Local News

Seniors get bags of ‘relief’ to help them out during the pandemic

Richland County Sheriff, County Coroner donated the bags with essentials during coronavirus outbreak

Richland Co., SC (WOLO) — Richland County Coroner Gary Watts and Sheriff Leon Lott took to the street Wednesday to help seniors get some of the essential items they may need while they are home reducing their chances of being exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). The County officials helped pass out “Senior Care Relief Bags . Each of the bags included…

Mayor Benjamin: “Data, not dates” will drive city’s response to COVID-19

City has issued series of curfews, "stay-at-home" order since the start of March

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin says now is not the time to slow down the city’s approach towards fighting the coronavirus. He says city staff is looking at new ways to prevent the spread of the virus while enforcing social distancing guidelines. As of Wednesday, Richland County has the most confirmed cases of the coronavirus in South Carolina,…

Lexington Police looking for $20k bank fraud suspect

LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO) – Lexington Police hope you can help find the person who recently got away with nearly $20,000 from a bank in Lexington. Wednesday night LPD released a photo of the person in question saying he was involved in a fraudulent transaction of nearly $20,000 at the Ameris Bank in Lexington on March 25. While we realize that…

Community DHEC says has high COVID-19 cases get layer of protection

Woman makes it her mission to donate masks to Columbia neighborhood get surgical masks during outbreak

Image: City of Columbia Columbia, SC (WOLO) — While the City of Columbia remains under a curfew in an attempt to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), health officials say some communities are still reporting rampant cases of COVID-19. One of those areas was given a donation to help give residents located in the 29203 area code an extra layer…

West Columbia PD search for missing teenager

The Police Department is asking for help locating missing 16 year old not seen for days

Image: West Columbia Police Department West Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– The West Columbia Police Department hopes someone may have information the whereabouts of a teen they say has been missing for several days. According to authorities, 16 year old Gavin Merrill was last seen Tuesday April 21st after leaving his residence. Officials say he was wearing, a white tank top, a…

DHEC: Five new deaths, 160 new cases of Coronavirus in SC

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday, announced 160 new cases of the coronavirus and five additional deaths. DHEC says this brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 4,761 and those who have died to 140. ABC Columbia image Health officials say the three deaths occurred in…

McMaster thanks parents and teachers: SC Schools to remain closed for the school year

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster thanked parents and teachers during a briefing Wednesday about keeping schools closed in SC

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster thanked parents and teachers during a briefing Wednesday about keeping schools closed in South Carolina. McMaster, along with State Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, announced that the state’s public K-12 schools will remain closed for the rest of this school year. Both McMaster and Spearman acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the remote learning…

City of Columbia gives small businesses a big boost

Council members vote in favor of giving 2 hundred businesses some financial support

Columbia, SC (WOLO) —As many reopen their doors today, some businesses across the City of Columbia received a big boost. The City Council voted to give nearly $1 million dollars to more than 200 businesses as part of the city’s Economic Sustainability Plan. Later this week, ABC Columbia’s Tim Scott will have much more on this new initiative and how…