Plus, Soda City FC wins national championship.
 
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How 2 local institutions are addressing SC’s nursing shortage
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USC’s new nursing building broke ground at 150 Sunset Ct., West Columbia in February 2023. | Photos provided by Lexington Medical Center
It’s no secret that registered nurses are crucial to health care. But what you may not know is that they’re in short supply — especially in South Carolina. Why? An aging population, expansive roles for nurses, and high turnover made worse by pandemic burnout, among other reasons.

“South Carolina is projected to have the fourth highest nursing shortage in the country by 2030,” Lexington Medical Center’s vice president and chief nursing officer Melissa Taylor, RN, MSN, NE-A, BC, said.

That’s why the University of South Carolina College of Nursing recently expanded. Its new building, located on the main campus of Lexington Medical Center, officially opened yesterday, Aug. 12. It will welcome its first students for class on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The exterior of the new nursing building.

USC students are consistently in the top 1% in the US for their pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examinations for Registered Nurses.

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Rendering provided by Lexington Medical Center

More nurses in the Midlands

The 50,000-sqft state-of-the-art nursing simulation center and teaching spaces will provide clinical training for USC’s growing nursing student population, including:
  • Third- and fourth-year nursing bachelor’s students
  • Master’s program students
  • Health sciences interprofessional education program students
With the facility’s proximity to the hospital, students will have a wider range of interprofessional education training and more opportunities for clinical immersion.

South Carolina residents will directly benefit from the expansion. With the new space at Lexington Medical Center, USC will be able to grow its graduation numbers from 220 to 400 nurses per year — an 80% increase annually — to help solve the Palmetto State’s nursing shortage.

“We’re excited about the impact of this partnership, which will grow the pipeline of skilled nurses for our organization and the state + give qualified individuals more opportunity to enter the nursing profession,” Taylor said.

Psst... this is just one way Lexington Medical Center is improving health care in our community.
More on Lexington Medical Center's impact
 
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 13
  • Songwriters Night | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop | $10 suggested donation | Come hear local songwriters share their new tunes.
Wednesday, Aug. 14
  • Music Bingo | Wednesday, Aug. 14 | 7 p.m. | Village Idiot Pizza | Free | Join Village Idiot Pizza at its Olympia location for music bingo + pizza every Wednesday.
Thursday, Aug. 15
  • Third Thursday Art Night | Thursday, Aug. 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free | The Jasper Project Third Thursday Art Night features local artist Marius Valdes in The Nook.
Friday, Aug. 16
  • Jubiläumsbier | Friday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 18 | Times vary | Bierkeller | Free | Celebrate Bierkeller’s one year anniversary all weekend with live music and vendors.
  • Tai Chi on Boyd Plaza | Friday, Aug. 16 | 9-10 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Pause and reflect on Boyd Plaza in a drop-in tai chi session led by Bob and Cathy Brookshire, who have been practicing the ancient Chinese discipline for more than 20 years with the Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Sunday, Aug. 25
100+ more events
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Community

A day in the life of a very social older adult
Don enjoying dinner in the Palmetto Dining Room
Palmetto Room servers can suggest entrees and wine pairings based on your individual preferences. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
Ever wondered what an active retirement lifestyle looks like? Still Hopes resident Dr. Don Greiner volunteered to give us an inside look — and it’s pretty great.

Every morning, Don starts his day with a cup of coffee and a walk on campus. He usually ends up at Lowry’s Coffee Shop to visit with his friends (aka his neighbors) and their furry companions.

As a faculty member at the University of South Carolina, Don spends three days a week researching and publishing his work about rare books with the Hollings Library. Back at home, he grabs lunch at the charming Bistro before cozying up in his apartment’s reading nook.

In the evening, Don likes to entertain his friends with sips and bites before heading downstairs for his dinner reservation in the Palmetto Dining Room. Later, he winds down in his apartment with jazz or a movie from his collection.
Plan your perfect retirement
News Notes
Sports
  • Soda City FC, Columbia’s semi-professional soccer team, are the UPSL National Champions after defeating Inland Empire FC 3-2 on Sunday. The win secured the team a spot in the 2025 Open Cup.
Development
  • Columbia residents are mobilizing to revive the long-abandoned Capital City Stadium. Led by Chris Dorsey, nearly 1,000 supporters have joined a Facebook group to restore the historic site community sports. Fundraising, and volunteer efforts are underway.
Civic
  • West Columbia is moving forward with safety upgrades on US Highway 1, including crosswalks, medians, and street lighting. Funded by a $3.5 million grant, the project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and support local businesses. The expected completion is October 2026. (The Post and Courier)
Transit
  • The Central Midlands Council is gathering public input on whether Corley Mill Road in Lexington should be widened. An online survey is open until Thursday, Aug. 15 to gather information on balancing traffic congestion with preserving the area’s character. (The State)
Community
  • Melrose Park in Columbia is set for a significant upgrade this fall, including a new playground and splash pad. Approved by the City Council on August 6, the project aims to create a modern, inclusive space for all. (The Post and Courier)
Listen
  • This episode features quarterback talk and notes from the first scrimmage. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of Gamecock Football with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Older Adults
    • Embrace your next adventure in retirement by volunteering with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Use your skills to make a difference, stay active, and gain physical, mental and social benefits. Assist neighbors with grocery shopping or offer companionship to those in need, all while enriching our community (and yourself).*
     
    Biz

    ⛲️ Coming soon to Five Points

    Six new businesses coming soon to Five Points
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    Five new businesses are coming soon to the Five Points village. | Photo by COLAtoday
    As students move back into town, there are a handful of new spots open in Five Points and a few coming soon. Here’s a quick rundown of five shops + restaurants to check out next time you’re in the Five Points District.

    Aroma of India | Located at 707 Harden St., this new restaurant serves dishes like Biryani and Tandori Sizzlers.

    Arroyo Tacos + Tequila | Located on Harden Street near Pawley’s Front Porch, this new spot is from team behind Saluda’s Restaurant.

    Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks | The Atlanta-based cheesesteak chain is opening on the 900 block of Harden Street, across from Food Lion.

    Blossom Plant and Produce | This new shop at 1924 Blossom St. will have an outdoor plant nursery.

    Cocky Rooster | This Richmond-based chicken restaurant chain is opening in the space formerly occupied by Sushi Yoshi and Carolina Barber Shop.

    Touchdowns Five Points | Look for the movie awning marquee out front and come inside for “Five Points’ best cheesesteak.”
    The Buy

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    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    Good news for those wondering about Carolina Barber Shop which moved after 87 years in Five Points. It recently opened a new location downtown in the Arcade Building. The new shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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