Author: Maria Szatkowski

Veterans receive IT training through workforce re-entry program at IT-oLogy

Earlier this year, IT-oLogy received a grant from Dominion Energy to train veterans and get them certified to work in IT.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Earlier this year, IT-oLogy received a grant from Dominion Energy to train military veterans and get them certified to work in IT. “We selfishly want to get them into the IT field and help fill some of these IT jobs that are open in South Carolina right now, and are in need of competent and hard-working…

Toys, stuffed animals to honor Faye Swetlik donated to Prisma Children’s Hospital

The community continues to come together and heal in the aftermath of Faye Swetlik's death.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The community continues to come together and heal in the aftermath of Faye Swetlik’s death. Despite the rain, memorials in her honor are still growing. But this past weekend, family members took some of those toys and donated them to Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands. Staff say they’re so grateful for the stuffed animals and toys;…

Teaching your kids how to be aware, but not afraid of their surroundings

It's important to make sure your kids are aware of their surroundings and know when a stranger might be dangerous.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — It’s important to make sure your kids are aware of their surroundings and know when a stranger might be dangerous. If they see something, they should say something. Todd Minemier is a school resource officer with Richland Co. Sheriff’s Department. He works to make sure local students know what a stranger is and how to recognize…

DSS: 571 children adopted in 2019, highest number in over five years

The Department of Social Services said it was the highest number of adoptions in over five years.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — In 2019, 571 children found their forever homes across the state.  The Department of Social Services said it was the highest number of adoptions in over five years. That’s a 23% increase in adoptions from 2018 to 2019. But thousands are still in the foster care system, and hundreds need to find loving families to adopt…

Talking to your kids about a young life taken too soon

It can be tough to cope with Faye Swetlik's untimely death, especially if you have children yourself. It can also be hard to talk to them about the senseless act.

Cayce, S.C. (WOLO) — It can be tough to cope with Faye Swetlik’s untimely death, especially if you have children yourself. It can also be hard to talk to them about the senseless act. “The impact for this family and community will be permanent. But in time, it’s not something they’re going to get over, but it’s something they’re going…

Community mourns: Flowers line neighborhood where Faye Swetlik’s body was found

Flowers have been placed at the entrance of Churchill Heights in memory and honor of Faye

CAYCE, SC (WOLO)– The news of the death of six year old Faye Swetlik is reaching community members. They say nobody wanted this outcome for the sweet young girl. Our Maria Szatkowski spoke with neighbors and community members. Flowers have been placed at the entrance of Churchill Heights in memory and honor of Faye. Community members tell ABC Columbia News…

Every minute counts when searching for a missing child

As the search continues for Faye Swetlik, it's important that parents know what to do in the worst case scenario that your own child goes missing.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As the search continues for Faye Swetlik, it’s important that parents know what to do in the worst case scenario that your own child goes missing. Richland Co. Sheriff’s Department Investigator and Victim’s Advocate Morris Davis, said the biggest thing parents need to do is call 911 the minute you realize your kid is missing. You…

Fully refurbished car donated to help local single mother of two

On Monday, a local single mother of two was gifted reliable transportation thanks to some community partners.

Cayce, S.C. (WOLO) — On Monday, a local single mother of two was gifted reliable transportation thanks to some community partners. State Farm and Gardner Paint and Body donated and refurbished the car. Sierra Williamson has two sons, and they can now get places without driving an old, unreliable car. “I feel so good! Happy, blessed,” said Williamson. “I can have…

Panthers surprise NCHS students with prom after tornado damages school

On Friday, students got a visit from the Carolina Panthers, who came to town to deliver a few surprises.

Camden, S.C. (WOLO) — Last month, students at North Central High School in Kershaw Co. were devastated when a tornado hit and damaged a significant part of their school. They had to resume classes at an old tech school in Camden. But on Friday, students got a visit from the Carolina Panthers, who came to town to deliver a few…

‘Find shelter, don’t drive through flooded roads’ advises SCEMD ahead of severe weather

As severe weather rolls into the area, it's important to make sure you and your family are prepared for any possible tornadoes or floods.

  Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As severe weather rolls into the area, it’s important to make sure you and your family are prepared for any possible tornadoes or floods. “The smallest thunderstorm can do a lot of damage when it comes to your home, your personal property, your family’s safety,” said Derrec Becker, Chief of Public Information with the South…