Local News

New study conducted at UofSC aims to understand effects of COVID-19 on the brain

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–  Professors and faculty at the University of South Carolina’s School of Public Health are working on a new study aimed to better understand the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. ABC Columbia’s Maria Szatkowski has more on the research. We’re learning new things about the virus every day throughout this pandemic. That includes reports of lingering issues, even…

Beat the Heat: Lexington Police Dept. hosting ‘Operation Cool Down’

The Police Department has launched 'Operation Cool Down', which offers a free box style fan to anyone in need

LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO)–The Lexington Police Department wants to make sure everyone is staying cool during these hot summer days. The Police Department has launched ‘Operation Cool Down’, which offers a free box style fan to anyone in need. Operation Cool Down typically assists over 100 individuals or families each year, say organizers. Image provided: Courtesy Lexington Police Department According to…

Two people injured in small plane crash in Sumter

SUMTER, SC (WOLO)– Two people suffered injuries in a small plane crash Saturday morning say Sumter Emergency officials. According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies, along with Sumter Fire Department and Sumter County EMS responded to a plane crash near North Main Street at about 10 a.m. Saturday.  Officials say two people sustained non-fatal injuries and were transported to…

DHEC: 1,491 Coronavirus cases in 35 new deaths in SC

COLUMBIA,  SC (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Saturday, reported 1,491 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 35 additional confirmed deaths. DHEC says this brings the total number of confirmed cases to 90,076 and confirmed deaths to 1,683 statewide. Confirmed and probable cases: please click here. Confirmed and probable deaths: please click here. Health officials say the total…

NWS: Isaias could bring high rip current risk to East Coast beaches

COLUMBIA,  SC ( WOLO)– If you are heading to the beach this weekend, be mindful of the surf. According to officials from the National Weather Service, Isaias is bringing a high Rip Current risk to beaches up and down the East Coast.  Officials say that means the surf is dangerous for all level of swimmers.  They are asking beachgoers to…

SC Emergency officials urge coastal residents to review Hurricane plan

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–As Hurricane Isaias churns in the Atlantic,  parts of South Carolina could be impacted by the storm. ABC Columbia Ahead of a potential landfall , or brush with the coast, even minimal,  South Carolina Emergency officials want you to be prepared. According to SCEMD Director Kim Stenson, “There is still a lot of uncertainty in the forecast. It…

A surprise graduation: Soldier receives college diploma upon return from Middle East

U.S. Army Spc. Douglas Long achieved his Associate's Degree in Building Construction Technology while studying virtually overseas

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –Thousands of college students had to finish off their semesters learning virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, one Midlands Technical College student not only managed to achieve his degree on his computer, but did so while serving overseas. U.S. Army Specialist Douglas Long completed his Associate’s Degree while serving with the South Carolina National Guard in…

Dominion overhauls leadership; new CEO named

RICHMOND, VA (AP) – Dominion Energy has announced a reorganized executive leadership team, including a new CEO. The Richmond, Virginia-based energy company said Friday that current chairman, president and CEO Thomas Farrell II will become the company’s executive chair, effective Oct. 1. In that role, Farrell will continue to serve as chair of the Board of Directors. The company said…

Hurricane Isaias Update

Hurricane Isaias is still on track to impact coastal South Carolina on Monday. On the current track the strongest winds and heaviest rain will be along the coast – with smaller impacts inland. That said, the cone of uncertainty is still pretty wide, which means the storm track and intensity could change. If the storm moves farther inland, then we’d…

Gov. McMaster: No plans to order evacuations ahead of Hurricane Isaias

The Governor says SCEMD will continue to monitor the storm's path as it moves closer

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) told reporters Friday he has no plans of filing any evacuation order as Hurricane Isaias creeps closer to the Carolina Coast. However, he does encourage South Carolinians to start getting prepared in case the storm changes course. Even after Hurricane Isaias became a Category One storm overnight, Gov. McMaster says the…