Adoption Attorney in Lexington, SC

The winningest high school girls soccer coach in South Carolina history will be hanging it up after this season.

Lexington’s Chris Fryland says the 2026 season will be his last as Wildcats’ head coach.

“I always said when it came more like a job than a passion then it was time to step down,” Fryland told The State. “I was thinking about it toward the end of last year, but then I decided over Christmas.

“I go back and forth some days because I still really enjoy the kids and everything about it. But I think I made the right decision.”

With Fryland’s impending retirement, that means the two winningest soccer coaches in SC high school history will no longer be coaching. Phil Savitz, the SC boys all-time winningest coach, retired after the 2024 season. Savitz coached for 45 yards and won 824 matches.

Fryland is entering his 27th season at the school and looks to add to his state-record 460 victories. He became the state’s all-time winningest coach, passing Tony Archenhold, in 2023 when he won his 429th match.

Fryland’s 460 wins rank 14th in the country for girls high school soccer coaches, according to the National Federation of High Schools’ record books.

“I guess it’s more just being here for such a long time and having consistently really, good players to be able to win with,” Fryland said of the state record. “To be able to win so many games at such a high level with those players made it a really, really, really fun process.”

Fryland, a New Jersey native, moved to South Carolina more than 30 years ago. He coached on the club level before becoming head coach at Camden High School in 1992. That stint didn’t last long as he moved to Virginia for a short period before returning to South Carolina.

Fryland became the Lexington boys junior varsity coach in 1999 before then taking over the girls program, where he is going into his 27th season. High School girls soccer was just getting started in SC when he took over Lexington with the first season coming in 1991.

During his tenure at the school, Fryland has led the Wildcats to 11 region titles, nine state semifinal appearances and three state title trips in 2007, 2016 and 2018. In 2016, Lexington went 25-0-2 and capped off the season by winning a memorable state championship match against Mann.

The Wildcats were ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today/National Soccer Coaches Association polls that season.

Megan Classer scored in the 105th minute to give the Wildcats a 2-1 victory in sudden death.

“Everything kind of came together that year,” Fryland said of the championship season.

Now, Fryland hopes to make a title run in his last season as well as trying to soak in every moment during the season.

The Wildcats were ranked No. 9 in Class 5A Division I in the preseason SC Coaches polls. Lexington opened up its preseason on Friday against Fort Mill and will begin its season against Carolina Forest on Friday at the Michael Nash Tournament.

“I try to approach everyday like it is my last practice and go as hard as I can,” Fryland said. “But after our scrimmage against Fort Mill, I was thinking we have a chance to be pretty good this year. We graduated eight starters. … And the lower state is going to be really tough with Wando, River Bluff, James Island and West Ashley. But we have a chance to go pretty far.”

LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — The annual Lexington County Peach Festival will not take place this year, as the event cites a lack of organizers as the reason why.

The Peach Festival posted an update online Friday afternoon on their website calling it a "difficult" decision that came during a vote by the festival's membership.

"This decision was not made lightly," the stated. "The Peach Festival requires tremendous coordination, planning, and countless volunteer hours from our Club members - from organizing vendors and selling ice cream and concessions, to managing event logistics. This year, several of our members will be attending the 250th anniversary celebration of our nation's founding in Washington, D.C. – a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Without these individuals available to contribute to the festival's operations, we cannot ensure the quality experience our community has come to expect and deserves."

The festival has been held for 65 years and is known for featuring all things peaches, including ice cream. It also features a large parade which over the years became a popular stomping ground location for politicians running for the governorship, Congress, and many other offices.

Organizers said they acknowledge the news might be disappointing for the public. The group said while they will pause the festival in 2026, they remain committed to the community.

"The Gilbert Community Club's mission has always been to promote the welfare of our community and make the greater Gilbert community a better place in which to live," they said. "That mission continues, and we will actively explore other ways to bring our community together throughout the year. "

"Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to celebrating together in the future."

LEXINGTON — A Lexington Independence Day tradition will break its 65-year streak as organizers have announced the July event is cancelled.

The Lexington County Peach Festival held in Gilbert Community Park has been a local July 4 tradition for decades.

The “difficult” decision to cancel the event was made by the Gilbert Community Club, a nonprofit that aims to improve the greater Gilbert area, according to the festival’s website. The move is a result of many of the event’s organizing members attending the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding in Washington, D.C., organizers said in a Facebook announcement.

“The Peach Festival requires tremendous coordination, planning, and countless volunteer hours from our Club members,” the Gilbert Community Club wrote in a full statement. “Without these individuals available to contribute to the festival's operations, we cannot ensure the quality experience our community has come to expect and deserves.”

Organizers said their “commitment to the Gilbert community remains unwavering,” and they are exploring new ways to bring residents together throughout the year. The July cancellation is a “pause” to the annual event, they said.

The peach-themed annual event typically includes a parade, live music and a fireworks finale. It was also set to feature a car show, food and craft vendors and carnival rides this year, according to its website.

The festival serves as the main fundraising activity for the Gilbert Community Club. The festival does not use public funding to host the Peach Festival, and instead relies heavily on sponsors and advertisers, the festival website details.

Proceeds from the festival are used to maintain and improve the clubʼs six-acre Gilbert Community Park and fund scholarships for local students, the festival website says.

The organizers’ announcement gained over 50 comments in two hours, with many residents expressing disappointment over the lapse in tradition.

Lexington County, S.C. – Lexington County authorities are warning residents about romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day.

According to a social media post from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, scammers frequently use online dating platforms and social media to target victims, particularly around holidays associated with relationships.

The department shared several tips to help residents avoid becoming victims. Officials advised users to be cautious about the personal information they share on social media, noting scammers can use those details to build trust and tailor fraudulent stories.

Authorities also recommend conducting reverse image searches of profile photos to determine whether pictures have been used elsewhere online. Another common red flag, officials said, involves individuals who promise to meet in person but repeatedly cancel or offer excuses.

The sheriff’s department emphasized one key rule: never send money to someone you have not met in person. Scammers often request funds for travel expenses, medical emergencies, or other urgent situations.

Romance scams can result in significant financial losses and emotional distress. According to federal consumer protection agencies, victims nationwide report losing millions of dollars annually to online dating fraud schemes.

The reminder comes as Valentine’s Day approaches, a time when online dating activity typically increases. Young adults, college students and new app users may be especially vulnerable as they expand their social connections online.

Authorities encourage anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam to contact local law enforcement and report the incident to appropriate consumer protection agencies.

This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.Have a tip? Message us.

Lexington County, SC – Drivers across Lexington County are being urged to use caution today as icy road conditions continue to pose a hazard, especially on secondary and back roads that may appear safe at first glance.

According to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, while many main roads have dried out, deputies report that numerous roads throughout the county remain slick, particularly in shaded areas where black ice is common. Officials warn that these hidden patches of ice can catch drivers off guard, increasing the risk of crashes.

Law enforcement says the most dangerous conditions are being seen on less-traveled routes, including back roads and rural stretches that receive limited sunlight. Even short trips can become hazardous if drivers are not prepared for sudden loss of traction.

Authorities are advising motorists to reduce speed, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible until road conditions improve. Bridges, overpasses, and wooded areas are especially prone to freezing and should be approached with extra caution.

Lexington County is part of the Midlands region, where fluctuating temperatures have contributed to refreezing overnight. Officials stress that dry pavement does not guarantee safe driving conditions, as black ice can be nearly invisible.

Drivers who encounter icy or dangerous road conditions are encouraged to report them to local authorities. Residents are also reminded to allow extra travel time and remain alert during the morning and evening hours when refreezing is most likely.

This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!