We’re delighted to report that Lexington Bi-Lo employees have been assured their jobs are safe – for now.

An independent Piggly Wiggly owner Charles Starbuck will buy the Bi-Lo at 760 US-378 with C&S Wholesale Grocers support,

Bi-Lo employees had been told last year that the store would close if a buyer could not be found.

$500,000 available in scholarships

Lexington County minority students are eligible for $500,000 in Dominion Energy scholarships. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 25 at 4 pm.

Eligible students must be minority group members, high school seniors, graduates or college undergraduates enrolled or plan to enroll full-time at a 2- or 4-year college or vocational school. To apply, go to DominionEnergy.com/EquityScholarships.

Business helps wildlife students

Lexington 2 students are learning about wildlife and the environment via SC Waterfowl Association classroom sessions.

Chuck Underhill of the House of Raeford’s FLOCK charity donated $10,000 to give students more access the outdoors.”

Casey Jordan Hallman of Lexington 2 said about 2,000 students grades 3-5 learnabout birds, reptiles, animals and wetlands.

And the winners are ...

• Press Ganey, a well-known company in the health care industry, has named Lexington Medical Center in Irmo among the best in the US for patient experience wit the Guardian of Excellence Award.

• Clark’s Termite & Pest Control was named Trade Contractor of the Year by the Building Industry Association of Central SC. This is the 2nd time they’ve won.

Pet parlor moving on up

Modern Companion, a pet boutique in Chapin owned by Maddie St. Gelais, will open on Lexington Avenue in March.

She has been operating in her home but after selling about 10,000 products, she decided it was time to move into the former Southern Stitches location.

Happy birthday

Steel Hands Brewing celebrated its 2nd birthday with a party in Cayce last week.

“We’re glad they’re part of our city,” said Cayce Mayor Elise Partin.

When co-owners Scott Lambert and Darryl Frick opened on Foreman Street in Cayce, some questioned how they would get people to come there.

“We set out to be a destination,” Steel Hands Marketing Director Ashley Lambert

Want to grow hemp?

The SC Department of Agriculture will accept hemp farming applications until Feb. 28. For details, visit agriculture.sc.gov/hemp or email hempstaff@scda.sc.gov.

$19.9M for kids, job training

$19.9 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund will go to the Department of Social Services, the SC Technical College System, the Office of 1st Steps, and the Department of Education.

This will provide job training, give school resources to foster children and prepare children in poverty for kindergarten.

• The Department of Social Services will get $4,913,800 for needs of foster care children and youth in group homes.

• The Technical College System will get $8 million for training for 3,100 adults.

• Early Childhood Education will get $7 million for expanded day or summer programs for at-risk children.

Why do prices always rise?

If your business is a heavy mail user as the Chronicle is, hang onto your wallet.

The US Postal Service wants to raise rates 7% to 9% in 2021. It has not yet been approved but you can bet it will.

Newsprint users like the Chronicle are expecting an even larger increase.

Due to the internet and covid-19, many newspaper have ceased publishing print editions or cut back to a few days a week.

This dramatic drop in demand has closed many newsprint mills. Those still open say they need 20% more to stay in business.

Got a news item for us? Email rose.lexchron@gmail.com