Local News

Local News, News, Richland

Teaching your kids how to be aware, but not afraid of their surroundings

It's important to make sure your kids are aware of their surroundings and know when a stranger might be dangerous.
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — It’s important to make sure your kids are aware of their surroundings and know when a stranger might be dangerous. If they see something, they should say something. Todd Minemier is a school resource officer with Richland Co. Sheriff’s Department. He works to make sure local students know what a stranger is and how to recognize…
Local News, News

NEW: Coroner releases autopsy results in Faye Swetlik case

Lexington Co. Coroner Margaret Fisher released results of Faye Swetlik's autopsy Tuesday afternoon
Crysty Vaughan,

CAYCE, SC (WOLO)–Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher, on Tuesday afternoon, released  autopsy results for six year old Faye Swetlik. Fisher says the cause of death was asphyxiation. Fisher went on to say the six year old’s death is a homicide and that it happened only a few hours after her disappearance. Fisher also said that Faye’s body had been at the…
Local News

Gas Prices on the rise, again

Drivers are paying an average of $2.15  a gallon
Crysty Vaughan,

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–Prices at the pump are on the rise again in the Midlands. According to Gas Buddy, gas prices have risen nearly 10 cents a gallon in the last week. In Columbia, drivers are paying an average of $2.15  a gallon. The national average is $2.43 a gallon, according to Gasbuddy.   Categories: Local News Tags: Gas Buddy, Gas…
Local News, Politics

Senate Approves new SC Wildlife Agency Director

Senate unanimously approves new SC wildlife agency director
Associated Press,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina Senate has approved the new leader of the state wildlife agency. The Senate voted unanimously Thursday to make Robert Boyles Jr. the new director of the state Department of Natural Resources. The agency’s board had recommended Boyles at its November meeting. Boyles has been interim director of the department since May 2019, when…
Local News, News

Happening today: Coroner and Police to update Faye Swetlik case

Lexington Co Coroner Margaret Fisher, and Cayce DPS Director Byron Snellgrove to provide update at 3pm
Crysty Vaughan,

CAYCE, SC (WOLO)–Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher is expected to release the results of six year old Faye Swetlik’s autopsy Tuesday afternoon at 3pm. According to officials,  Cayce Director of Public Safety  Byron Snellgrove will also provide an update. Count on ABC Columbia News to bring you the update online and on air. Fisher also says she will reveal the…
Local News, State

Grammy award winner Darius Rucker is new Ambassador for SC Tourism

ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Three-time Grammy award winner and South Carolina native Darius Rucker has a new job and it’s working for the state of South Carolina. Rucker is now the official Ambassador for South Carolina Tourism. This year he will make appearances at several major tourism events, including the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament on Hilton Head Island in April….
Local News, Politics, State

Questions swirl over South Carolina ‘Amber Alert’ laws

A father who lost a child after a disappeance questions whether Amber Alert laws need to be changed
ABC Columbia Staff, ABC Team,

Charleston, SC (WCIV) — Many have been wondering why an Amber Alert was not issued for 6 year old Faye Swetlik and why one is not being issued for 10 year old Amyiah Watson. Angela Brown with our sister station in Charleston has been pressing lawmakers and child advocacy groups to find out if Amber Alert criteria should be changed….

Local News, News, State

“We can’t wait to see you again”: Father of missing 10-year-old hoping for safe return

Alexis Frazier,

RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WOLO)- A 10-year-old is still missing in Richland County after not returning to her father in early February. Just 10 days after getting full custody of his daughter, Mansoor Watson brought her to The South of The Border in Dillon to meet her mom, 41-year-old Tynesha Brooks. Amirah was supposed to be staying with Brooks in Richland…
Local News, Richland

Columbia Police need help identifying burglary suspect

ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: CPD Columbia,SC (WOLO)— The Columbia Police Department is hoping someone recognizes a man they say is accused of breaking into a business last month. According to authorities, the man seen in this surveillance image is accused of breaking into a store in the 7 thousand  block of Garner’s Ferry Road at least twice. Police say during the alleged crimes…