Calhoun

PRT Head Predicts 5 Percent SC Tourism Increase

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ The head of South Carolina’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is predicting a 5 percent increase in the number of people taking in the state’s sights in 2012.

Duane Parrish said Wednesday that a number of tourism indicators were up in 2011, including hotel occupancy which was up more than 2 percent.

Abandoned Buildings

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina legislators hope tax breaks can turn abandoned buildings into bustling commercial space.

A Midlands Man’s Search for Missing Son

Even though authorities think the safe return of his son is highly unlikely, Gary George from Lexington isn’t letting that stop him from turning to the internet and establishing a foundation to help find other families’ missing loved ones, including his own.

Jump at the Pump

As the price at the pump hit its highest over the weekend, the average cost for a gallon of gas in the Palmetto State is still lower than the national average. However, petroleum experts say the increase will be felt far beyond the pump, nonetheless.

Sex offenders As Foster Parents

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ A panel of state legislators has approved a bill that would bar people convicted of a child sex offense from serving as foster parents.

DHEC: Fox(es) on the Loose, Possibly Rabid

The Department of Health and Environmental Control warns everyone to be on alert as the agency investigates two confirmed fox attacks and two more unconfirmed cases, possibly involving more human victims.

Crews Respond to Midlands Apartment Complex Fire

The Columbia-Richland Fire Department responded to a fire at a Midlands Apartment complex.