Columbia, SC|News|
Update: Stolen Puppy, Justice, Returned to Pets Inc.
Justice, a St. Bernard mix, was taken from Pets Inc. on July 8.

I was born and raised in the Pee Dee. I am a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia (Go Gamecocks!). I received degrees in Journalism and Mass Communications, and in Media Arts.
Prior to becoming editor of Irmo-Seven Oaks Patch, I was an education reporter for a daily newspaper in Florence, SC, for about five years.
In my spare time, I enjoy attending local festivals, concerts and Gamecock sporting events. I also enjoy watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.
I have lived in Columbia, off and on, since 2001. I look forward to getting to know the Irmo community better and meeting new people.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I am not registered to any political party. What’s important to me are the issues, how we choose to address those issues and how we can come together to fix problems that impact our communities, our state, our nation and the world.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)
I believe in God and know that all things are possible through Him.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
With all communities, the areas of education and economic growth are always important issues as well as public safety.
Justice, a St. Bernard mix, was taken from Pets Inc. on July 8.

The silver Dodge Charger was found in Charlotte, N.C.
Columbia officials say a police captain was fired due to "secret or unauthorized recordings," insubordination and "malicious gossip" not his report of an alleged plot to remove a city official.
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin will create a independent panel to review procedures of city police.
Road construction advisory for areas in both Richland and Lexington counties.
This home six bedroom, five bathroom home was recently put on the market.
The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on August 7.
Max Raymond Dufour, 21, pleaded guilty Friday to information fraud and related activity in connection with access devices
Dress head to hoof in a cow costume to receive a free meal at local Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Columbia Police need help locating a man who they say is a "person of interest" in the shooting at the Colony Apartments earlier this week.
The executive director of the S.C. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is accused of stealing more than $100,000 from the organization.
A 21-year-old wanted in connection with a shooting at a Columbia apartment that led to a child being shot by a stray bullet was arrested.
Sharon S. Grate, 48, of Howell Court, was identified as the driver of a vehicle that crashed on I-20 Tuesday afternoon.
Marcus Sinclaire Gantt, 21, is wanted in connection with a shooting at the Colony Apartments off Beltline Boulevard Monday night.
Council voted 4-2 to approve an agreement with Hughes Development Corp. to construct a new neighborhood on the state mental health property.
Gerald Atkinson, an officer assigned to the department’s Investigations Unit, was fired Tuesday following an internal investigation.
Anthony Tyrone Dervin, 47, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Rosewood early Monday morning.
A second public hearing on the proposed Bull Street redevelopment is scheduled for 2 p.m. today at the Earlewood Community Center, 1113 Parkside Drive.