Fresh troubles for Columbia and Lexington this week

A drowning near Irmo and a trooper’s alleged misconduct highlight how routine places can suddenly turn dangerous. In Lexington County, a 50-year-old Columbia man named Travers Antonio Berry was found lifeless under a Lake Murray dock on April 11 after a witness said he slipped while returning to shore. Officials haven’t revealed how he died, leaving neighbors guessing whether the lake’s calm surface hid hidden risks. Meanwhile, a former state trooper now faces serious charges after an incident last November. Wayne Heinz LaBounty, 63, is accused of kissing and groping a caregiver, even exposing himself and making an unsettling remark about secrecy. His arrest shows how power imbalances can lead to abuse, and why those in authority need strict oversight. Power cuts planned in Batesburg-Leesville have left residents frustrated. Dominion Energy wants to flip a line to higher voltage, forcing two blackouts on April 14 and 16. Town leaders admit they got little warning, urging people to check on neighbors when the lights go out. Such sudden outages test a community’s ability to adapt. Columbia’s newest Indian restaurant, Silver Spoon Tavern, opened quietly last week, offering tandoori and biryani near Rosewood Drive. Chef Jebakumar Jebaraj brings experience from three other spots, but will the menu stand out in a city already full of good curry? Time will tell if the soft opening turns into long-term success.A popular pinball bar owner is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Fred Richardson’s plan to move Bang Back Pinball Lounge to Rosewood hit a wall when his liquor insurance vanished, and no new policy seems affordable. Now he’s stuck with a lease he can’t sell, raising questions about how small businesses survive when policies shift overnight. A local park that closed for a month just reopened with new shade sails and accessible play gear. Carraway Park now has zip lines, climbing walls, and restrooms built for all ages—proof that even small upgrades can make a big difference in everyday life. Richland County still has over a million dollars left from pandemic relief funds meant for affordable housing. Instead of rushing to spend it, officials are studying how to rebuild ten homes and create four new ones for low-income families. But with a tight deadline, time is running out to turn money into real homes. USC’s women’s basketball team made history with three first-round WNBA draft picks in one day. Raven Johnson went tenth to Indiana, while Madina Okot and Ta’Niya Latson were also selected—proving that consistent training can pay off. Still, the softball team is struggling to match last year’s winning streak, showing how quickly success can fade even for top programs.