Author: Tracy Tuten

by Catharine Barone With the many festivals and parades that Lexington County hosts each year, chances are that you have seen a parade float designed by Mr. A.D. “Sonny” Kirby and his longtime friend, Diane Jeffcoat. A childhood passion for design and ingenuity has enabled Kirby to create original exhibits from scratch, making his work truly one of a kind. He had previously worked for a parade float company and decided to continue the business once that company was no longer in operation. “Our business was built out of pocket,” Kirby explains, “we do everything ourselves from start to finish.”…

By Shawn Jennings You don’t have to be Irish to get in on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities! There are so many fun and crazy ways to honor the day, satisfy your cravings, and make some lasting memories. America initially embraced St. Patrick’s Day in 1762 with a parade in New York City. Today, we commemorate the day with authentic Irish food and brews, parades, pageants, live music, and pub parties. There are many traditions that the entire family can take part in to make the holiday special, both here in Lexington County and beyond. Be sure to cover your…

By Rebecca Hill Fashion trends are constantly evolving; every generation has its approach to flair and finesse. Women of the 1950s were iconic with light eyeliner and full, below-the-knee, A-line skirts worn with a pixie cut or big curls; women of the ‘60s were a bit more progressive, boasting thicker eyeliner and fitted, short miniskirts with beehive up-dos, long straight tresses, and cute bobbed haircuts. Ladies of the ‘70s introduced themselves with heavy make-up, bright eye shadows, bell-bottom jeans, and A-line miniskirts paired with Farrah Fawcett’s voluptuous waves. Those trends were pushed to the edge with the even bolder, non-traditional…

By Todd Carnes On that first Easter morning 2,000 years ago, there were many people present who desperately needed a “do-over.” Peter, one of Jesus’ best friends, was back in his fishing boat lamenting how he could have been so cowardly when he denied even knowing Jesus on the night he was arrested. Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Jerusalem, was still tormented by the look on Jesus’ face as he had Him mercilessly flogged and ultimately sent away to be crucified. Pilate had publicly washed his hands in front of the masses trying to prove he was not guilty…

By Marilyn Thomas When circumstances necessitate that an individual seek legal assistance, navigating the complexities of the justice system is a challenge no one wants to face alone. To fortify those efforts and achieve the best possible outcomes, McCutchen McLean, LLC offers a powerful, comprehensive litigation team that resolutely endeavors to achieve success. Two years after the founding partners, James L. McCutchen, Esq. and Robin R. McLean, Esq., joined their firms in 2018, the new firm purchased, renovated, and moved to its current location at 106 East Main Street in the heart of downtown Lexington. In 2023, a ribbon-cutting ceremony…

By Chris Winston If you drive down the roads of Lexington County and look around, on any day of the week and any month of the year, you will probably see kids playing baseball. Some play in their yard, some in a local schoolyard, and others on one of the dozens From a young age children learn the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork from baseball. They experience the thrill of victory and the disappointment of defeat. Baseball teaches them to handle pressure, make split-second decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills go beyond the playing field and are…

By Mark Aker I was born and raised in central Illinois on a large farm with my parents and four other siblings. Being the oldest son, I was up before school for chores and hurried home after school for more chores. Farm life involves the entire family, and though I didn’t think about it at the time, I’m blessed to have been raised learning to work for the things I wanted or needed. I have always enjoyed working with my hands. My dad was a carpenter and I helped him complete several small home remodeling projects as a teenager. Tina…

By Kristi Antley Lindsey Nicole Pilkington was a sharp, active, young woman with an infectious smile and glowing personality. Originally from Arkansas, she was employed by the Lexington Police Department IT Division in 2012 and had a passion for numbers, computers, and stimulating conversation. Lindsey was in great physical shape and held many titles in Judo, competing across the United States. On March 13, 2017, she was murdered in her home at the vibrant age of 31 by her estranged husband. Lindsey’s family, friends, and co-workers made a vow not to allow Lindsey’s light to fade, but to elevate it…

By Celeste Simmons Money. It is a terrible master, but an excellent servant as it can improve the lives of both you and your loved ones. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck; this is typically due to an obvious gap between what the numbers claim they can afford and what is actually spent at the end of the day. Marriage, divorce, employment changes, and other unforeseen life changes are often dramatic and sudden transitions. An overwhelming amount of time, research, patience, and attention is required to successfully navigate each of these challenging scenarios. While some changes are predictable and manageable…

By Kristi Antley Autumn is an exciting season for most children— searching for the perfect pumpkin, playing with mountains of leaves, attending fall festivals, creating cute crafts, roasting marshmallows, and masquerading as their favorite character. However, families with children who have special needs, sensory difficulties, severe allergies, or other limitations often find that fall events are more challenging than celebratory. Here at Our Town Magazine, we recognize these challenges and seek to provide awareness of the difficulties these families (and ours) may face and encourage a welcoming and inclusive response from the community. It only takes a little more attention…