Local News

Local News, News

Bond denied for former Lexington Co. teacher accused of sexual misconduct

Hianlucas Isturiz Rodriguez was extradited from Ecuador two years after charges were brought against him
Tim Scott,

LEXINGTON, S.C. (WOLO) –On Friday, a Lexington County judge denied bond for a former Red Bank Elementary School teacher accused of engaging in sexual battery with a student on school grounds. Hianlucas Isturiz Rodriguez, who taught in the school’s Spanish language immersion program, has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. ABC Columbia spoke…
Local News, News, State

‘We always remain vigilant,’ Safety and security a top priority at Fort Jackson

With two deadly active shooter situations on military bases this week, it may raise concern over safety at these institutions.
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — With two deadly active shooter situations on military bases this week, it may raise concern over safety at these institutions. Although not a naval base, Fort Jackson is the largest Army basic training site in the country. There’s thousands of people on the post at all times. “We do mourn the losses of brothers and sisters…
Local News, State

98 Ventures expansion to bring 150 jobs to Greenville County

ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: 98Venture.com Greenville Co, SC (WOLO) — An executive management services company is getting ready for an expansion that is expected to bring 150 new jobs to South Carolina by the beginning of 2020. 98 Ventures made the announcement Thursday, saying they intend to make a significant investment with a more than $600 thousand dollar building renovation in the Poe…
Local News, Richland

Columbia Art Center celebrates holidays around the world

ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — With the holidays quickly approaching, the Columbia Art Center wanted to share how cultures across the world celebrate this time of year. As part of the Art Center’s ‘World Creativity Series’, guests were offered a tour of different holidays like spinning a Dreidel, painting a Diwali cup and hearing a Kenyan Christmas story. Thursday night’s event…
Local News, Orangeburg

Orangeburg deputies arrest three on weapons charges during safety checkpoint

ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: OCSO (left to right: Chase Savell/Clyde Mock) Orangeburg, SC (WOLO) —Sheriff Leroy Ravenell tells ABC Columbia three Orangeburg County men have been arrested, all facing weapons charges after deputies say they attempted to avoid a safety checkpoint Wednesday. According to officials, 19 year old Clyde Mock II, 20 year old Chase Savell, and 18 year old Justin Sanders, 18,…
Lexington, Local News

Former Red Bank Elementary teacher accused of sexual contact with a minor

ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Lexington, SC( WOLO) — The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department extricated a former Lexington elementary school teacher from Ecuador to to face charges of sexual contact with a minor. According to authorities, 42 year old Hianlucas Isturiz Rodriguez, was engaged in sexual battery with a Red Bank Elementary School student on multiple occasions while working at…
Local News, Sumter

Headstart teacher accused of unlawful conduct towards child on two occasions

ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: Sumter Police Department Sumter, SC (WOLO)— The Sumter Police Department announced the arrest of 67 year old Gladys Ricks a headstart instructor after she was accused of unlawful conduct toward a child. According to officials, the incidents are alleged to have taken place on two separate occasions, with two different three year old boys in her classroom. Sumter police…
Local News, News

Despite recent business closings, some remain optimistic about The Vista’s future

Nonnah's, Flying Saucer, Casual Pint, and Takosushi have announced the closing of their Vista locations
Tim Scott,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Several businesses across the Vista, some of which had been open for years, are closing their doors. In the past month, the Flying Saucer, Nonnahs, Takosushi, and Casual Pint have all announced they will be shutting down their Vista locations. Carl Blackstone, the President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber,  says even though it’s unfortunate they are…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News

There’s still time to adopt a child from the Angel Tree

Salvation Army Angel Trees now up in area locations for you to help make a child's Christmas wish come true
Crysty Vaughan,

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– A Midlands holiday tradition continues this week. Calling all of Santa’s helpers there is still time to take part in the Angel Tree project! You have a chance to help ABC Columbia make a child’s Christmas wish come true. The Salvation Army Angel Trees are up in area locations for the holidays. On the trees, you’ll find…