People refusing to return to work could lose unemployment benefits here.

The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce said anyone who refuses to return to work or accept an offer of new employment without good cause could lose state benefits.

Many residents have lost work due to the covid-19 pandemic, but the state has begun to ease restrictions hoping to stimulate the economy.

In an email to employers last week, DEW told them they could report workers for not coming back.

Visi https://dew.sc.gov/employers/uibenefits/hiring-new-workers/offers-of-work for more information.

$1.5M for bus depot land

Lexington School District 1 plans to spend $1,500,160 on 2 land parcels.

One parcel, owned by Royalty Holdings 1, LLC, contains approximately 44.27 acres.

The 2nd parcel, owned by Royalty Properties, LLC, contains approximately 2.61 acres.

The land is planned to relocate the district’s Transportation Facility. The new facility will serve the Lexington, River Bluff and White Knoll attendance areas.

AccelerateSC site launched

Gov. Henry McMaster announced the launch of the initial phase of AccelerateSC online.

The site is designed to provide citizens centralized access to covid-19 related information. The website will also share details about the state’s revitalization efforts.

Latest Developments include:

• South Carolina to test all residents and staff at nursing homes for covid-19.

• The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus will resume in-person instruction in mid-August.

• Restaurants preparing to provide outdoor customer dining can find recommended restaurant guidance.

Find daily updates at https://accelerate. sc.gov/ .

Military caregiver recognized

Jennifer Ostan of Lexington is a 2020 Dole Caregiver Fellow.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation selected 30 military and veteran caregivers to represent Americans caring for a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran at home.

Ostan will serve as a leader, community organizer, and advocate for the nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers.

The Fellows will provide feedback to the Foundation, its coalition partners, and government and community leaders on the most pressing issues concerning military caregivers.

Ostan serves as a caregiver for her husband, Will, who was diagnosed with Behcet’s Disease, a rare auto inflammatory disease, as a result of his military service.

Schedule an E-clinic visit

CVS is expanding its MinuteClinic telehealth options.

MinuteClinic providers are available to evaluate, diagnose and treat common injuries, illnesses and skin conditions, and help manage chronic conditions, either in person or using E-Clinic.

The new E-Clinic visit capability offers patients the opportunity to connect virtually with a local MinuteClinic provider via video conferencing on their personal mobile device or computer, between 9 am and 5 pm.

Patients can visit www.MinuteClinic.com and request an E-Clinic visit.

Big lots coming to Lexington

A new Big Lots store is scheduled to open in Lexington this summer.

The store will be at 421 Columbia Avenue, where the BI-LO was, the Chronicle’s Terry Ward reported.

There is currently a Big Lots on US 1 at Wattling Road in West Columbia.

Other stores in the shopping center include Little China Buffet, Liberty Tax, and Wild Birds Unlimited.

4-legged fundraiser

Lakeside Team is hosting a fundraiser for homeless dogs and cats during the month of May.

The real estate team has been helping people find homes since 2004, and now they’re doing the same for pets.

Adopt a shelter pet or donate at least $25 to an animal rescue center for an opportunity to win one of two $200 gift certificates to Lexington’s Lazy Creek Pet Food Center.

To enter to win, participants will need to provide a receipt of donation or proof of adoption to adopt@lakesideteam.com no later than June 3, 2020.

Winners will be announced June 5.

Ft. Jackson Cemetery expansion

Boyer Commercial Construction Inc. has been awarded the Fort Jackson National Cemetery Phase II Expansion.

The 20-acre project will provide 5,632 pre-placed crypts, 2,376 in-ground cremains sites, 729 traditional burial sites, a committal shelter, as well as supporting infrastructure consistent with the completed initial phase.

The 585-acre national cemetery is located in Richland County just off of I-20 on property formerly held by Fort Jackson.

Who’s new

Haley Bryant and Katie Hayden have joined Splash Omnimedia in Lexington as members of the client services team.

They will help clients develop digital and traditional marketing and advertising strategies.

Chapin Zaxby’s now open

The 1st Zaxby’s in Chapin is open at 649 Columbia Ave.

Curbside pick-up is currently available. The restaurant will provide 44 new jobs in the Chapin community. Those interested may visit indeed.com or apply in person at the restaurant between 2-5 pm every day.