LINDA SAuLS & ChuCk MCCurry

SCE&G is giving trees to lake property owners through the Lake Murray Shoreline Habitat Enhancement Project. The Dominion Energy subsidiary will host a tree giveaway Feb. 22, from 1-6 pm and Feb. 23, from 8 am - noon at the SCE&G recreation park site at 1797 N. Lake Drive. Lake property owners can select up to 3 trees from a variety of species including Bald Cypress, Southern Wax Myrtles, Willow Oaks, and Crabapple. The trees are 4-5 feet in height. The shoreline enhancement project for Lake Murray is a cooperative effort between SCE&G, the Department of Natural Resources and lake interest groups. For more information on the Habitat Enhancement Project, call SCE&G’s Lake Management Department at 803-217-9221.

Nikki Haley returns to charity work

Former SC governor and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley will return to Chair the board of her charity organization, The Original Six Foundation. The foundation provides afterschool homework assistance to 4th through 8th grade students in Bamberg County at Richard Carroll Elementary School, in Clarendon County at Manning Junior High School, and in Union County at Jonesville Elementary and Middle School. Each program operates with two certified teachers and serves students Monday through Thursday. Visit www.originalsixfoundation.org to learn more.

Shoe store going out of business

Discount retailer Payless ShoeSource, Inc. plans to close all of its 2,300 stores when it files for bankruptcy later this month. The move would make Payless one of the most high-profile victims of the string of bankruptcies that have hit the brick-and-mortar retail sector as more shopping is done online. Toys “R” Us and The Bon-Ton Stores are among the retailers that shut their stores in liquidations in the last 12 months. The company will keep most stores open through March, though some will stay open through May. Lexington County has one Payless store at 713 West Main St.

Hospital hiring food workers

Lexington Medical Center is hiring. The hospital will host an “Interview Day” Saturday, Feb. 23 to fill positions in the Nutrition department. The available jobs are food service positions. Interview Day will take place inside the lower level of the East Tower on the Lexington Medical Center campus from 8 am – 4 pm this Saturday. The hospital is located at 2720 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia. Job applicants will speak with Lexington Medical Center health care recruiters during their visit. To expedite the interview process, applicants should complete an online application at http://bit.ly/2tn2Ggr .

On the move

Former Lexington mayor and attorney Hugh Rogers has moved his office to attorney James R. Snell’s offices at 123 Harmon St. across from the Old Mill on East Main Street in Lexington. His phone number remains the same, 359-2599, but his fax number has changed to 800-567-6249.

Columnist joins consulting firm

Holy Cow! History columnist Mark Powell has joined a local political consulting firm. As SC candidates prepare for the 2020 campaign, the Ivory Tusk Consulting firm is expanding. Veteran communicator Mark Powell has been named vice president of Communications and Message Development. His experience includes 16 years as a network broadcast journalist. He is a published author and columnist for the Lexington County Chronicle and Lake Murray Fish Wrapper. In his position, Powell will provide strategic assistance to candidates. Information about the firm is available at www.IvoryTuskConsulting.com .

1,000 roses delivered to seniors

A group of volunteers spent their Valentine’s Day bringing joy to local seniors. “The Cupid Crew” hand-delivered roses to residents at Oakleaf Village in Lexington. Local college student Emily Gillman organized the event through Wish of a Lifetime, which promotes senior appreciation. Gillman along with 150 volunteers delivered 1,000 roses to 12 different senior facilities. Funding for the roses was provided by UofSC’s Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and Lighthouse Hospice, where Gillman works.

Benefit for muscular atrophy

Hayes’ Heroes Evening of Hope will be held Feb. 23 at the Country Club of Lexington, 1066 Barr Rd, Lexington. Hayes is a 5 year-old boy living with spinal muscular atrophy. The Evening of Hope is a yearly event to fund a cure for the disease. Proceeds will go to Cure SMA, the leading research organization. Ticket price includes hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dancing, live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to champion a cure for SMA. Visit www.events.curesma.org/HayesHeroes to buy tickets and learn more about Hayes’ Heroes Cure SMA Evening of Hope.

Wilson aide gets presidential nod

President Donald Trump has appointed Dino Teppara to work with an Assistant Secretary of Education at the US Department of Education. Teppara is Rep. Joe Wilson’s former chief of staff. Teppara worked in the SC Dept. of Education for 5 years. He will work on policies regarding students, their families, and teachers across the country. Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie has appointed Teppara to the VA’s Advisory Committee on Cemeteries and Memorials.

Sweet treats coming to Lexington

Smoothie King will open its first Lexington location Mar. 9. The new store will be located at Lexington Marketplace, 5336-C Sunset Blvd. The store will host a grand opening celebration that day with free smoothie samples and in-store giveaways.

Entertainment center to open in Irmo

A Stars and Strikes restaurant and entertainment center will open soon at 800 Lake Murray Blvd. in Irmo. It reportedly will include mini-theme park attractions, arcade games, bowling, laser tag and a full-service restaurant for birthday parties and events. It will be open 7 days a week. For more details call 678-965-5707.