AROUND CAYCE, SPRINGDALE & WEST COLUMBIA

West Columbia City Council elected Jimmy Brooks for a two-year term as Mayor pro tempore to serve in the absence of Mayor Tem Miles. Miles had served as Mayor pro tem in his last term before being elected mayor.

Brooks represents Council District No. 6 on the northwest side of West Columbia.

The West Columbia Beautification Foundation recognized Cayce Elementary and Saluda River Academy for the Arts this week for their fundraisers to purchase two trees to plant in the city.

Students at both schools collected pennies and other spare change to raise the $200 needed to purchase a tree, part of the Beautification Foundation’s 5th annual Tribute for Trees. The schools, which purchased one tree each, were recognized at the Dec. 5 meeting.

Cocky’s Reading Express, along with Dominion Energy, stopped in at Riverbank Elementary last week to read to students in 4K, 5K, and first and second grades. Cocky made a surprise appearance, too, to the delight of students.

Cocky’s Reading Express came back to Riverbank on Thursday Dec. 5 for the free Family Literacy Night, with food, board games, books, reading and more.