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.
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“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”
“Always providing exceptional care and compassion to all of our surrounding areas.”
“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 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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