Local News

SC Farmers Prepare for Winter Weather in March

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– South Carolina farmers are bracing for the deep freeze, this as the calendar points to Spring’s arrival in a week. According to State Agriculture officials,  farmers are preparing for another test from Mother Nature. Crops of particular concern include peaches, blueberries and strawberries. Temperatures could dip into the twenties Tuesday and Wednesday. SC Agriculture officials say many…

Boil Water Advisory for parts of West Columbia

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Residents in parts of West Columbia are urged to boil their water for at least one minute before cooking or drinking. City of West Columbia officials say they have experienced a water line break affecting water customers in the following areas: Wessinger Street North Avenue Boozer Street 1600 Block of Platt Springs Road (Odd Numbered Addresses…

Senate Finance Committee Advances Infrastructure Bill to Senate Floor

Bill Would Raise Gas Tax by 12 Cents Over Six Years

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- State senators on the finance committee advanced a funding plan for road repairs with a vote of 14 to 7. Under this plan South Carolina’s current 16 cent gas tax would rise to 28 cents by 2023. The committee’s plan changes the House’s gas tax proposal from two cents every year for five years to two cents…

Michael Slager Asks Judge to Allow Publicly Funded Lawyer

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) – The former South Carolina police officer charged with killing an unarmed black man running from a traffic stop has asked a judge to allow a publicly funded lawyer to represent him. Local outlets report Michael Slager made that request Tuesday during a hearing in Charleston. Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman says he’ll issue a ruling later….

SC Public Safety Director Responds to Proposed Funding Cuts to Job

COLUMBIA, SC (AP)– SC DPS website The director of South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety calls a House vote seeking his removal “disappointing.” Lawmakers voted 76-20 Tuesday to eliminate the director’s position and reduce the agency’s funding. That would effectively fire Leroy Smith if the clause remains in the budget. Democratic Rep. Russell Ott says that’s a decision for the…

Car Seat Safety Check Partnership Project

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –Keeping your children safe when you hit the road, that’s the goal of a major car seat safety check in Columbia. In partnership with Safe Kids South Carolina, EdVenture Children’s Museum and Buckle Buddies, Children’s Trust is hosting a car seat check Tuesday from 1pm-5pm at Edvnture. Organizers say the goal is to ensure children are riding…

Crowded Field of Candidates for Special Election to Fill Mulvaney Seat

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Fifteen candidates have filed for the special election to fill the U.S. House seat left vacant by Mick Mulvaney’s confirmation as White House budget director. State Election Commission records show seven Republicans, three Democrats and five third-party candidates filed paperwork by the Monday noon deadline. Republican contenders include House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope and former…

House Votes to Fire Public Safety Director Through Budget Cuts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The House has voted to fire the director of South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety through the state budget. Lawmakers voted 76-20 Tuesday to eliminate the director’s position and reduce the agency’s funding, effectively firing Leroy Smith. Democratic Rep. Russell Ott says that’s a decision for the governor. But Republican Rep. Mike Pitts says the move…

Freeze Warning Issued in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – It’s going to be very cold across most of South Carolina in the next 24 hours. The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for most of the state from Tuesday night until midday Wednesday. The cold weather worries peach and strawberry growers. Low temperatures are expected to be in the low and mid 20s…

Reports of a Gas Leak in Five Points

The Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported gas leak in Five Points early Tuesday morning

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Columbia Fire Department responded to a reported gas leak in Five Points early Tuesday morning. Crews blocked traffic along Gregg Street near Greene and Laurens while they investigated. No word yet on what caused the leak, but the road was shortly reopened. ABC Columbia News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates…