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Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.

Columbia Academy cross country coach Duane Powell is overcome with emotion after being surprised by his selection to the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame.

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Powell surprised with Hall of Fame selection

By JOSHUA CAMPBELL JOSHUA CAMPBELL - Publisher
Wed,01/21/26-12:15PM, 2,314 Reads
When Columbia Academy cross country coach Duane Powell showed up at the school on Jan. 12, he believed it was for his Lady Cougars’ state championship rings. Little did he know that it was actually all about him as he was surprised on his future induction to the Marion County Sports Hall of Fame.
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Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.

The Players of the Week for Week 14 are pictured with Citizens Bank Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer Kelvin Bishop. They are, from left, Columbia’s Tyson Thompson, Clydarrien Peters and Junior Curney. Not pictured is Tra Lewis.

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Week 14 Players of the Week

By JOSHUA CAMPBELL JOSHUA CAMPBELL - Publisher
Thu,12/11/25-7:00AM, 2,301 Reads
The Players of the Week for Week 14 are pictured with Citizens Bank Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer Kelvin Bishop. They are, from left, Columbia’s Tyson Thompson, Clydarrien Peters and Junior Curney. Not pictured is Tra Lewis.
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Columbia High School alum Jason Mikell, left, who is a meteorologist for WBZ TV in Boston, conducted “Sleigh Ride” for the Boston Pops orchestra Dec. 16 as part of a CBS campaign. His former band director at Columbia High, Reuben McDowell, flew to Boston take in the historical moment.

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Never too late: Former CHS drum major conducts Boston Pops orchestra

By JOSHUA CAMPBELL JOSHUA CAMPBELL - Publisher
Wed,12/24/25-9:12AM, 2,289 Reads
Too often when we hear it’s “never too late,” we get a temporary boost then let the idea fade away almost as if it was never there in the first place. But for Columbia native Jason Mikell, a meteorologist for a TV station in Boston, he lived his “never too late” moment Dec.
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Photo by Tabitha Taylor, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.

Walmart Manager Mike Lowery was gifted a key to the city by the Board of Aldermen Nov. 4.

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Walmart manager receives key to the city from board

By JOSHUA CAMPBELL JOSHUA CAMPBELL - Publisher
Fri,11/28/25-6:24PM, 2,269 Reads
The Columbia Board of Aldermen, led by Mayor Justin McKenzie, took the time to honor Walmart Manager Mike Lowery Nov. 4 with a key to the city for always rising to the occasion to better the community.
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