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 Lexington County Museum in Lexington, SC 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 Lexington, 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.
“The caregivers at Always Best Care are friendly, reliable, and truly care about their clients.”
“Always Best Care has helped our family tremendously. With the care they provide we”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for”
“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”
“The caregivers at Always Best Care are friendly, reliable, and truly care about their clients. They make daily life easier and more comfortable for seniors.”
“Always Best Care has helped our family tremendously. With the care they provide we have been able to keep my dad in his home. He is a total care client and they have gone above and beyond to meet our needs the best way they can. Not to say we haven't had some trials with schedules and caregivers getting sick or family emergencies, that is to be expected, but they are consistently meeting the needs the best way thay can. Thank you Always Best Care for what you have done for our family the last almost 3 years!”
“Nate and his team have helped multiple family members and the service and support was a great peace of mind. Care of those in need can be a heavy load on the family, and Always Best Care made everything run better in the household. Their care extended past those in need and helped the other family members provide better care. The experience was a breath of fresh air.”
“I engaged Nate as a consultant to search for the right Assisted Living Facility for my mom. This service is no cost to the family. He spent quite some time getting my mom's preferences clarified and then searching for matching AL facilities. All of this was done in less than two days. He and I talked through the options and I relayed the two I felt were best to mom. Nate personally picked mom up from rehab and took her on those tours, which was a godsend because I live in another state. During both tours, he texted me "play by plays" as to how it was going. He helped me and mom choose the right place for her budget and needs - and was very patient with us as my mom took longer than expected to make the final decision. She was talking about needing a new TV and Nate provided her/us with a link to some that were on sale that met her needs. Once the decision was made, Nate accompanied the AL staff member to mom's rehab and sat through the entire long paperwork process to ensure mom understood what she was signing. Again, he kept me in the loop by texting me regularly about how things were going during the meeting. He checked in a couple of times after that and prior to mom's move asking how our prep was going and if we needed anything. On one call, I did ask for a referral to a specific service we needed. He didn't have an established one, so he researched it and got one for me promptly. During and shortly after moving day, Nate checked in again to see how mom was settling in. I've been amazed at the personalized engagement that we received from Nate. Anytime he said he would do something, he did it and he did it promptly. If anything was delayed, he updated me immediately. This is in stark contrast to Tara at Senior Care Authority that provides this service as well. She promised me things during our initial call and didn't follow through on most of them. During our text exchanges, she never answered my specific question - always danced around it. Within a handful of days, I said "nope!", researched more, and came across Nate and this service. Ahhhh, what a breath of fresh air to receive what you asked for. I have no doubt it saved me countless hours glued to my computer, trying to compare facilities. I highly recommend Nate and his consulting service - it was an excellent experience and he was a lifesaver!”
“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.”
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 Gibson Pond Park in Lexington, SC 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 Private Property or visit Laurance Corley House, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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.
The 2024?25 South Carolina state report card has revealed how Lexington County schools performed, with ratings ranging from “below average” to “excellent.”Each year, school and district report cards are published, including academic achievement, graduation rate, college and career readiness, and student progress.All schools receive an overall rating, which ranges from excellent to unsatisfactory, based on a 0 to 100 scale. The rating system is:Here’s a breakdown on how Lexington County schoo...
The 2024?25 South Carolina state report card has revealed how Lexington County schools performed, with ratings ranging from “below average” to “excellent.”
Each year, school and district report cards are published, including academic achievement, graduation rate, college and career readiness, and student progress.
All schools receive an overall rating, which ranges from excellent to unsatisfactory, based on a 0 to 100 scale. The rating system is:
Here’s a breakdown on how Lexington County school district schools were ranked:
Lexington County School District One
Lexington County School District One had nine schools rated "excellent," including Meadow Glen Elementary School, Midway Elementary School, New Providence Elementary School, Beachwood Middle School, Lakeside Middle School, Meadow Glen Middle School, Pleasant Hill Middle School, Lexington High School and River Bluff High School.
Ten schools were rated "good." These schools include Carolina Springs Elementary School, Deerfield Elementary School, Gilbert Elementary School, Lake Murray Elementary School, Lexington Elementary School, Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Rocky Creek Elementary School, Saxe Gotha Elementary School, Pelion Middle School and Gilbert High School.
Schools rated "average" included Centerville Elementary School, Forts Pond Elementary School, Oak Grove Elementary School, Pelion Elementary School, Red Bank Elementary School, White Knoll Elementary School, Carolina Springs Middle School, Gilbert Middle School, White Knoll Middle School, Pelion High School and White Knoll High School.
South Lake Elementary School was the only school rated "below average," with a score of 40.
Lexington County School District Two
Lexington County School District Two had one school rated "excellent," which was R.H. Fulmer Middle School.
Springdale Elementary School and Cyril B. Busbee Middle School were rated "good," while Cayce Elementary School, Herbert A. Wood Elementary, Riverbank Elementary, Saluda River Academy for the Arts Elementary and Northside Middle School were rated "average."
Congaree Elementary School, Pine Ridge Middle School, Airport High School and Brookland-Cayce High School were rated "below average."
“We’ve posted some noteworthy gains in academic achievement and student progress, a testament to the strong work our educators and students have been putting in,” Superintendent Brenda Hafner said in the press release. “But there is more work to be done.”
Lexington County School District Three
Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School and Batesburg-Leesville Middle School were rated "good," while Batesburg-Leesville High School was rated "average."
Batesburg-Leesville Elementary School showed improvement after being rated "below average" last school year.
Lexington County School District Four
In Lexington County School District Four, Sandhills Elementary School and Swansea High School were rated "average," while Frances Mack Intermediate and Sandhills Middle School were rated "below average."
During the 2023-24 school year, Sandhills Middle School was rated "unsatisfactory."
Lexington-Richland School District Five
Lexington-Richland School District Five had five schools rated ‘'excellent.'’ Those schools include Chapin Elementary School, Lake Murray Elementary School, Chapin Middle School, Chapin High School and Spring Hill High School.
Eight schools, including Ballentine Elementary School, Chapin Intermediate, Irmo Elementary School, Oak Pointe Elementary School, Piney Woods Elementary School, River Springs Elementary School, Dutch Fork Middle School and Dutch Fork High School, ranked as ‘'good.’'
Dutch Fork Elementary, H.E. Corley Elementary, Leaphart Elementary. Nursery Road Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary School, Crossroads Middle School, Irmo Middle School and Irmo High School were rated as "average."
Harbison West Elementary School was rated "below average."
Last year, schools rated below average or unsatisfactory were required to submit a turnaround plan to address areas of weakness and improve performance.
These plans include specific, measurable goals, actions, resources, professional development and academic interventions.
It is the final week of high school football regular season in South Carolina.Midlands scoresFridayBatesburg-Leesville 35, Saluda 34 (OT)Ben Lippen 28, Augusta Christian 0CA Johnson 30, Lee Central 20Camden Military 56, Northside Christian 37Central 42, North Central 7Clear Dot Charter 14, Anderson 0Dutch Fork 28, Irmo 21Fairfield Central 44, Columbia 0Mid-Carolina 20, Eau Claire 6Newberry 43, Swansea 0Northwood 39, Heathwood Hall 20Rid...
It is the final week of high school football regular season in South Carolina.
Friday
Batesburg-Leesville 35, Saluda 34 (OT)
Ben Lippen 28, Augusta Christian 0
CA Johnson 30, Lee Central 20
Camden Military 56, Northside Christian 37
Central 42, North Central 7
Clear Dot Charter 14, Anderson 0
Dutch Fork 28, Irmo 21
Fairfield Central 44, Columbia 0
Mid-Carolina 20, Eau Claire 6
Newberry 43, Swansea 0
Northwood 39, Heathwood Hall 20
Ridge View 39, Blythewood 7
Sumter 52, Westwood 27
Wardlaw 50, Richard Winn 28
West Florence 34, Spring Valley 8
WW King 44, Laurens Academy 22
Thursday
AC Flora 40, Camden 28
Brookland-Cayce 20, Airport 13
Gray Collegiate 49, Gilbert 0
Hammond 57, Cardinal Newman 0
Pelion 50, American Leadership 7
River Bluff 38, Lexington 17
South Pointe 70, Richland Northeast 0
White Knoll 42, Chapin 7
Friday
Abbeville 37, Ware Shoals 16
Ashley Ridge 35, West Ashley 0
Atlantic Collegiate 21, Kingstree 14
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 56, Denmark Olar 0
Barnwell 43, Whale Branch 12
Belton Honea Path 62, Walhalla 7
Bishop England 55, Colleton County 0
Broome 36, Chapman 33
Carolina Forest 49, Conway 0
Catawba Ridge 22, Clover 21 (OT)
Cheraw 51, Chesterfield 0
Christ Church Episcopal 41, Palmetto 31
Crescent 28, Pendleton 21
Cross 34, Baptist Hill 0
Daniel 33, Greer 7
Dorman 49, Eastside 12
East Clarendon 42, Marion 14
Emerald 23, Laurens 17
Florence Christian 49, Trinity Collegiate 20
Hillcrest 44, Woodmont 8
Hilton Head Island 53, Beaufort 20
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 28, Ridge Spring - Monetta 0
James Island 55, Stall 0
Johnsonville 21, Latta 8
WW King 44, Laurens Academy 22
Lamar 20, Lewisville 14
Loris 54, Aynor 0
Manning 40, Lake City 12
Marlboro County 52, Waccamaw 14
McBee 35, Great Falls 24
Myrtle Beach 29, North Myrtle Beach 23
Northwestern 51, Indian Land 13
Oceanside Collegiate 49, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 13
Orangeburg Prep 24, Thomas Sumter 6
Pee Dee Academy 57, Dillon Christian 28
Pickens 42, Travelers Rest 27
Powdersville 48, St. Joseph’s 28
Silver Bluff 34, Fox Creek 6
Socastee 22, St. James 21
South Aiken 23, Aiken 7
South Florence 51, Hartsville 23
Spartanburg 20, Riverside 19
Thomas Heyward 32, Beaufort Academy 27
Timberland 38, Woodland 0
TL Hanna 27, Greenville 24
Wardlaw Academy 50, Richard Winn 28
Whitmire 58, Calhoun Falls Charter 42
Wilson 28, Darlington 26
Woodruff 43, Union County 6
Thursday
Ashley Ridge 35, West Ashley 0
Berkeley 35, Cane Bay 7
Bluffton 28, May River 21
Crestwood 35, Lakewood 22
Dillon 46, Georgetown 7
Fountain Inn 63, Soutside 0
Greenwood 49, Easley 7
James Island 55, Stall 0
Lake View 52, Green Sea Floyds 0
Liberty 7, Blacksburg 0
Lucy Beckham 31, Wando 14
Mauldin 48, JL Mann 6
Philip Simmons 28, Andrews 14
Pinewood Prep 48, John Paul II 28
Stratford 48, Goose Creek 0
Summerville 37, Fort Dorchester 14
Westside 21, Wren 7
Incumbents Todd Carnes, Gavin Smith and Ron Williams and challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard pledge to improve quality of life and guide the town’s growthLEXINGTON, S.C. — Growth, infrastructure and traffic are once again taking center stage in the Town of Lexington, where five candidates are running for three open seats on the town council.The ballot includes incumbents Todd Carnes, Gavin Smith and Ron Williams, along with challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard. Each candidate says they’re motivated by...
Incumbents Todd Carnes, Gavin Smith and Ron Williams and challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard pledge to improve quality of life and guide the town’s growth
LEXINGTON, S.C. — Growth, infrastructure and traffic are once again taking center stage in the Town of Lexington, where five candidates are running for three open seats on the town council.
The ballot includes incumbents Todd Carnes, Gavin Smith and Ron Williams, along with challengers Greg Brewer and Doug Leonard. Each candidate says they’re motivated by a shared goal: improving the quality of life for Lexington residents.
Councilman Todd Carnes, who has served on the town council since 2014, said his motivation comes from a deep connection to the community.
“This community has been great to me and my family,” Carnes said. “We moved here 26 years ago with a few small children, and we’ve spent the last 26 years building a life here. Everything we have I can attribute to this community and the opportunities it provided. I want to give back.”
Carnes, a real estate broker and small business owner, said his background in engineering and zoning helps him problem-solve and plan for smart growth.“I can use that knowledge of our community and my engineering background to make sure that our community moves forward in things like infrastructure, safety and community,” he said.
Ron Williams, also first elected to council in 2014, serves as director of operations for Mission Lexington, which operates a thrift store and food pantry. Williams said public service has been a lifelong calling.
“I’ve done public service most of my life — from volunteering to coaching Little League to working with the Boy Scouts,” Williams said. “I’ve always tried to live by what my grandmother taught me, that it’s better to serve than to be served. This is just an extension of who I am.”
Williams said his approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration. “You have to build relationships and work with others,” he said. “Once you get elected, you have to serve with those folks. The best way to do that is to get along, compromise and focus on what’s best for the citizens of this town.”
Gavin Smith, a marketing professional and University of South Carolina professor, said his campaign centers on community input.
“The answer to what motivates me to run for town council is very simple — it’s the people,” Smith said. “Every single day I interact with citizens, business owners, people from all walks of life, and the one thing we all share is that we care about our community.”
Smith said he believes improving the quality of life starts with listening. “I firmly believe this seat on council doesn’t belong to me — it belongs to the people,” he said. “I’ve knocked on about 2,500 doors throughout this campaign, and the number one thing I hear is traffic. That’s going to be my top focus, followed by managing development and getting more young people involved in local government.”
Challenger Greg Brewer said his experience managing large budgets at GE and Siemans would help the town prioritize its most pressing needs while being transparent with residents.
“It comes down to money,” Brewer said. “I’ve had a lot of experience running large budgets — focusing on must-haves versus nice-to-do’s, like safer roads, cleaner air, cost-effective water and sewer, and infrastructure-led growth, not developer-led.”
He added that residents deserve honesty and accountability from their leaders.“Residents deserve better affordable services, maximum transparency, and thus accountability — and infrastructure first before growth,” Brewer said. “I’ve spent years pushing for openness, better planning and financial options as a private citizen. Now it’s time to do it from the inside — to help our town make faster progress on what our residents want most.”
Doug Leonard, a realtor and business owner who has lived in Lexington since 1964, said his decision to run comes from both a sense of civic duty and a personal connection to the town’s future.
“I’ve been around Lexington since 1964, and my wife and I have raised four kids and we have 10 grandkids that are being raised in Lexington,” Leonard said. “So I felt like I needed to get involved to make sure that they have the same town that my kids had as they grow up. I felt this is my opportunity to serve my fellow citizens because my relatives paid a lot in order for us to be free.”
Leonard said infrastructure and fiscal responsibility are at the top of his list.“Right now, what’s happening is we continue to overbuild our infrastructure capability, and that’s why you have the road problems and traffic congestion,” he said. “That’s probably the big issue — along with financial transparency.”
Voters in Lexington will head to the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, to choose who will fill the three open council seats. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Whoever wins will face the challenge of balancing Lexington’s rapid growth with the infrastructure needed to support it, a task all five candidates agree is vital to the town’s future.
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Dozens of Lexington County families are struggling to find childcare after a daycare center announced it would close by the end of the week.Kid City USA gave parents and staff just four days’ notice before the permanent closure, leaving families scrambling for alternatives and employees without jobs.“This company has really screwed us over, honestly,” said Lillian Mann, a parent.Mann not only lost her childcare for her son Aiden’s pre-school but also her job.&...
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) - Dozens of Lexington County families are struggling to find childcare after a daycare center announced it would close by the end of the week.
Kid City USA gave parents and staff just four days’ notice before the permanent closure, leaving families scrambling for alternatives and employees without jobs.
“This company has really screwed us over, honestly,” said Lillian Mann, a parent.
Mann not only lost her childcare for her son Aiden’s pre-school but also her job.
“It’s very nerve-racking. I’m a single mom, and I don’t know what my next steps are as of right now,” Mann said.
Mann and dozens of other families received a letter Monday telling them the daycare would permanently close its doors on Friday. The letter cited financial strain and recent government cuts to early childhood funding as the reason for the shutdown.
The facility’s after-school program on Cherokee Road is also shutting down.
“That’s insane and not fair to any parent or any employee, because people are just out here trying to make a living,” said Hannah Cockrell, another parent.
Cockrell’s son is one of 65 children ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 12 years old who rely on the daycare. The after-school program serves more than 50 students. Both facilities employ nearly 30 people and have been open for two years.
Kid City USA has over 100 locations in 11 states, including North Carolina and Florida.
Parents said the shutdown comes at the worst time as they face long waiting lists at daycares and have fewer affordable, reliable care options.
Cockrell said while she was able to find a new daycare, she’s concerned for other families now stranded with little time to find new arrangements.
“It’s extremely hard to find childcare. I took the last one-year-old spot at the center that we’re going to. Where are they going to go?” Cockrell said.
Media outlets in other states, like Florida, have reported centers closing. Kid City USA’s corporate office did not respond to requests for comment.
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Lexington families scramble for childcare as Kids City USA abruptly announces closure, leaving parents and staff blindsided.LEXINGTON, S.C. — More than one hundred Lexington families are searching for new daycare and after-school care options after a local childcare center abruptly announced it will close its doors at the end of the week.Employees at Kids City USA Lexington 1, located on Old Cherokee Road, said they received notice Monday that both their daycare a programs will shut down for good on Friday.Lily, an...
Lexington families scramble for childcare as Kids City USA abruptly announces closure, leaving parents and staff blindsided.
LEXINGTON, S.C. — More than one hundred Lexington families are searching for new daycare and after-school care options after a local childcare center abruptly announced it will close its doors at the end of the week.
Employees at Kids City USA Lexington 1, located on Old Cherokee Road, said they received notice Monday that both their daycare a programs will shut down for good on Friday.
Lily, an employee and parent at the center, said she was drawn to work there because it allowed her to stay close to her baby at an affordable cost. She explained that the closure has left her overwhelmed.
“It’s meant a lot. This whole daycare has really meant a lot to my son and I," Lily said. "It’s more of like a family here. And so when we found out that it was closing, it was panic at first because where am I going to put my son and where am I going to work? I’m a single mom going through a divorce.”
According to employees, Kids City USA’s corporate office told staff and parents that financial strain was the reason for the closure. When News19 reached out to the corporate office for clarification, a representative said there was “no comment at this time.”
Parents said they were blindsided by the decision and given little time to find alternative childcare.
Hannah, whose son attends the center, said she learned about the closure just days before it takes effect. “We were given notice at about seven o’clock last night that our daycare was closing for good after the end of day Friday,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking. My heart breaks for the families. My heart breaks for all of the employees at Kids City because they have been taking care of my son for nine months.”
Lily said she and other staff members were equally shocked and emotional, describing the center as a second home for families and employees alike. “The parents are also as shocked as we are because we did not know until about two hours before the parents found out,” she said. “It’s very sad. The parents are asking, ‘Where do we go? What do y’all recommend?’ It’s absolutely terrible. We have bills to pay. Parents need to put their kids somewhere.”
Just down the street, the Kids City USA after-school program, which cares for 55 children from kindergarten through eighth grade, faces the same fate. The director said she learned last Friday that October 31 would be her last day.
Now, staff members at both locations are taking down decorations and preparing to say goodbye. Lily said, “It’s really sad. This place was really a second home to us.”
Kids City USA operates dozens of centers across the country. In recent weeks, locations in Florida and North Carolina have also abruptly closed, leaving many families in those states facing similar childcare challenges.
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