Local News

Man admits vandalizing more than 40 SC churches

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — A man who vandalized more than 40 South Carolina churches because he said he was angry at God has pleaded guilty. The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports (http://bit.ly/IJsCIP ) that 56-year-old Blake Hiscox was ordered to serve five years of probation. Hiscox told the judge he realized he needed help for his anger after his…

SC State Museum hosts tea party fit for a king

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) âone space€one space” The South Carolina State Museum is hosting a tea party that’s fit for a king. The Columbia museum is putting on Tut’s Tea Party on Saturday. The Egyptian-themed children’s tea party is in celebration of ‘Tutankhamun: Return of the King,” an exhibit of replicas of some of the pharaoh’s personal possessions. The tea party…

13th annual cycle ride brings Christmas to VA vets

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The 13th annual Veterans Christmas Charity Ride is roaring through Columbia. Sunday’s parade is expected to draw about 3,500 riders. They start at Carolina Honda with opening ceremonies at 10:00 a.m. and the public is invited to attend. At 2 p.m., riders with police escorts parade through the city to the Dorn VA Medical Center in…

Report: Number of SC prisoners drops, saves money

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A new report says South Carolina’s prison population fell almost 3 percent in one year, saving taxpayers more than $5 million. The State newspaper reported (http://bit.ly/18uiAlY) that sentencing reform is to credit for the savings. A 2010 law strengthened penalties for violent crimes while offering alternative sentences for nonviolent offenses. A report from the state Sentencing…

SC Governor’s Mansion holds Christmas open house

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley and her family are inviting South Carolinians to visit the Governor’s Mansion to see the property’s Christmas decorations. The open house Monday evening is free and open to the public, although attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods for Harvest Hope Food Bank and school supplies for Haley’s nonprofit to distribute to public…

2 economists offer annual predictions for SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two University of South Carolina economists are offering their annual predictions for the economy in South Carolina and the nation. Darla Moore School of Business economists Douglas Woodward and Joseph Von Nessen are speaking Monday morning at the Capstone campus room on the Columbia campus. The conference is in its 33rd year. Other speakers include Gov….