Local News

DHEC offers holiday gift giving safety tips

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Christmas morning is almost here and The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) wants to make sure your holiday is a safe for both you and your little ones. DHEC is offering some things you can look for and do in order to make sure that happens.  First, health officials say supervision is essential. Make…

Vietnam veteran reunites with helicopter he flew on combat missions

A reunion more than 50 years in the making; a pilot is back with his helicopter that he flew in combat in Vietnam.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — A reunion more than 50 years in the making; a pilot is back with his helicopter that he flew in combat in Vietnam. “There were 40,000 helicopter pilots in the war, and I was one of those pilots,” said Frederick McCarthy, who was a Chief Warrant Officer 2 during the Vietnam War. “It’s really a neat aircraft,…

Record number of travelers this year despite high gas prices, AAA

Despite higher gas prices, AAA Carolinas says it predicts record numbers for end of year travel

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–Despite a rise in prices at the pump, the roadways and the airways will be packed this holiday travel season. According to AAA , over 1.5 million South Carolinians will travel this holiday. The major holiday travel period is underway now through Wednesday, January 1. If you’re hitting the road, you’ll see an increase at the pump. South…

Holiday travel rush is on

ABC NEWS–This weekend marks  the start of some of the busiest travel times of the holiday season. Airports across the country are bracing for the rush. According to AAA, over 11 and a half million South Carolinians will travel this holiday. The major holiday travel period is underway now through Wednesday, January 1. ABC’S Stephanie Ramos has more from New…

SC DOT warns of possible flooded roads, downed trees

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– As the Midlands prepares for the possibility of heavy rains Monday and Tuesday, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be safe. The SCDOT is urging motorists all across South Carolina to use extreme caution as heavy rain is predicted for Sunday and Monday. Flooding and downed trees could occur, says the SCDOT, they…

Lexington Deputies arrest suspect in triple homicide

LEXINGTON,  SC (WOLO)–Lexington County deputies say they have arrested a man accused of fatally shooting three people at a Bush River Road apartment complex Tuesday. The shooting occurred Tuesday off Butternut Lane. Justin Tyler Hopkins-image courtesy Lexington Co Sheriff’s Dept. Deputies say 21 year old Justin Tyler Ellaree Hopkins, is charged with three counts of murder, unlawful carrying of a…