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Local News, State

Former teacher charged with soliciting a minor sentenced to 5 years in prison

Authorities say McWilliams was a middle school teacher accused of having cintacting minor on FB, sending nude photos
ABC Columbia Staff,

(AP/File) Jail cell Columbia, SC (WOLO) —A now former teacher pleaded guilty to Criminal Solicitation of a Minor and was sentenced to ten years in prison Monday. According to Leary McKenzie, the attorney representing Kenneth McWilliams, says his client pleaded guilty during an appearance in appeals court in Florence County. Investigators say between the April 7 and April 10, of…
Lexington, Local News, News, State

Police: One in custody, one wanted in attempted murder

Rob Dew,

Source: WCPD West Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Investigators in West Columbia are searching for a suspect wanted in connection to a shooting. Police say it happened on August 15th on Leaphart St. Details surrounding the circumstances of the shooting are not known at this time. On Tuesday investigators arrested Juston Erving for attempted murder. Police are still searching for Antonio Dortch,…
Local News, News, State

Survey: SC has 8th fastest recovery for weekly unemployment

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–When it comes to job recovery, South Carolina is among the nation’s best. According to wallethub.com, South Carolina has the 8th fastest recovery for weekly unemployment claims in the country. The survey was based on three metrics, comparing last week’s unemployment claims to last year, the start of 2020, and the start of the pandemic. For a complete…

Mayor Benjamin
Local News, News

Mayor Benjamin: Everyone needs to do their part to edge out the COVID-19 pandemic

Mayor said mask ordinance still in place, but said another citywide curfew unnecessary at this point
Tim Scott,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said more needs to be done by all South Carolina citizens to curb the spread of COVID-19, saying everyone in South Carolina has a role to play in slowing the spread of the virus.  Even though cases have declined in the last month, Mayor Benjamin told ABC Columbia that with a decline…
Local News

Irmo Okra Strut canceled for this year

Officials say they plan to begin planning for 2021 in December
Crysty Vaughan,

IRMO, SC (WOLO)– A Fall tradition in Irmo will not go on this year. The 47th annual Irmo Okra Strut festival is cancelled. Irmo Mayor Barry Walker announced that the town will not host the festival this year. The 2020 Irmo Okra Strut was scheduled for September 26, with safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Planning for the…

Mayor Benjamin
Local News, News, Politics

Group of Mayors sue federal government over ‘ghost guns’

The Mayors involved in the suit call the firearms a 'public safety threat'
Associated Press,

ABC Columbia interview- image Columbia, SC (Associated Press) –Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is part of a group of Mayors that are suing the federal government over what they are calling a ‘public safety threat’. Wednesday Mayor Benjamin joined the Mayors of San Jose California as well as Syracuse, new York to announce the new lawsuit aimed at seeking a court…