded residents to use Saturday, December 12 to shop Local, decorate and light up your business, car and homes instead.

Meet your District 2 | candidates

The Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce will present a “Meet the Candidate” panel Oct. 20 for District 2 school board hopefuls.

The forum is set for 6 pm at the Innovation Center, 509 Bulldog Blvd., Cayce.

Candidates will introduce themselves and share anything else they’d like the audience to know about their run.

Seating is limited. RSVP to Lisa@cwcchamber.com.

Masks will be required of all attendees.

Tim James sworn in

The City of Cayce held their swearing in ceremony for the newly-elected member of Cayce City Council October 6.

Tim James won the special election for the District One seat that was previously held by Councilwoman Tara Almond.

Councilman Tim James served on Cayce City Council from 2010 to 2015.

He also previously served as the Director of the Cayce Department of Public Safety.

Councilman James was recently appointed as the President and CEO of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

He and his wife Gay live in Cayce. He has 2 daughters, Taylor and Megan.