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.
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available.”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always”
“Lisa helped my family understand the best options for my parents and the resources available. She has great contacts and helped guide us thru the process. We received wonderful service. Thanks!”
“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”
“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”
“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”
“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”
“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was just absolutely wonderful. I needed to qualify people who could deal with my sister with brain cancer. My sister would throw people in and out of her house; it was crazy. She died on December 5th. Always Best Care sent incredible people. I don't know where they came from, but they had one girl who was the only person my sister never attempted to throw out of the house. I'd never hear one bad word about this woman who was actually pulling double shifts at the end because my sister liked her so much. For some reason, this woman understood my sister and brain cancer. Brain cancer is hard to deal with because people could be pretty mean and abusive and they don't know what they're doing really. My sister was also going blind at the same time. It was not easy. I just wanted to say what wonderful care we received from Always Best Care. It was amazing. They were just coming and being there. My sister was crazy, and she didn't want anybody overnight, until she finally let me have someone come in overnight. On that night, she died. She got to die in her home, which is what I'm trying to do because that too was the most important thing of all. Always Best Care was able to staff at short notice and send really good people. I was impressed, and I would highly recommend them. They would help my sister get to the bathroom. She weighed 70 pounds when she died, but she was still able to walk. She had cancers on both her femurs, and her blood pressure was 80/47. They just helped with everything, like fixing her small meals, fixing coffee, and talking to her if she wanted to talk or not talking to her if she didn't want to talk. They were just very great with their help. My sister had brain cancer and she was belligerent. Always Best Care would find people within their staff. Also, it didn't take them long, I didn't have to wait. We had letters from others saying they don't have staff right now. With Always Best Care, I did it over the phone with a woman who was a Godsend. I think the caregiver was sent almost the first day and was there every day except on the weekend when they sent someone else. That person seemed to work out OK, too, which amazed me. For some reason, these people knew how to appease someone who is really crazy. It was the cancer; it was in my sister's head. You have to be tough-skinned and just realize that this is the disease talking to you and not a person. They were able to do that, and I feel very blessed.”
“I love working for this company.”
“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”
“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”
“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”
“I am a past client of this provider I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing. Donna O.”
“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”
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.
WednesdayWhat: Stormwater Studios is displaying the work of modern impressionist painter Marian Hornsby in its latest exhibit. View her pieces from Wednesday through Sunday and meet the artist at her opening reception on Oct. 2.When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 1-5Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., ColumbiaPrice: FreeWhat: Catch the finale of "A Night in Nashville — An Intimate Songwriter Experience" this week at the Koger Center. This performance will feature Blake Weinbach, Joe Major...
What: Stormwater Studios is displaying the work of modern impressionist painter Marian Hornsby in its latest exhibit. View her pieces from Wednesday through Sunday and meet the artist at her opening reception on Oct. 2.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 1-5
Where: Stormwater Studios, 413 Pendleton St., Columbia
Price: Free
What: Catch the finale of "A Night in Nashville — An Intimate Songwriter Experience" this week at the Koger Center. This performance will feature Blake Weinbach, Joe Major, MackMartin, Regan Stewart and SJ McDonald.
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 1
Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $35 after fees
More Information: https://tinyurl.com/yh5j2anb
What: Following its installment in the main gallery on Sept. 22, City Art is welcoming community members to an opening reception celebrating the "Compositions" exhibition by Craig Houston.
When: 5-8 p.m., Oct. 2
Where: City Art, 1224 Lincoln St., Columbia
Price: Free
What: Indie folk-pop trio Trousdale is on tour for their 2025 album, "Growing Pains," and is making a stop in Soda City. Secure your ticket to see the group, a music guest on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" earlier this year, at The Senate.
When: Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Oct. 2
Where: The Senate, 1022B Senate St., Columbia
Price: $30.75 after fees
What: Back for the 13th year, the Great American Whiskey Fair welcomes both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs to sample a variety of whiskeys, chat with distillers and deepen their knowledge of the industry.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 3
Where: 701 Whaley, Grand Hall, 701 Whaley St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $95 before fees
What: The Palmetto State's largest pride festival is returning to Main Street, bringing a parade, vendors and multiple Main Stage performances to downtown Columbia. This year's theme is Y2K25, celebrating the '90s and 2000s.
When: Oct. 3-4
Where: Main Street District, Columbia
Price: Free admission
What: Argentine violinist and company artistic director Leonardo Suarez-Paz takes the Koger Center stage to share the art form of tango, inspired by his mentors composer Astor Piazzolla and lyricist Horacio Ferrer.
When: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 4
Where: Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $35 after fees
What: R&B artist Maxwell is coming to Colonial Life Arena this week as part of "The Serenade 2025" tour. Snag tickets to see this three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter perform.
When: Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Oct. 4
Where: Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia
Price: Starting at $55.65 after fees
What: Honoring the legacy of Grateful Dead lead guitarist Jerry Garcia, JerryFest returns to Five Points for the 11th year, bringing the neighborhood another groovy day of live music, food trucks and artisan vendors.
When: Noon-8 p.m., Oct. 5
Where: Five Points, Columbia
Price: Free admission
What: In partnership with Columbia Animal Services, Larry Carlton Animal Rescue and Strut Talk Runway Therapy are hosting their first hybrid fashion and dog show, promoting local designers and dog adoption.
When: 5-9 p.m., Oct. 5
Where: Lincoln Street Tunnel, Vista Greenway, Columbia
Price: $33.85 after fees
What: Families are invited to the Wheatley branch of the Richland Library for a morning of nature stories and hands-on gardening. This event, hosted on the patio, is designed to give zero to 5-year-olds a chance to explore plants and soil.
When: 10-10:45 a.m., Oct. 6
Where: Richland Library Wheatley, 931 Woodrow St., Columbia
Price: Free
More Information: https://tinyurl.com/cxvy5a66
What: Calling all bookworms to the Graduate by Hilton! Bring a good book and find a cozy spot at this downtown Columbia hotel for a tranquil evening away. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
When: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 7
Where: Graduate by Hilton, 1619 Pendleton St., Columbia
Price: Free
Former South Carolina lawmaker RJ May pleaded guilty on Monday to distributing child sexual abuse material, including videos of infants and toddlers.COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina lawmaker R.J. May is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple federal child pornography charges.Federal prosecutors on Monday revealed disturbing details during court proceedings, describing the extent of May’s online activity and the scale of victimization involved.Federal prosecutors said May possessed more th...
Former South Carolina lawmaker RJ May pleaded guilty on Monday to distributing child sexual abuse material, including videos of infants and toddlers.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina lawmaker R.J. May is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to multiple federal child pornography charges.
Federal prosecutors on Monday revealed disturbing details during court proceedings, describing the extent of May’s online activity and the scale of victimization involved.
Federal prosecutors said May possessed more than 200 videos of child sexual abuse material, including recordings involving infants and toddlers. Court records indicate that he distributed these files 470 times within a five-day period.
U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling condemned the acts in a public statement, calling them “deplorable, depraved, and disgusting,” and said that “every download re-victimizes these children and fuels this evil industry.”
Investigators identified 62 victims, with 21 directly notified of May's plea. Some victims reside internationally. Under federal law, each victim is entitled to a minimum of $3,000 in restitution, with the possibility of greater compensation upon application.
May was initially indicted on 10 counts but pleaded guilty to five, which involved the most extreme videos. “We selected the 10 most deplorable videos to charge Mr. May with. Today, he pleaded guilty to counts 1 through 5, which are the worst of the worst,” Stirling explained.
Court filings also revealed that May operated under the alias “JoeBidennnn69” on the Kik messaging app, where he exchanged 1,047 text messages, many of which included the sharing of child pornography, according to officials.
Prosecutor Scott Matthews noted that even the dismissed charges will be considered in May’s sentencing. “There’s relevant conduct considered in federal sentencing, so the counts that do get dismissed are still considered and held against him,” Matthews said.
In court, May who previously represented himself, re-invoked his Sixth Amendment right to counsel, meaning he will be represented by public defenders at sentencing. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie scheduled the hearing for January 14 at 10 a.m. Until then, May remains held at Edgefield Federal Prison.
If convicted on all five counts, May faces a minimum of five years per count and up to 20 years, potentially resulting in decades in federal prison.
The investigation into May’s activities is ongoing, and federal authorities have confirmed that additional charges could follow.
A Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for Columbia and the greater Midlands region as Tropical Depression Nine continues to strengthen in the Atlantic.COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for Columbia and the greater Midlands region as Tropical Depression Nine continues to strengthen in the Atlantic. According to the latest update, issued at 11 a.m., the tropical complex is showing signs of intensifying, but moving away from the southeast coastal communities. Residents throughout the state should still pr...
A Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for Columbia and the greater Midlands region as Tropical Depression Nine continues to strengthen in the Atlantic.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for Columbia and the greater Midlands region as Tropical Depression Nine continues to strengthen in the Atlantic. According to the latest update, issued at 11 a.m., the tropical complex is showing signs of intensifying, but moving away from the southeast coastal communities. Residents throughout the state should still prepare for multiple rounds of rain, wind, and potential flooding through Tuesday.
Tropical Depression Nine is located between the southern Bahamas and the north coast of Cuba, and moving north at 7 mph. Sustained winds continue at 35 mph with gusts reaching 45 mph. The forecast remains the same from the previous update that the tropical depression is to become Tropical Storm Imelda later Sunday, eventually reaching Category 1 hurricane status by Tuesday morning, with winds around 75 mph.
The good news for South Carolina: the storm is forecast to remain offshore, veering east and heading out to sea by Tuesday night. However, that doesn’t mean the Midlands will escape its impacts.
The biggest local threat from Imelda will be rainfall. The storm, combined with moisture from Hurricane Humberto, is expected to bring heavy downpours across the region, particularly along and east of I-95, where a slight risk for heavy rainfall is in place beginning Monday. The rest of the Midlands, including Columbia, falls under a marginal to slight risk category for excessive rain.
The hard, dry ground from the recent lack of rain means localized flooding could happen quickly, especially in low-lying areas.
Rainfall totals are expected to be highest in the eastern third of the state, where 2.5 to 4.5 inches of rain could fall through Tuesday. Additional rounds of showers and storms are forecast for Monday and Tuesday.
Stay tuned to WLTX for the latest updates on Tropical Storm Imelda and how it may affect your area. For alerts on your phone, download the WLTX app and enable severe weather notifications.
COLUMBIA — Many who grew up in South Carolina have a very particular picture of Gen. William Sherman’s March through the state. One shaped by historical accounts passed down for generations and fiery images from “Gone With the Wind.”In Columbia, the memory of Sherman burning the city to the ground in the closing days of the war remains ingrained in the city’s bones. This is despite of the fact that the general is likely not responsible, according to modern historians.That misconception is one of se...
COLUMBIA — Many who grew up in South Carolina have a very particular picture of Gen. William Sherman’s March through the state. One shaped by historical accounts passed down for generations and fiery images from “Gone With the Wind.”
In Columbia, the memory of Sherman burning the city to the ground in the closing days of the war remains ingrained in the city’s bones. This is despite of the fact that the general is likely not responsible, according to modern historians.
That misconception is one of several that continue to haunt the collective memory of Sherman’s March, the war and its aftermath in Columbia, South Carolina and the South as a whole, some local historians say.
When Sherman’s troops entered Columbia on Feb. 17, 1865, the city was one of the most prominent remaining targets in the South, said Melissa DeVelvis, a historian of the U.S. South and Assistant Professor of History at Augusta University in Augusta, GA.
Columbia was one of the largest surviving railroad and industrial hubs not yet taken by Union soldiers, with many military targets and supplies shipped in from Charleston for safe keeping, she said. It also held political significance as the capital of the first state to secede.
The city had been hastily abandoned by Confederate forces in advance of Sherman’s approach.
One of the last orders given was to move cotton bales out of warehouses and into the streets to be burned before they could be taken along with the city. The order was rescinded at the last minute, but it’s unclear how many of the troops got the word before they set fire to any bales and fled, DeVelvis said.
“It was just a big cluster of the Confederacy getting out of town,” she said. “So when you think about memory, they remember the burning and not so much the uncoordinated retreat.”
The record shows Sherman ordered railroad and military facilities and some homes of prominent Confederate leaders in the city burned, but not the wholesale torching of the city, she said.
But extremely high winds, the cotton bales in the streets and copious amounts of alcohol in the city allowed the fires to spread.
The fire was complemented by looting by some locals and soldiers, while other troops tried to fight the blazes.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Sherman’s time in Columbia is that the entire city burned that night, said John Sherrer, the director of Preservation at Historic Columbia.
While most of what is now Main Street, buildings in what is now the Vista and the then-incomplete Statehouse did burn, the damage constituted about one third of the city, rather than its entirety, Sherrer said.
Many notable buildings, including those on the University of South Carolina’s Horseshoe and the First Baptist Church where the delegates first met to declare the state’s secession in 1860, survived the fire and still stand today.
Though the idea that all of pre-1865 Columbia was lost that February is still prevalent, more historic structures were lost to urban renewal projects in the 20th Century than were in the fires, he said.
“I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina,” he said. “And I’ve always heard, everybody always says, ‘Oh, if it weren't for Sherman, Columbia would have all this history. You know, there's nothing left in Columbia. There's no history of Columbia because Sherman destroyed it all.’ And that's just not true.’”
Some of the confusion as to who or what was responsible for the burning of Columbia and Sherman’s legacy in the South comes down to unreliability of firsthand accounts written in the chaos of war and the bitterness of defeat and occupation, Sherrer said.
“If you think about it, in the post Civil War period, particularly during Reconstruction, when former white leaders who had arguably lost the most monetarily through emancipation of formerly enslaved workers, who had lost a great deal of capital and physical standing, they needed to create a narrative that was easily followed — something that created a hero and a villain,” he said.
Sherman’s March feeds into the broader “Lost Cause mentality” — a longstanding belief across the South that glorifies the Confederacy and downplays the severity of slavery — that began to emerge almost immediately after the war and lasts to the present day, DeVelvis said.
“It starts as a way to mourn their dead, but then it becomes, ‘Actually, because what they fought for was righteous, and they weren’t defeated but merely overwhelmed,’ and then you add in ‘Well if their cause was righteous, then slavery must have actually been a benevolent system where enslaved people were happy,’” she said.
Misconceptions about Sherman’s March, including the wholesale burning of a surrendered Columbia, were passed down through oral retellings and public school curriculum in the South for decades. The historic record didn’t begin to be corrected until after the Civil Rights movement a century later, she said.
“The Confederacy loves to talk about their honor in war, and so they use Sherman as an example of being dishonorable in war,” she said. “And of course, a dramatic burning of a city is a perfect stage for that. And that's why, to this day, people hate Sherman.”
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