Author: Maria Szatkowski

Taiwan donates 92,000 surgical face masks to S.C.

On Tuesday, South Carolina received 92,000 face masks donated by Taiwan. The donation will help frontline medical workers fighting COVID-19.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — On Tuesday, South Carolina received 92,000 face masks donated by Taiwan. The donation will help frontline medical workers fighting COVID-19. “I can’t thank you enough, personally, for what you’ve done in providing this equipment, this personal protective equipment. And rest assured that it will be used to the fullest extent to protect our citizens here in…

Dozens of Chapin assisted living residents looking for pen pals

It started with a post on Facebook, with some residents looking for pen pals with a similar interest as them.

Chapin, S.C. (WOLO) — There’s been a trend going viral on Facebook, where assisted living facilities are looking for pen pals for the senior citizens living there. One local assisted living facility is joining in and now feeling the love, as residents are getting pen pals from all over the world. “We had 400 letters probably come just today. It’s…

Staying healthy while celebrating July Fourth during a pandemic

Traditionally, the Fourth of July is a weekend to hit the beach, have a backyard barbecue or go to a parade. But this year, as with every other holiday so far, it's looking different because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Traditionally, the Fourth of July is a weekend to hit the beach, have a backyard barbecue, or go to a parade. But this year, as with every other holiday so far, it’s looking different because of the coronavirus pandemic. “People are going to get out to the beach, they’re going to get out on the lake,…

New photo show captures moments during pandemic, BLM protests in Columbia

If you want something different to do this month, there's a new photo gallery put on by Photo SC that's showcasing the work of local photographers.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — If you want something different to do this month, there’s a new photo gallery put on by Photo SC that’s showcasing the work of local photographers. The pictures of ‘Perspective’ tell the stories of the recent Black Lives Matter protests, and health care workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. “This is a still…

Immediate need for convalescent plasma donors to help COVID-19 patients

There's also a need for convalescent plasma, which is one treatment being used to help patients battling a severe case of coronavirus.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As we continue navigating through this pandemic, there’s still a desperate need for blood donations. There’s also a need for convalescent plasma, which is one treatment being used to help patients battling a severe case of coronavirus. “We need more convalescent plasma donors immediately,” said Allie Van Dyke, Media Coordinator with The Blood Connection. “We are…

Columbia holds first mask distribution following citywide ordinance

On Monday, city officials held their first mask distribution for those who may need one.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As of last Friday, people are required to wear facemasks in public while within the city limits of Columbia. On Monday, city officials held their first mask distribution for those who may need one. “This means a lot to us. Thank you,” said Columbia resident Joann Branham. Through this week and next, Columbia will be handing…

City of Columbia now requiring people to wear masks in public

Columbia is now the second city in the state requiring people to wear masks if they're out in public

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia is now the second city in the state requiring people to wear masks if they’re out in public. Columbia City Council members voted during a specially called meeting Tuesday. “This is not a perfect solution. It’s a move and a thoughtful step in the right direction that continues to guide us to our true north….

Columbia packaging plant to make cardboard fans for stadiums

As athletes return to sports and play in their stadiums, a local packaging plant will help will the stadium with fans. 

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As athletes return to sports and play in their stadiums, a local packaging plant will help will the stadium with fans. “Sports are a unifier, for a lot of people,” said Barry Nelson, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Innovation with DS Smith. As sports begin to return, the season will look different without fans in…

Process underway for official Black Lives Matter chapter in SC

The 'I Can't Breathe' SC group that organized the first protests in downtown Columbia following the death of George Floyd, is now transitioning to an official chapter of Black Lives Matter.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The ‘I Can’t Breathe’ SC group that organized the first protests in downtown Columbia following the death of George Floyd, is now transitioning to an official chapter of Black Lives Matter. “It’s 2020, and a movement starts with a hashtag,” said Lawrence Nathaniel, founder of both Black Lives Matter SC (BLM SC) and I Can’t Breathe SC….

Solicitor: No charges in CPD officer-involved shooting

A Columbia police officer will not face charges in the shooting death of a young black man in April.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– A Columbia police officer will not face charges in the shooting death of a young black man in April. On Wednesday, Fifth Judicial Court Solicitor Byron Gipson said CPD officer Kevin Davis had reasonable belief that Joshua Ruffin, 17, posed an immediate threat. “This narrative tragically fits right into the social commentary, as we read another young,…