The Courage Center recently got some very good news.

It has received over $160,000 in grants to help people living in addiction.

The Courage Center received nearly $50,000 from the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) to support strategies to prevent, and reduce the consequences of, opioid and stimulant misuse.

The CC also received 1 of only 4 implementation grants from the National Association of City and County Health Officials, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control, to fund local pilot projects to reduce overdoses. That grant totalled $110,123.60.

The Courage Center is located at 860 Park Road, Lexington. Reach them at (803) 369-3905 or at www.CourageCenterSC.org.

Columbia Food Lion opens

Food Lion has opened its doors at 4464 Devine Street in Columbia.

Food Lion recently completed the acquisition of this location, which was formerly a BI-LO, after announcing its plans last year to acquire 62 BI-LO/Harveys Supermarkets across the Carolinas and Georgia.

Shoppers can find fresh produce from W.P. Rawl Farms from Pelion, Columbia’sown Cromer’s Popcorn and Iron City Coffee freshly roasted in nearby Blythewood.

The grocery store is open from 7 am to 11 pm.

Welcome to the Midlands

Columbia Metropolitan Airport makes a positive impression on visitors.

But critics have long complained about the appearance of some Lexington County roads leading away from the airport.

The Springdale Town Council has been meeting with the Midlands Business Leadership Group about the Regional Gateways Project, Mayor Michael Bishop reported.

This project aims to improve the appearance of major gateways in the metropolitan area beginning with the Airport Blvd/SC 302 corridor.

The mayor said he will keep us updated as the project progresses.

What’s new

Lake Murray Axe Throwing is opening this month in Friarsgate Plaza at 7949 Broad River Rd., Irmo.

Doug Ames, owner of Brooklyn Express Pizza and the new business, plans to offer, 20 beers on tap, a full food menu including pizza, pasta and wings, and 10 lanes for axe throwing.

Manager Gene Kolb said he has done much of the construction himself.

If you’re interested in working there, visit Brooklyn Express Pizza in Friarsgate Plaza. You must be 18 or older.

$17.3 million deal

HireQuest, a skilled labor staffing company in West Columbia, will buy assets of Snelling Staffing for $17.3 million Feb. 28.

The acquisition will create new opportunities including traditional commercial staffing, CEO Rick Hermanns said.

HireQuest will acquire Snelling Staffing’s 48 locations in 24 states — which would add to the company’s existing 136 franchise-owned offices in 30 states.

Marketing firm opens

MPA Strategies, a statewide public relations firm, has opened a new office at 2025 State Street in Cayce.

The firm, founded in 2011, offers strategic digital marketing, association management, media relations, project funding and procurement, grant writing, crisis management as well as website and social media management.

New BBQ restaurant

PK BBQ Bar & Grill has opened beside the Piggly Wiggly supermarket on US 378 west of Lexington.

The restaurant in the former location of Good Fellas offers barbecue pork, beef, brisket, wings and ribs.

They are open for lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday.

Call 803-429-9513 to order carry out.

Coffee shop opens in Chapin

Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee Roasting Company has opened at 230 Columbia Avenue in Chapin.

He is open Monday through Saturday and opens at 10:30 on Tuesday. Inside and outside seating is available.