Joe Lamp’l’s speaking engagement in Augusta early next month is a rare opportunity for members of the gardening community to hear from a nationally renowned gardening expert.

Lamp’l, known as host of DIY Network’s Fresh From the Garden and GardenSmart on PBS, is also host and executive producer of the award-winning national public television series Growing a Greener World.

Twitter @JennaNMartin

Lady Antebellum is gracing the cover of Georgia’s 2012 travel guide.

Before performing in October at Evans Towne Center Park, the country trio went across the street to the Memorial Gardens behind the Columbia County Library to pose for photographs and take part in interviews for the free publication.

The group was in town to play in front of 5,000 fans for the dedication of Lady Antebellum Pavilion. Two of the band’s members, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, graduated from Lakeside High School in 2000.

Twitter @ValerieRowell

Las Vegas is making a one-night stop in Columbia County.

Organizers of the Columbia County Charity Gala, a Vegas-style event, will hold an evening of casino games, big band music, dancing and celebrity impersonators to benefit three county charities.

“I think it is going to be so much fun this year,” said Susy Allen, one of the event organizers. “It’s just a great excuse to pull out your (tuxedo), and pull out your high heels, and have fun for charity.”

Twitter @DonnieFetter

A new program to help fifth-year Columbia County high school seniors get their diplomas more quickly starts Monday at the alternative school in Grovetown.

Called Saving Our Students (S.O.S.), the program specifically targets seniors who would benefit from an alternative to the traditional high school setting. They’ll work in the alternative school’s computer lab 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, taking online courses on the Georgia Virtual School system under the tutelage of high school graduation coaches.