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 Lexington County Museum 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.
“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 Gibson Pond 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 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 second time was a charm for a national coffee chain looking to have plans approved for a new location in Lexington.The town of Lexington Board of Appearance on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for Dutch Bros. Coffee to establish a location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. The 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location would be constructed in the northeast corner of the parking lot of a Lidl grocery store, along Sunset.Tuesday’s approval came roughly a month after the board had ...
The second time was a charm for a national coffee chain looking to have plans approved for a new location in Lexington.
The town of Lexington Board of Appearance on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for Dutch Bros. Coffee to establish a location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. The 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location would be constructed in the northeast corner of the parking lot of a Lidl grocery store, along Sunset.
Tuesday’s approval came roughly a month after the board had initially denied a plan from Dutch Bros. That denial came after a town staff committee noted in paperwork that it “felt that the design of this building did not adequately incorporate the general physical character of its adjacent neighbors, which are primarily constructed of red or brown brick, tan stucco or tan/brown stone.” The staff also noted in February that the “individual corporate image dominates the overall design of the building,” rather than complementing the architectural styles of nearby properties.
While they denied the coffee shop’s February request, the board of appearance, which hears appeals from town’s staff as to whether proposed projects fit the town’s architectural and appearance standards, invited the company to adjust its plans and resubmit the project.
The second time around, town officials noted in planning documents that the new plans from the coffee company incorporated changes to exterior materials and finishings that were more aesthetically compatible with the neighborhood. The lighting plan for the project also was revised, and the amount of overall signage was reduced.
The new plans also note that a three-foot brick wall and “enhanced landscaping” will be used to buffer the drive-thru restaurant from Sunset Boulevard and neighboring road Tom Corley Place. The appearance board had previously asked for more detail about the materials with which that wall would be constructed.
“I think we kind of went back to the drawing board on the building, tried to match the colors and materials you all were looking for, and hopefully it meets the intent and look you guys would like to see,” said Steven Knudsen, of North Carolina’s Durban Development, who spoke on behalf of the Dutch Bros. project.
Members of the appearance board expressed apprciation for the coffee company’s willingness to make adjustments to its plans.
“You guys made a lot of the changes we requested,” board member Larry Wilund said. “It’s a better looking proposal, and more in line with the appearance board items.”
Dutch Bros. Coffee has nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S., with particularly strong representation in states such as Texas, California, Oregon and elsewhere. The company doesn’t currently have any locations in South Carolina.
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
Riverhounds wrapped up their preseason schedule with a battle that had a regular-season feel, playing to a 0-0 draw at USL Championship newcomers Lexington SC at the team’s new Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, Ky.The game had its share of ebbs and flows throughout, and scoring chances were scarce for both teams. The hosts seemed to have fresher legs and more of the ball through the opening stages, but the Hounds (4-1-1) responded to the challenge.“I thought we grew into the game,” Bob Lilley, Riverhounds hea...
Riverhounds wrapped up their preseason schedule with a battle that had a regular-season feel, playing to a 0-0 draw at USL Championship newcomers Lexington SC at the team’s new Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, Ky.
The game had its share of ebbs and flows throughout, and scoring chances were scarce for both teams. The hosts seemed to have fresher legs and more of the ball through the opening stages, but the Hounds (4-1-1) responded to the challenge.
“I thought we grew into the game,” Bob Lilley, Riverhounds head coach, said.
“They had a lot of possession, and we found it difficult to get on the ball the first 20 minutes. We worked hard to get ourselves on more even terms, and we finished the half pretty well. There were not a lot of big chances for either team in the first half, or in the game, for that matter, but both teams had some good spells.”
As the final tune-up for the regular season, a number of the Hounds regulars recorded 90-minute shifts, including captain Danny Griffin, Jackson Walti, Sean Suber and Eric Dick, while many of the other regulars took on a 60- to 75-minute workload.
It was the team’s fourth clean sheet of the exhibition schedule, and the first time Dick logged the full 90 for the shutout. The zero on the board was matched by Lexington goalie Logan Ketterer, who Lilley would have liked to see his team test more.
“The second half, we put a lot of pressure on them. We had some chances blocked in the box and didn’t get a lot of clean looks on their keeper, but we pressed well and got on the ball in their half,” Lilley said.
Lexington did have one excellent chance late, as longtime Louisville City striker — and often Hounds nemesis — Cameron Lancaster got on the end of a cross with 10 minutes remaining, only to head the ball off the bar.
Despite that, Lilley came away from the match pleased to get a result on the road. With the Hounds opening the 2025 season with two straight road matches — the first at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at North Carolina FC — the preseason finale served as a fitting dress rehearsal for the Hounds.
“We left early (Thursday) and trained in Lexington, and our plan is to train at North Carolina next week. We had the Indy trip and Columbus earlier, but now we have our group together, and this is a similar distance (to North Carolina),” Lilley said.
“It was a positive result at this point, but we have a lot to work on. I think we could’ve taken more advantage of opportunities in the final third, but the guys worked hard and, for the most part, defended well.”
(Attached photos courtesy of Tommy Quarles/Lexington SC. Pictured are 1. Goalkeeper Eric Dick; 2. Midfielder Jorge Garcia; and 3. Defender Beto Ydrach)
A national coffee company that has been particularly popular in the western U.S. is looking to open a new shop in Lexington, but it hit a hurdle Tuesday night with a town of Lexington board.Dutch Bros. Coffee, which has nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S., with particularly strong representation in states such as Texas, California, Oregon and elsewhere, is planning a 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington. It...
A national coffee company that has been particularly popular in the western U.S. is looking to open a new shop in Lexington, but it hit a hurdle Tuesday night with a town of Lexington board.
Dutch Bros. Coffee, which has nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S., with particularly strong representation in states such as Texas, California, Oregon and elsewhere, is planning a 950-square-foot drive-thru and walk-up location at 5211 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington. It would be constructed in a portion of what is currently the parking lot of a Lidl grocery store.
On Tuesday evening, the town of Lexington’s board of appearance, which hears appeals from town’s staff as to whether proposed projects fit the town’s architectural and appearance standards, voted unanimously to deny the current design proposal for the coffee shop. However, it invited the project’s developers to adjust the plan and resubmit the proposal.
Among issues with the design of the proposed building, a town staff planning committee said in board of appearance paperwork that it “felt that the design of this building did not adequately incorporate the general physical character of its adjacent neighbors, which are primarily constructed of red or brown brick, tan stucco or tan/brown stone.” The staff also noted that the “individual corporate image dominates the overall design of the building,” rather than complementing the architectural styles of nearby properties.
“I think the architect needs to go through and say, ‘What do you do to make a building that looks like Lexington?’” board of appearance member Wayne Rogers said. “I think we’re softer colors, we’re brick. The nearby buildings say something about all that. I would look at the exterior materials and say, ‘How do I tone this down?’”
Steven Knudsen, of North Carolina’s Durban Development, spoke on behalf of the Dutch Bros. project at Tuesday’s board meeting. He signaled a willingness for the company to work with the town on refining details of the proposed coffee project.
“We’re certainly willing to go back to the drawing board as far as materials, incorporate a little more brick,” Knudsen said. “Obviously trying to keep with some of the colors and branding that go with the corporation. But, I understand the concerns.”
The proposed Dutch Bros. site is along a busy commercial thoroughfare with a wealth of commercial businesses nearby. A shopping center anchored by a Lowes Foods store is directly across the street. Meanwhile, the Hope Ferry Center, a brick shopping center that features McAlister’s Deli, Learning Express and other businesses, is a short distance to the east.
Another issue the board and staff members mentioned is the need for greater detail about a potential three-foot fence or wall on the property that, along with landscaping, would be used to “screen” or buffer it from Sunset Boulevard and the neighboring road Tom Corley Place. Specifically, staff cited in its report a need for detail about the materials that would be used to construct such a fence or wall.
Board of appearance members noted Lexington is amenable to new businesses, but said they also wanted to make sure developments adhere to town standards.
“I want to truly celebrate new businesses coming and being interested in investing in our town,” board member Amelia Pocta said. “That’s awesome. But, we also have to be protective of making sure that we maintain the town.”
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 12:29 PM.
Dominion Energy is making major changes for anyone who plans to visit the beach at Lake Murray Public Park.Reservations will now be required to visit one of the few ...
Dominion Energy is making major changes for anyone who plans to visit the beach at Lake Murray Public Park.
Reservations will now be required to visit one of the few public beaches in the Columbia area, Dominion Energy officials said Tuesday in a news release. Dominion is the utility that runs the reservoir.
On March 19, Dominion will launch a new online reservation system for those looking to enter the park on the Lexington side of Lake Murray, just beyond the Dreher Shoals Dam, according to the release. All visitors will need to reserve a pass on Dominionenergy.com when the park opens on April 9, officials said. The beach season traditionally runs through Labor Day, which is on Sept. 1 this year.
As a result of the reservation system, the park will no longer accept cash payments at the entry gate, according to the release.
The new system ends the previous first-come, first-served policy, officials said.
Visitors will now be required to purchase their reservation in advance to guarantee entry, according to the release. Reservations can be made for a single-use pass up to three weeks in advance of a planned visit, officials said.
The price for single-use passes remains $5, and the passes will be valid for the entire day, according to the release. In the past Dominion offered season passes for $50 per vehicle, but that no longer appears to be available.
Visitors will not be able to re-use the pass once they leave the park, officials said.
“We know this change will take some getting used to, but in time we hope that families will embrace it when they no longer have to rush out the door early Saturday morning to get a spot or be disappointed when they arrive and the park is already full,” Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam said in the release. “We thank everyone for your patience as we implement the changes and trust that it will ultimately create an even better experience when visiting Lake Murray.”
Signs will be placed outside the park to remind visitors of the new policy, according to the release.
In the past, the beach has attracted 100,000 people a year to Lake Murray, according to Dominion.
Officials said that reservations will not be required for Dominion’s other park sites along Lake Murray and Lake Monticello — including the boat launch on the Irmo side of the dam at Lake Murray.
The nearby boat launch is open to the public 24 hours per day, year-round. But don’t try to go swimming there. State law prohibits swimming within 50 feet of boat landings.
There might be temptation because Lake Murray, a nearly 48,000-acre reservoir built in the early 20th century, has fewer public beaches than any of South Carolina’s largest recreational lakes, The State previously reported.
Located in one of South Carolina’s biggest metropolitan areas, Lake Murray has developed almost exclusively as a place for waterfront property owners and boaters to enjoy. Of Lake Murray’s nearly 650 miles of shoreline, 392 miles are privately owned.
“Lake Murray is one of the most beautiful gems in our beloved Palmetto State, and we want everybody to have an opportunity to enjoy it safely and conveniently,” Kissam said. “That’s why we continue to make improvements to the process for visiting our very popular park.”
The State
Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999.
By S.C. Forestry Commission, Lexington County Public Information OfficeCOLUMBIA — South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice. The commission plans to reevaluate conditions Sunday, March 23.The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.A cold front moving across the state Thursday, March 20, will usher in low relative humidities throughout the wee...
By S.C. Forestry Commission, Lexington County Public Information Office
COLUMBIA — South Carolina Forestry Commission is issuing a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately until further notice. The commission plans to reevaluate conditions Sunday, March 23.
The alert is being issued to strongly discourage people from burning outdoors when weather conditions present an elevated risk of wildfire.
A cold front moving across the state Thursday, March 20, will usher in low relative humidities throughout the weekend, accompanied by sustained periods of gusty winds. While the frontal passage may result in precipitation in some areas Thursday, the expected amounts of rainfall will not be significant enough to remediate already-dry fuels on the ground over much of the state.
A Red Flag Fire Alert does not prohibit outdoor burning, provided that all other state and local regulations are followed, but the Forestry Commission uses the alert to strongly encourage citizens to voluntarily postpone any such burning until the alert is lifted. Land managers who are considering conducting prescribed fires should take extra care if they choose to burn under a Red Flag.
“The combination of wind, low relative humidity and dry fuels is very favorable for wildfire ignitions, so we ask that people who don’t have to burn to hold off until these conditions subside,” said SCFC Fire Chief Darryl Jones. “The dramatic uptick in wildfires across the state over the last two months were in large part the result of exactly these typical springtime weather patterns.”
The purpose of Red Flag Fire Alerts is twofold: In addition to discouraging people from doing any outdoor burning, it also helps to reduce the strain on local fire departments and other first responders who need to remain available for other emergencies.
SCFC firefighters responded to 280 wildfires in February alone, above the five-year average for the second month of the year. The agency has already recorded 277 wildfires in March. Historically, wildfire occurrence in South Carolina is greater in March than in any other month.
Although a Red Flag Fire Alert does not ban outdoor burning, it does trigger certain county or local ordinances that restrict outdoor fires, so residents should contact their local fire departments to check whether such restrictions apply in their areas. The alert will remain in effect until lifted by the commission, whose fire managers will continuously monitor the situation.
Forestry Commission has a wildfire and fire weather app
Download it for free from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Receive push notifications about burning bans and red flag fire alerts.
The easy-to-use interface lets users:
• See all the wildfires in the state
• See all the debris burns and prescribed burns around the state
• See the day’s fire weather
• Watch our videos on how to conduct legal debris burns, including making notification to the Forestry Commission and taking the proper precautions
• Report a wildfire or arson
Lexington County under a burn ban until further notice
Lexington, S.C. – The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statewide Red Flag Fire Alert, effective immediately. As a result, Lexington County is now under a burn ban until further notice. The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including yard debris burning, prescribed burning and campfires.
A cold front moving through the state will bring low humidity levels throughout the weekend, along with sustained gusty winds. However, the expected rainfall will not be enough to mitigate the dry conditions on the ground across much of the state.
In February, South Carolina firefighters responded to 280 wildfires, surpassing the five-year average for the month. So far in March, 277 wildfires have already been recorded. Historically, South Carolina experiences more wildfires in March than in any other month.
The alert will remain in effect until the Forestry Commission decides to lift it, and fire managers will continue to monitor conditions closely.
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