How was your 4th? Did you celebrate with pride, patriotism and your American flags?

American Legion Post 7 Commander David Griffith and Linda reported they enjoyed the 4th at Don and Patsy Horton’s lake home, then cruising the lake on their pontoon. Along with them were Gail Marcum, Ruth Hughs, Courtney Watts, June Dubard and Mel Amick.

David and Linda invite everyone to the American Legion Hut (211 American Legion Drive) Saturday at 7 pm for a flag disposal ceremony. Dinner will be served at 7:30 pm and reservations are required. Please call 803-359-1278 or emailing him at dgriff4726@aol.com

OUR TOWN SPONSORED a fireworks show Friday night despite the rain and storms. On Saturday, Lake Murray Country held a fireworks show from Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. Miriam Atria and her crew sponsor the Taste of Lake Murray to fund this annual event. When dark descended, hundreds of boat lights resembled stars blinking in the sky. Fireworks in shapes, sounds and colors prompted lots of “oohs and aahs,” It was spectacular display. As always, God Bless America!

THE AMERICAN HEART Association and Centers for Disease Control advise you to:

• Drink lots of water and be aware of how much you sweat. Eat foods with high water content.

• Avoid alcohol and adjust your exercise.

• Take cool showers to cool down.

Do not leave small children or pets in a closed vehicle. Heat could be fatal. Walk pets in a cooler part of the day.

BEGINNING TUESDAY, JULY 29, you may see some distinguished young ladies around town. The Distinguished Young Women contestants will participate in various activities in addition to preparing for their statewide competition at the Lexington 1 Performing Arts Center on July 24.

SHERIFF JAY KOON warns us not to post pictures or locations while on vacation.

“We understand people want to share their pictures,” said Sheriff’s Office Captain Adam Myrick. “It simply opens up too many possibilities for someone to know that you’re not home.” Sharing tells scammers and criminals that your property and your home are vacant.

ANOTHER SIGN THAT things are getting back to normal occurred Friday with a luncheon of legal and business leaders hosted by former Mayor Hugh Rogers. Hughs’ luncheon is a time for lively discussion on Lexington’s history, growth, personalities and politics. Those at Friday’s luncheon at the Flight Deck were Peter Korn, Scott Adams, Tim Driggers and Cheryl Ann Morrison, George Branstiter, Judy and Mike Flack, Pete Oliver, Adrian Falgione, Ross Snell, Harry Jeffcoat, Richard Peterson, Ted Stambolitis, Keith Dooley, Lee Lewis and Ed Howard, Jr.

FORMER MAYOR RANDY and Angela Halfacre have returned from a ‘cool’ vacation at the Pisgah Inn in Mt. Pisgah, NC.

THE CIU SCHOOL of Business and Professional Studies and Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church are sponsoring a monthly Business Ambassadors Luncheon for faith-based business leaders to pray and discuss leading and growing faith-based businesses. Last month’s inaugural meeting held at CIU featured presentations by Lee Bussell, Chairman of Chernoff-Newman, and Sen. Ronnie Cromer. For details, contact Randy Halfacre at Randy.Halfacre@CIU.edu or Carol.Kirkland@mthorebumc.com.

DON GORDON FROM Chapin has a new book, “Snowball’s Chance”, the story of his kidney transplant lovingly donated by his brother available on Amazon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Bodie Hester, Gracen Torbett, Melissa Rawl, Ben Gies, Tanner Dawkins, Sarah Kolb, Heather Petrusick, Joe Clark, Lauren Crapps, Tammy Rawl, Clarice Mondeel, Bill Slocomb, Tyler Brown, Evan Farr, Brian Ralston, Will Taylor, Brooks Weaver, Carol Ryall, Bev Gunter, Mary Ann Rentz, Mary Hazelton, Chase ordan, Nancy Taylor, Jennifer Yakimo, Bill Lesesne, O’Neal Staples, Dan Tinman, Debra Gunter, Libba Rhoad, Darlene Butler, Pat Clemens, Greg Moore, Kathy “Mouse” Dixon, Vicki Quattlebaum.