This dire wolf skull cast at the Florence County Museum is based on a fossil found locally and is considered one of the most complete ever discovered. | Photo provided by Florence County Museum
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs roamed the earth — and thanks to the summer blockbusters like “Jurassic World Rebirth,” they still rule our imaginations today. Some dinos once stomped around the Midlands and Pee Dee region, but they weren’t alone. These five wild things walked central SC before our time.
Larger than modern wolves, dire wolves once hunted Ice Age giants like bison and mastodons — long before they became fan favorites as protectors in “Game of Thrones.”
Like a modern armadillo, but the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. A shell fragment discovered in Florence marked the northernmost US record of this massive herbivore, which lived 5.3 million to 2.6 million years ago in the Pliocene epoch.
SoulHAUS Sessions | 5-8 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $13 | An evening of creative expression featuring a conversation with Nikky Finney, art by Dre Lopez, and vinyl spinning with Preach Jacobs.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Tech on Tap August | 5-6:30 p.m. | Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo | Free | A new monthly series where Columbia’s tech founders gather to tackle the decisions that matter most.
August Old Time Jam | 6-9 p.m. | The War Mouth | Free | Hear old-time acoustic jams, dance, or just listen while enjoying delicious food and drinks at this casual community get-together.
Friday, Aug. 22
Freedom Festival International Film Festival | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ambrosia Taverna | $10+ | The multi-day festival is dedicated to showcasing, promoting, and networking independent filmmakers and their films.
Harvesting Heritage: Changing Tides | 8:30 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum | $35+ | This series is dedicated to the past, present, and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout SC.
Live Outside with Black Nerd Mafia | 5 p.m. | Koger Center Plaza Stage | Free | This Friday evening concert series features “The Cool Table,” a diverse group of independent creatives.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Incorporating these exercises into your routine can make everyday tasks less daunting, ensuring you stay active and independent. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
Staying active is key to aging with strength, balance, and independence. Functional fitness focuses on exercises that support everyday movements, helping seniors prevent falls and maintain their freedom.
Wellness Coaches at Still Hopes recommend these simple, effective exercises:
Chair-supported squat: Builds leg strength for safely sitting and standing
Step-ups: Improves stair and curb balance for safer walking on uneven surfaces
Overhead press: Strengthens shoulders and arms for reaching overhead items with ease
Seated step-overs: Enhances hip mobility and core stability for getting in and out of vehicles
These moves mimic real-life activities, making daily tasks easier and boosting confidence.
Ready to get moving? Check out easy-to-follow videos on YouTube and Instagram to see how simple exercises can make a big difference in your daily life.
Gamecock football defenders Dylan Stewart and Jalon Kilgore were named to the AP preseason All-America teams. Stewart earned a first-team nod after a standout freshman year, while Kilgore landed on the second team. USC opens its season vs. Virginia Tech on Sunday, Aug. 31 in Atlanta at 3 p.m. on ESPN. (Gamecocks Online)
Quoted
“I am no herpetologist, but I think it is an albino python,” said Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster after locals wrangled the rogue reptile near Mid-Carolina High School. It’s believed to be someone’s escaped pet.
Eat
CITY GRIT’s next Finer Dining experience returns on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Chef Ashton Clonts will serve five Asian-inspired courses rooted in Shojin Ryori, a traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisine that honors simplicity and nature.
State
Keep your hands at 9 and 3 — and off your phone. SC’s new hands-free law starts Sunday, Sept. 1, banning drivers from holding mobile devices to text, scroll, or stream. Expect warnings for 180 days, then tickets and points kick in.
Job
USC was named one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2025 by Forbes. With 10,000+ faculty and staff, USC is investing in pay, perks, and retention — including $4.3 million toward salary increases.
Traffic
Columbia Water will close the 500 block of Superior Street between Rosewood Hills Drive and Superior Street for wastewater work through Monday, Sept. 2. Drivers should detour around the area and plan ahead for emergency access needs. (WLTX)
Learn
Want to become a Pilates instructor? Start your journey with Rise Fitness + Wellness’ Mat 1 and Magic Circle Instructor Training, Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24. Master Pilates fundamentals, mat exercises, and how to confidently lead a class in this nationally-recognized training. Sign up.*
Featured Deal
Kick off the school yearwith a clean slate.Ford & Sims Pressure Washing is offering expert fence cleaning plus 50% off water sealing now through Sunday, Aug. 31. Your outdoor space will thank you.See all services.*
Number
500+. That’s how many small businesses, manufacturers, and local companies have posted jobs on Job Board. Try it for yourself. Post unlimited job listings for free + get connected with top local talent.
Saluda Shoals is hitting all the right notes with a new shade structure coming to Leo’s Landing’s play area. Soon, kids can jam on rainbow xylophones and stay cool from the Soda City sun. It’s one more reason this riverside park stays a go-to for play, trails, and its huge inclusive playground. Check out even more parks and playgrounds across the Midlands.
The Buy
A great deal for your home on Home Shopping Network. Fun fact: First time customers can save $15 off $35+ with code WELCOME2025.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
The Village Idiot held its annual “Chopped” showdown for local media, and this year I teamed up with Hannah Boyles and Dr. Randy Kloss from the “Hear for the Health of it” podcast. Together, we cooked up a pie we’d proudly order off the menu any day — but the fiery “Five Points Hottie” turned up the heat and walked away with top honors. Even without the top prize, we had a blast, laughed a lot, and left full of ‘za.
Pro tip: Try the Duke’s Pad Thai x Village Idiot collab pizza before it leaves at the end of the month.
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