Local News

SC graduates’ SAT scores improve 5 points

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) âone space€one space” South Carolina’s graduating seniors posted higher scores on the SAT college entrance exam for the first time in five years, and more Advanced Placement tests earned students college credit. That’s according to data released Thursday by the tests’ administrator, the College Board. The average composite score for the Class of 2013 on the SAT’s…

SC Latino forum focuses on immigration law, health

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health is sponsoring its second forum for the Hispanic and Latino community. University spokesman Jeff Stensland says Thursday’s scheduled event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Richland County Public Library in downtown Columbia. Stensland says topics include immigration laws in South Carolina and immigration…

Fort Jackson schedules 6-hour tour for public

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The one-star general in command at Fort Jackson outside Columbia is inviting members of the public to visit the basic training installation and chow down with the soldiers. Army spokesman Pat Jones says Brig. Gen. Bradley Becker is inviting the public to tour the Army’s largest training base on Oct. 31. Those who register for the…

Lexington County firefighter charged with burglary

SWANSEA, S.C. (AP) — A Lexington County firefighter has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested on burglary charges. Fifty-seven-year-old Ben Tillman Crider Jr. of Swansea was charged earlier this week with second-degree burglary and petit larceny of less than $2,000. County administrator Joe Mergo says Crider is a paid firefighter and is on leave. Crider is accused of…

Writer Nikky Finney speaks on literature at USC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Poet and National Book Award winner Nikky Finney is scheduled to discuss black Southern writers in an address at the University of South Carolina. University spokeswoman Peggy Binette says Finney is speaking at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the School of Law auditorium. The Conway native joined the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences…