Just as we thought we were returning to normalcy a resurgence of the coronavirus has emerged.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky of the Center for Disease Control, blamed setbacks in preventing the Delta variant spread to those who are unvaccinated.

She recommends even those fully vaccinated to mask up to prevent the spread.

Schools are opening and sports events are subject to change. Clubs and organizations debate their coming year plans.

Jennifer Wilson of Lexington Medical Center reported a covid patient increase.

Last Friday the hospital had 109 covid patients, the vast majority unvaccinated.

On the same day, LMC reached an all-time high of 30 covid patients on ventilators and the age of patients is lower.

Lexington Medical Center encourages all who are eligible to be vaccinated. For details on how to schedule a covid vaccination, visit LexMed.com/Covid

PASTOR PAT RIDDLE of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church was honored Sunday with a retirement celebration and a humorous roast by fellow pastors. Having spent his last 36 years in the ministry, 22 at St. Stephen’s, he was recognized for leadership.

Many stood in the receiving line to personally thank Pastor Pat for his ministry.

His wife Jan, stood in line by his side. Pastors Jason Antley and Dennis Bolton will continue their ministry.

LINDA GRIFFITH said American Legion Post 7’s Aug. 14 dinner will be at 7 pm. With an increased number of graves at Fort Jackson’s National Cemetery, Carol Davis of Wreaths Across America will be guest speaker discussing a new campaign.

The Auxiliary will meet at 6 pm to install new officers. Please call Linda at 803-359-1278 if you plan to be present.

The Legion is also renting the building for events. Call to book your event.

CONGRATULATIONS to River Bluff’s rising senior, Arionna Bell who won the American Legion Auxiliary 2021 Girls Nation Program Outstanding Senior Award/Scholarship. The award is voted on by the ALA Girls Nation staff. And congratulations to the American Legion Post 7 Senior Baseball Team for making it to the semi-finals.

ANNE BULL reminds us that the US women won the 7th straight gold medal in basketball. Former lady Gamecock Aja Wilson won her 1st gold medal coached by Gamecock Coach Dawn Staley.

Lexington can also boast of a gold medal winner in Team USA’s 4 by 400 relay. Wadeline Jonathas. She ran in the preliminaries but not the day of the win. She receives a gold medal for helping the team.

MIKE GREEN has been spotted gathering stray shopping carts and delivering them to the stores. What a hero. Mike serves on the West Columbia city council when he is not rounding up shopping carts.

A NEW children’s book, “The Palmetto State House,” is available on Amazon by author Mandy Caughman Derrick, a retired 3rd grade teacher at Rocky Creek Elementary School. Mandy plans a book signing 4-6 pm Aug. 21 at Tom’s Den on US 1 at the Boozer home. It sells for $14.95.

Happy birthday to Phil Hamby, Jennifer Jordan, Donny Burkett, Brittany Goldbraith, John Denny, Ted McGee, Renee Littell, Rex Long, Dieter Klose, Elizabeth Herring, Carolyn Brooks, Sarah Derrick, Sammy Hendrix, Wink Sox, Beth Mathias, Candi Bowen, Grant Brittingham, Braden Caton, Sylvia Looney, John Mackintosh, Grant Mondeel, Libby Berry, Wess Helton, Richard Hook, Kim Seals, Al Lawson, Savannah Riddle, Victoria Riddle, Nettie Tuck, Chris Tansey, Heyward Addy, Susan Barnes, John K Addy Jr, Harry Burns, Anna Rawl Browder, Paul Harman, Mary Ives, Kylie Snelgrove and, Luke Wenzel.

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