Local News

CPD Officer Released from Hospital

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The Columbia Police Department is celebrating a homecoming. Officer Pete Conklin is out of the hospital and back home with his family. The five year veteran of the Columbia Police Department had been recovering in the intensive care unit after being hit by a car on I-126 last month. Doctors say they will still be keeping…

SC Top Democrat Calls Trump A “Racist”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina’s top Democrat says elected Republicans should rescind their endorsements of Donald Trump, calling the presumptive GOP nominee a racist, in part due to his race-based attacks on a Hispanic judge. Party Chairman Jaime Harrison said Wednesday he respects Republicans and their party. But Harrison says he doesn’t understand how officials like Gov. Nikki Haley…

FBI: Missing Girl from Myrtle Beach Killed: Reward Offered

MCCLELLANVILLE, S.C. (AP) – Authorities in South Carolina say the case of a New York teen who disappeared during a 2009 spring break trip to Myrtle Beach is officially considered a homicide. The FBI announced Wednesday it’s offering a $25,000 award for information on Brittanee Drexel. The Rochester, New York, woman was 17 years old when she was last seen…

Watch: Columbia Mayor kicks off Drills and Skills

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is kicking off Summer Camp. Wednesday, the Mayor was at Charles Drew Wellness center to announce the sign up has begun for the Drills and Skills event in the city. The Summer Sports Camps give children an opportunity to take part in everything from Football to Cheerleading. For information on how you can…

Watch: Update SC Air National Guard F-16’s Collide

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)- Two McEntire Air National Guard pilots are safe Wednesday night and an investigation underway into how the two F-16s collided mid air. Officials at McEntire Air National Guard Base say this is the first accident they’ve experienced in more than 30 years. Officials say the F-16’s collided in the sky above Jefferson County Georgia Tuesday night. “They…

Boil Water Advisory Issued

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – A boil water advisory has been issued for customers of Devy Court and those in the 100 block of Bradstone Road in the Glenridge at Harbison Subdivision following a six inch water main break at Devy Court. Customers are advised to vigorously boil their water for at least one full minute prior to eating or cooking. The…

DSS Hopes Grant Lets Caseworkers Spend More Time Visiting

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A grant to the Department of Social Services will allow caseworkers in three counties to access children’s files on their smartphones while away from the office. The agency announced Wednesday the award from the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. Spokeswoman Karen Wingo says the $250,000 grant will fund the development of an app allowing access…

Inaugural Father’s Day Cookout To Be Held at Hyatt Park

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – We’ve all heard the saying, “The way to man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether it’s true or not, Father’s Day is fast approaching and most dads out there would appreciate a good meal. Columbia City Mayor Steve Benjamin is inviting all dads to join him for the Inaugural Father’s Day Cookout. The free event will…

Governor Haley Signs Roads Bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Gov. Nikki Haley has signed a bill that would jump-start improvements to South Carolina’s deteriorating roads through borrowing. The Legislature’s approval last week of the compromise followed nearly two years of senators blocking any proposal that increased the state’s 16-cents-per-gallon gas tax. The bill allows for $2.2 billion in borrowing over 10 years for infrastructure, funded…

Haley Ceremoniously Re-Signing Anti-Abortion Law

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Gov. Nikki Haley is ceremoniously signing a law that bans most abortions in South Carolina at 20 weeks beyond fertilization. Supporters are celebrating the law Wednesday at a Christian school in Greenville County that caters to children with disabilities. The law took effect with the governor’s signature two weeks ago. The ban’s only exceptions are if…