It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Robert Mills House and Gardens gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Columbia, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with his personal care and the”
“Very professional and friendly office staff. They are also easy to communicate with. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for any senior in need. Also, if you ever need a job, please go and apply. They are always hiring weekly and offer competitive rates.”
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work here at Always Best Care over the past six months. Melisa and Nate have been wonderful and thanks for molding me into becoming a great leader. Professionalism is the key to success ????✨⭐️ I am looking forward to many years to come.”
“This is a great company and I would recommended to everyone. I have been with them for 3years Their caregivers are insightful and have so much compassion especially Mariah and Sabrina they are some of there champs they both have great personality and are very Professional. The owners are great and they run a great company.thank you for all that you guys do ????”
“I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident Always Best Care of the Midlands Team ensured that I was well informed, and my loved one received the best care possible. The compassionate care was delivered not only by the care professionals, but by the support team. The owners even checked in with us to offer support and guidance. They exceeded our expectations!”
“This is a company that truly cares about its employees and the seniors they care for! Nate and Melisa offer regular training for caregivers so they they can provide the best care possible!”
“Nice people to work with”
“Gina Berry takes time explaining why home care and Always Best Care is the best choice for your family’s needs. The Team at Always Best is thoughtful and supportive they go out of their way to make you feel heard and understood. They customize the care plan, care team and schedule. I recommend them to anyone considering aging in place.”
“I am a current client of this provider From a caretakers/daughters point of view: This service is a savior for me personally. It relieves me from having to miss a lot of work time to travel to my mothers appt, now I can meet her at the appt. and save this time. The care and service she is getting is TOP NOTCH! From how easy it is for my mother to schedule and the follow through is right on the money. From a person getting the services: Melissa is the best, she calls me weekly to remind me of my appointments coming up. I am very pleased with the services and absolutely pleased with the services provided. I know that this alone helps ease the mind of my daughter. Thank you to the team at Always Best Care!”
“Always Best Care is a great company to work for and if you are looking for care for a loved one, I highly recommend them. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. I work in the senior industry and recommend Always Best Care to my clients that need extra support in their home or while family is away. Always Best Care will respond immediately and truly show compassion to others.”
“The Staff, the care teams and the owners are one of a kind! They take the time to ensure your care needs are met. Highly recommend giving them a call if you have senior care or senior living questions or concerns.”
“Nate took the time to meet with me and my family and help make sense of the questions we had when it came to the short and long term care of our loved one. When you have an elderly parent or a loved one with disabilities there are so many questions and so many emotions. It can be so confusing and it was hard for us to find one person or one company that has the knowledge and grasp of this industry that Nate has. We cannot thank him enough for guiding us through this process and his amazing bedside manner!”
“Hello to all of my Always Best Care friends, I'd like to wish you and your families a Merry, Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous New Year! My brother, my dad, and I really appreciate everything you did for us this year. You're amazing! All the best for the Christmas season and 2023,”
“I am a current client of this provider It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.”
“This is one of the best companies I’ve worked for in a long time. The owners, Nate and Melisa, genuinely care about clients AND staff. They go above and beyond to support, encourage, and help everyone they work with. Their doors are always open, they’re generous with their time, and they truly want their staff to succeed. Donna in the billing department is fabulous, always available to answer questions or help in any way; Katrina in scheduling puts in so much time and effort to accommodate everyone’s needs and it’s amazing how well she handles everything; Angel works diligently on recruiting and training, making sure there’s plenty of staff to provide quality care; and Jackie is an incredible CHAMP, making sure clients are properly reassessed and care givers have the right tools and knowledge to do their job. ABC is a fantastic, compassionate, caring team I’m proud to be a part of, and I’m proud to serve our clients, too.”
“I am a current client of this provider It depends on who they hire for the job. The people they hire can improve.”
“I am a current client of this provider I would have had to quit my job if it wasn't for them and they go grocery shopping. They can have more guidance for the client and what to do for the client.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have made it positive by being friendly and courteous. I like that I do not have to worry about them; they are honest.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency would have to make it a lot easier for me to find out about the caregiver coming out and having someone on backup. The agency could provide better scheduling and the caregivers would not come in on time.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver has changed a lot for me and has done errands for me. I would tell a friend that Donna is great.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with his personal care and the cooking. They're very accommodating and the communication is very good.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ruth's Chris Steak House or visit Historic Columbia, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Columbia, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Columbia, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Columbia, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Richland District 1 will part ways with Superintendent Craig Witherspoon effective June 2025.The district school board voted unanimously on a mutual separation agreement at a board meeting on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, he will receive a full year pay — his last contract extension raised his salary to $258,121 — plus accrued compensation for annual leave and six months of health insurance coverage....
Richland District 1 will part ways with Superintendent Craig Witherspoon effective June 2025.
The district school board voted unanimously on a mutual separation agreement at a board meeting on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, he will receive a full year pay — his last contract extension raised his salary to $258,121 — plus accrued compensation for annual leave and six months of health insurance coverage.
“The board wants to use this moment to thank Dr. Witherspoon for almost a decade of tireless service to this district,” school board chair Aaron Bishop said.
Board members Jamie Devine and Cheryl Harris thanked Witherspoon personally.
“Dr. Witherspoon, I want to thank you publicly for being one of the mot innovative leaders that this district has ever had,” Harris said.
His last day will be June 30, 2025, though he can ask the board to leave at any time prior with a written 30-day notice.
“We’ve done some amazing things in this district, it continues to be a pleasure,” Witherspoon said on Tuesday.
Witherspoon was hired in 2015 by a 5-2 vote of the board after resigning as the leader of Birmingham City Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Even then, he was controversial. At the time, some community members were concerned over a perceived lack of vetting, The State reported, and many teachers and parents felt that they hadn’t received a fair chance to meet him before he was hired.
Throughout his tenure in Richland 1, Witherspoon had often been supported by a staunch majority of the board. But several controversies surfaced during the last two years.
First, Richland 1 was placed on “fiscal watch” by the state Department of Education after a state-ordered audit revealed faults with the district’s procurement card policy. That’s the least severe financial rating issued by the state Education Department.
In October 2023, Witherspoon and the district administration came under fire after 11 teachers were abruptly reassigned nine weeks into the school year. Richland 1 officials were adamant that such transfers were “not uncommon,” and were made to maintain ideal student-teacher ratios in each district school. The reassignments were criticized by several Richland County legislators.
Even so, Witherspoon received a positive evaluation last year in a 5-2 vote by the board. Members Robert Lominack and Barbara Weston voted against that assessment, as well as the move to extend Witherspoon’s contract through 2026 and to give him a 3% raise.
For more than a year, the district’s efforts to build an early learning center in Lower Richland have been heavily criticized by state and county officials. They claim the district didn’t get the proper permits before beginning construction on the $31 million center.
The state Department of Education refused to issue a permit for the center in December 2023 because the building was intended to serve children as young as infants. The age range meant the building could not be considered a school, the Education Department said. The district kept building anyway.
Richland County officials also said the district did not obtain the proper permits before beginning construction.
On Jan. 19, the district announced that it would stop construction, and Witherspoon maintained that it was done on the district’s own accord. Public records obtained by The State showed that by that time, Richland County had already posted a stop-work order.
The controversy led to an investigation by the state Inspector General, which condemned the district’s work on the center and its procurement practices. Richland 1 had broken state law and wasted taxpayer money, the Inspector General said. Weeks after the July report, state education Superintendent Ellen Weaver placed Richland 1 on “fiscal caution,” the second most severe level of concern by her department.
The district was required to submit a recovery plan. But the state Education Department rejected the plan last month and ordered another audit.
In last week’s elections, two incumbents — Tamika Myers and Cheryl Harris — who had supported Witherspoon were defeated by challengers Ericka Hursey and Richard Moore, who said Witherspoon and the administration needed to be held more accountable.
Witherspoon told reporters on Tuesday that he had been considering “other options for a while, prior to the election.”
“That’s the truth,” he said.
Bishop said there was not yet a timeline for an interim or future permanent superintendent.
“At this point, it’s still about keeping the district toward steady progress,” Bishop said. “That’s where we’re at right now.”
This story was originally published November 12, 2024, 8:58 PM.
The State
Alexa Jurado reports on the University of South Carolina for The State. She is from the Chicago suburbs and recently graduated from Marquette University. Alexa previously wrote for publications in Illinois and Wisconsin.
SC Veterans Affairs partners with SC Department of Administration, Dorn VA for virtual and in-person events Wednesday and ThursdayCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Veterans Day was Monday, November 11, but remembering and commending the service of military Veterans continues. There are a few events scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, November 13 & 14, that are meant to honor and assist Veterans in the Columbia area.Veteran of the Year is announced during an 11 a.m. ceremony at Dorn VA Auditorium, 6437 Garners Ferry ...
SC Veterans Affairs partners with SC Department of Administration, Dorn VA for virtual and in-person events Wednesday and Thursday
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Veterans Day was Monday, November 11, but remembering and commending the service of military Veterans continues. There are a few events scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, November 13 & 14, that are meant to honor and assist Veterans in the Columbia area.
Veteran of the Year is announced during an 11 a.m. ceremony at Dorn VA Auditorium, 6437 Garners Ferry Rd. This year, Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Robert L Clark is being honored for his more than 32 years of active-duty service to the US Army and numerous awards, decorations and recognitions.
Lung Cancer Screening Awareness Walk, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dorn VA Medical Center's Wellness Path, aims to raise awareness and promote early detection of lung cancer among Veterans. Attendees can participate in the walk, listen to inspirational stories from Veterans who have overcome lung cancer, meet medical experts in the field of oncology and obtain information about screening for lung cancer. Light refreshments provided after the walk.
Veterans' Career Counseling Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Phillips Market Center, 117 Ballard Court, West Columbia. Interested Veterans can attend this in-person event to receive personalized career counseling, resume assistance, and insights into state employment opportunities. Veterans can learn about navigating South Carolina's hiring processes and how their skills might translate into job openings in state government.
Veterans' Virtual Career Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. provides an opportunity for Veterans to explore career opportunities with more than 40 state agencies and institutions of higher learning. Registration for this online opportunity is now open.
Each agency will have a virtual booth where job seekers can take part in a video chat or set a time to talk directly with a human resources representative about available openings in accounting, engineering, finance, grant management, human resources, health care, information technology, maintenance, security/law enforcement, and more.
A long-stalled luxury apartment complex planned for 2222 Main Street on the edge of Columbia’s downtown is finally moving forward – and it’s gotten bigger.Columbia first approved plans in 2021 for the major overhaul of the nearly 6-acre property encompassing the former Jim Moore Cadillac site on North Main Street. Developer Steve Middleton, president of Commonwealth Properties, promised to build the “nicest” apa...
A long-stalled luxury apartment complex planned for 2222 Main Street on the edge of Columbia’s downtown is finally moving forward – and it’s gotten bigger.
Columbia first approved plans in 2021 for the major overhaul of the nearly 6-acre property encompassing the former Jim Moore Cadillac site on North Main Street. Developer Steve Middleton, president of Commonwealth Properties, promised to build the “nicest” apartments in Columbia, with about 250 luxury units complete with 12-foot high ceilings, crown molding, a swimming pool, heated spa area and more.
The plans have been held up for years, first because of the time and cost of cleaning up the environmental hazards left over by the former auto shop, and then because construction prices had gone up so much in the meantime, according to plans submitted to the city of Columbia’s planning commission.
But now, developers think they found the right calculus and are adding more units to the project to make it more cost effective. The project will now have 320 apartments. The one-, two and three-bedroom units will have an average of 929 square feet. And the promised courtyards, pool, spa, sundeck and more are all still part of the package.
There will also be a rooftop dog park, a rooftop club room and game room and two rooftop decks, “providing views of the pool courtyard and central business district sunsets,” according to the plans.
The developers will also build a 467-unit parking garage for the project, and another lot with 47 surface parking spots.
The plans submitted to the city also include a traffic study, which recommends making some changes to the street design around the property, including adding multiple new turn lanes on North Main Street and narrowing southbound traffic between Confederate Avenue and Elmwood Avenue heading toward downtown to one lane.
A letter of support from the Cottontown Bellevue Historic District Neighborhood Association dated Nov. 8, 2024 is also included in the developer’s application to the planning commission. The letter states the neighborhood supports the project and has been in frequent communication with Middleton, the developer, since 2021.
The 2222 Main Street site has sat empty for years. It was used as an auto-repair shop from the 1950s until 2009, but it has been empty since.
At one point, Clear Dot Charter School eyed the site as a possible expansion location, but those plans were not well met by neighbors and never came to fruition.
Columbia’s Planning Commission will consider the updated apartment proposal at a regular meeting Thursday. Residents can attend those meetings in-person at 1737 Main Street, or online at youtube.com/@CityofColumbiaGovernment.
The South Carolina Gamecocks (5-3) face No. 24 Vanderbilt at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The game will air on SEC Network.A win would give USC six wins and bowl eligibility with three games to go in the regular season.It could be a wet afternoon in Nashville. It’s raining just before kickoff, and there’s a 70% chance of showers into the evening.Rocket Sanders scores his third touchdown of the night on a 43-yard pass from QB LaNorris Sellers. The drive went 61 yards on just...
The South Carolina Gamecocks (5-3) face No. 24 Vanderbilt at 4:15 p.m. Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The game will air on SEC Network.
A win would give USC six wins and bowl eligibility with three games to go in the regular season.
It could be a wet afternoon in Nashville. It’s raining just before kickoff, and there’s a 70% chance of showers into the evening.
Rocket Sanders scores his third touchdown of the night on a 43-yard pass from QB LaNorris Sellers. The drive went 61 yards on just two plays and lasted 1:20 and was set up by a turnover on downs.
The Gamecocks go up by two scores again with another Rocket Sanders touchdown run. Sanders scores from a yard out on a drive in which he had four carries and 49 yards.
The Commodores get on the board with a 17-yard touchdown run from QB Diego Pavia. The score capped a 10 plays, 75-yard drive that lasted 5:13.
USC got off to a quick start after half when QB LaNorris Sellers found TE Joshua Simon and receiver Jared Brown down field for big chunk plays of 20 and 51 yards respectively. RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders then ran it in from 33 yards out. The drive lasted 1:38 and went 75 yards on three plays.
After USC recovered the fumble towards the end of the first quarter, QB LaNorris Sellers connected with receiver Nyck Harbor for a 23-yard pass. That set Sellers up to find TE Joshua Simon for a 17-yard touchdown to draw first blood for the Gamecocks.
The drive went 81 yards on 12 plays and lasted 4:45.
After the first quarter, neither team has drawn first blood. The Gamecocks went on a six-minute drive that resulted in a missed field goal by Alex Herrera.
After USC forced another Vanderbilt punt, QB LaNorris Sellers fumbled, ending his positive streak of not turning the ball over. It was forced by Miles Capers and recovered by Langston Patterson.
Vandy QB Diego Pavia fumbled it right back, forced and recovered by Kyle Kennard.
South Carolina, according to Saturday’s final availability report from the SEC, will be without RB Matthew Fuller, LB Mo Kaba, DB Buddy Mack III, OL Jakai Moore and defensive tackles Nick Barrett and DeAndre Jules.
The Gamecocks will wear garnet helmets, white jerseys and garnet pants in Saturday’s game.
South Carolina is favored by 6 points over Vanderbilt, according to the VegasInsider consensus line that factors in multiple sportsbooks. the over-under is 45 points.
This story was originally published November 9, 2024, 3:34 PM.
ORANGEBURG – Heavy rains caused record flooding in the Orangeburg area Nov. 6 and 7, with local emergency responders performing water rescues from cars and buildings and travel in the area crippled by washed-out roads.Between seven and 10 inches of rain fell in the Orangeburg area, with some localized areas receiving 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.The Edisto River in downtown Orangebur...
ORANGEBURG – Heavy rains caused record flooding in the Orangeburg area Nov. 6 and 7, with local emergency responders performing water rescues from cars and buildings and travel in the area crippled by washed-out roads.
Between seven and 10 inches of rain fell in the Orangeburg area, with some localized areas receiving 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Columbia.
The Edisto River in downtown Orangeburg — near its historic Edisto Memorial Gardens — crested at 15.34 feet. The water levels broke all time records from 1928 and 2015 by almost a foot, flooding nearby roads, buildings and vehicles.
The river had begun to recede the morning of Nov. 8, the NWS said.
Local law enforcement in boats rescued several people from buildings in downtown Orangeburg, and at least one person was pulled from a nearly submerged vehicle in the town of Norway in western Orangeburg County, according to social media posts from law enforcement and residents.
It was unclear on Nov. 8 if any injuries were reported.
Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Nov. 7 as the flooding continued overnight.
"Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day," McMaster said in a statement. "The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts."
Local law enforcement and government agencies urged residents to use caution while driving through the area. Around 35 roads were reportedly closed due to flooding Nov. 7, the state Department of Transportation said in a social media post.
Orangeburg County Schools were closed on Nov. 7 and 8 due to road closures. Orangeburg’s public utilities department reported flooding-related power and water outages. The city's public gym had opened as an emergency shelter, the city said.
Social media users reported difficulty traveling through the area with the number of closed roads, with some unable to find a way to leave their homes.
“Please keep our County in your thoughts and prayers as we face unexpected flooding. Emergency personnel are working tirelessly to restore safety and order,” Orangeburg County officials said in a Nov. 7 social media post. “Everyone, please stay safe, avoid any flooded areas, and be patient as we work through this together.”
Officials in nearby Bamberg and Calhoun counties also reported significant flooding and urged caution.
“River flooding will continue along portions of the Edisto River into next week,” the governor’s office said in the Nov. 7 statement. “However, South Carolina is not expected to see significant rainfall totals over the next few days.”
Local law enforcement said the state Department of Transportation was keeping track of the closed roads.
“As the waters recede, SCDOT crews will assess the damaged areas and prepare to make repairs as quickly as possible,” the DOT said in a social media post.
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