Bristow Marchant

Columbia

Government Reporter and Web Producer at The State

Covers Lexington County @thestate. Ex-@BuzzAtTheState, @RHHerald, @theitem. 2024 chair @thestateguild. "Headline King." Also on Threads if that's your thing.

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Articles

South Carolina Gov. McMaster vetoes parking plan for new Lake Murray park

2 days ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

A new park in the Midlands is now set to open without parking restrictions after action by the governor. Gov. Henry McMaster has vetoed a proviso in the 2025-26 state budget that would have required a new state park on Lake Murray to limit visitors to those who reserved a parking space ahead of making their trip.
Irmo, SC elects new town council member in special election

2 days ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

Candidates in the June 3, 2025, special election fro Irmo Town Council. From left, George Frazier, Ed Greco and Mike Ward. Voters in the town of Irmo have chosen the newest member of their town council. Mike Ward won Tuesday’s special election with 64% of the vote, with George Frazier receiving 28% and Ed Greco getting 8%, according to unofficial returns from the Lexington County elections office. Ward, 40, runs a cybersecurity business in the town along Interstate 26 northwest of Columbia.
Middle school bus in wreck that killed Midlands student had prior tire problems

3 days ago | heraldonline.com | Bristow Marchant

The school bus involved in a wreck that killed a Midlands middle school student in April had at least two previous tire issues within the last two years, including one that also sent the vehicle skidding off a South Carolina interstate.
Middle school bus in wreck that killed Midlands student had prior tire problems

4 days ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

A school bus flipped over in Chester County, S.C., on Thursday, April 17, 2025. WSOC The school bus involved in a wreck that killed a Midlands middle school student in April had at least two previous tire issues within the last two years, including one that also sent the vehicle skidding off a South Carolina interstate.
How the new SC budget would tackle a Lake Murray park’s traffic conundrum

4 days ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

Even as South Carolina’s newest state park is planning to open, the Legislature is setting new rules for how many people are able to go there. A proviso in the recently passed state budget sets new requirements for accessing Pine Island on Lake Murray, currently slated to open to the public in October as the newest state park.
If you build it, they will shred. Irmo skate park gains national attention

5 days ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

Irmo’s new skate park hasn’t been open long, but it’s already getting attention. Tucked away in the Friarsgate neighborhood inside Rawls Creek Park, it hosted the Boardr series, a national, all-ages skateboarding contest, on March 28-29. The event drew hundreds to the park to watch talented skateboarders show off their skills, said Marie Ryan, a volunteer on the committee that worked to get the skate park built. “There were 71 contestants there from 20 states, from Texas to Maine,” Ryan said.
If you build it, they will shred. Irmo skate park gains national attention

5 days ago | sports.yahoo.com | Bristow Marchant

Irmo’s new skate park hasn’t been open long, but it’s already getting attention. Tucked away in the Friarsgate neighborhood inside Rawls Creek Park, it hosted the Boardr series, a national, all-ages skateboarding contest, on March 28-29. The event drew hundreds to the park to watch talented skateboarders show off their skills, said Marie Ryan, a volunteer on the committee that worked to get the skate park built.
Pine Island park has an opening date. What the Lake Murray attraction offers

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Bristow Marchant

South Carolina’s newest state park has an opening date. Park officials on Wednesday updated the Lake Murray community on plans for Pine Island, which will now have a “soft opening” to the public on Oct. 1 after years of preparation. Initially, the park will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, said Tim Ritter, Pine Island’s new on-site park manager.
Pine Island park has an opening date. What the Lake Murray attraction offers

1 week ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

South Carolina’s newest state park has an opening date. Park officials on Wednesday updated the Lake Murray community on plans for Pine Island, which will now have a “soft opening” to the public on Oct. 1 after years of preparation. Initially, the park will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, said Tim Ritter, Pine Island’s new on-site park manager.
LR5 board member ‘passed out’ at Lake Murray dam before DUI, SC police say

1 week ago | thestate.com | Bristow Marchant

Lexington-Richland 5 school board member Elizabeth Barnhardt was arrested and charged with first-offense DUI on Monday, May 5, 2025. Lexington County Sheriff's Department More details have emerged in the arrest earlier this month of a Midlands school board member for driving under the influence. The S.C. Highway Patrol has released its arrest report for Elizabeth Barnhardt, a Lexington-Richland 5 school board member who was arrested for DUI 1st offense after a traffic stop.