News

Prisma Health hosts additional COVID-19 testing sites

Sites will be held this week in Columbia, Lexington, Maudlin, and Travelers Rest

LEX MED DHEC COVID drive thru testing Columbia, SC (WOLO) — As a part of their continued effort to expand testing throughout the state of South Carolina, Prisma Health in a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Quality (DHEC) , and state agencies is hosting six additional testing sites to help citizens slow the spread of…

Six school districts’ reopening plans approved, 73+ still in waiting

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – The State Superintendent has approved six school districts’ plans for returning to school this fall. Molly Spearman’s office has received 73 plans awaiting approval with eight more districts that asked for an extension. The only midlands district approved Monday was the Saluda County District. According to officials it will offer hybrid and fully virtual options with…

SC Agriculture Dept. urging residents to be on lookout for seeds in the mail

Mystery seeds that are popping up in area mailboxes could are of unknown origin

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Don’t plant those seeds! Some South Carolinians are getting mystery seeds in the mail, that they did not order. State agriculture officials say they are warning anyone not to open the seeds. According to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, they are working with Clemson University’s Regulatory Services division, to investigate after residents reported receiving packages they…

Hundreds of S.C. teachers drive around Columbia calling for continued distance learning amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Governor announced nearly two weeks ago his recommendation to have schools welcome students back into the classroom

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — On Monday, hundreds of teachers from across the state drove to Columbia to encourage school districts to start the school year with distance learning. This comes after Gov. Henry McMaster (R-SC) encouraged districts to give parents the options to bring their children back to the classroom this fall. With the number of COVID-19 cases in South…

Richland Library initiative to bring 65 Wi-Fi hotspots across Richland County

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– Richland Library is partnering with Columbia Housing to provide wi-fi hot spots. Richland Library is launching its ‘Home-spot Initiative’ in Richland County. Officials say the goal is to set up 65 Wi-Fi hotspots in 26 Columbia Housing Resident communities, across Richland County, by July 2021. The library says this will give residents the ability to work from…

Lexington Police Dept. helping residents beat the heat with ‘Operation Cool Down’

LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO)– The Lexington Police Department is helping residents beat the heat. The Police Department launched ‘Operation Cool Down’, which offers a free box style fan to anyone in need. Operation Cool Down typically assists over 100 individuals or families each year, say organizers. Image provided: Courtesy Lexington Police Department According to the department, if you need of a…

UofSC researchers conducting study into effects of COVID-19 on brain

There's a new study now being conducted through the University of South Carolina that aims to understand the effects of COVID-19 on the brain.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — There’s a new study now being conducted through the University of South Carolina that aims to understand the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. We’re learning new things about the virus every day throughout this pandemic. That includes reports of lingering issues, even after a patient has recovered. “People describe things like brain fog, which is…

Police: Suspect broke in home, robbed man at knife point

Courtesy:CPD Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–Columbia police say they have arrested a suspect in an April break-in and robbery. Investigators say Chris Shearon broke into a home on N. Main St., assaulted the man inside and robbed him at knife point. Police say he was arrested Saturday and a judge set his bond at $100,000. Shearon is charged with assault and battery,…