Fresh troubles for Columbia and Lexington this week
A Silent Hazard on Lake Murray
On April 11, the calm waters of Lake Murray hid an unseen danger. A 50-year-old Columbia man, Travers Antonio Berry, was found lifeless beneath a dock—initially thought to have slipped while returning to shore. Yet without an official cause of death, neighbors are left wondering: What unseen risks lurk beneath the surface of even the most peaceful places?
Abuse of Power: A Trooper’s Betrayal
In a stark contrast to the serene lakefront, a former state trooper now faces severe allegations. Wayne Heinz LaBounty, 64, stands accused of exploiting his authority by kissing and groping a caregiver, even exposing himself and invoking a demand for secrecy. This incident forces a grim question: How deep does the abuse of power run, and what safeguards are truly in place to prevent it?
Lights Out: Power Struggles in Batesburg-Leesville
Residents of Batesburg-Leesville face frustration as Dominion Energy plans abrupt blackouts on April 14 and 16. The utility’s decision to flip a line to higher voltage comes with little warning, forcing town leaders to scramble in preparation. As one official urged, "Check on your neighbors when the lights go out." But when the grid itself becomes unreliable, who truly bears the burden?
A Quiet Arrival: Can Silver Spoon Tavern Carve Its Own Niche?
Columbia’s culinary scene welcomed a new contender last week—Silver Spoon Tavern, an Indian restaurant offering tandoori and biryani near Rosewood Drive. Chef Jebakumar Jebaraj arrives with experience from three other establishments, but in a city already saturated with standout curry spots, will this newcomer rise to the occasion? Only time will tell if its soft opening evolves into lasting success.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The Pinball Lounge’s Insurance Crisis
Fred Richardson’s dream to relocate Bang Back Pinball Lounge to Rosewood has hit a wall—not just any wall, but one made of financial impossibility. His liquor insurance vanished overnight, and no affordable replacement is in sight. Now, stuck with a lease he can’t sell, he faces a brutal reality: How can small businesses survive when the policies meant to protect them disappear overnight?
Playground Upgrades: Small Changes, Big Impact
A month-long closure has ended for Carraway Park, now reopening with refreshed amenities. New shade sails, accessible play structures, zip lines, and climbing walls transform the space for all ages. Yet the most striking addition may be the upgraded restrooms—proof that even modest investments in public spaces can profoundly reshape community life.
Funds Left Unspent: Can Richland County Turn Relief into Homes?
Over $1 million in pandemic-era affordable housing funds remain unused in Richland County. Instead of reckless spending, officials propose a methodical plan: rebuilding ten homes and constructing four new ones for low-income families. But with deadlines looming, the urgency grows—will this financial lifeline translate into real, life-changing housing before time runs out?
Basketball Glory, Softball Struggles: USC’s Dual Narrative
The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team scripted history with an unprecedented feat—three first-round WNBA draft picks in a single day. Raven Johnson (Indiana, 10th overall), Madina Okot, and Ta’Niya Latson now wear the crown, showcasing the rewards of relentless training. Yet USC’s softball team faces a steep decline, proving how quickly even elite programs can falter when momentum shifts.
