News

SC House members pre-file 53 bills for 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) âone space€one space” Domestic violence and slow drivers are among the topics of bills pre-filed in the House for the legislative session that resumes in January. House members filed more than 50 bills by noon Tuesday. That marked the Legislature’s first pre-filing deadline for 2014. The next deadline for House members and senators is Dec. 10. The…

Agans to be new commander of US Army unit at Shaw

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AP) — An Army unit connected with the South Carolina-based U.S. Army Central is getting a new commander. The 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment on Wednesday bids farewell to Col. Benjamin M. Matthews and welcomes Col. Robert Agans as its new commander. The change of command ceremony is being hosted by Lt. Gen. James L. Terry…

Exhibit opens on USC students’ trip to Malawi

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — An exhibit of photos taken by University of South Carolina students during a working visit to Africa is opening in Columbia. The photos from the spring trip to Malawi went on display Tuesday at 701 Whaley and are on view through Dec. 15. The students visited as part of a service-and-learning class operating with the nonprofit…

SC justices: Judge can mull appeal, then new trial

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s highest court says it is OK for a judge who considers an inmate’s post-conviction relief appeal to then preside over a new trial. The state Supreme Court Wednesday overturned a ruling by the Court of Appeals in the case of Robert Watkins, who was convicted on armed robbery and weapons possession charges in 2002….

Taxpayers to fund $286K of Clemson chief’s salary

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A state board has approved paying $286,000 toward the salary of Clemson University’s incoming president. Clemson announced last month that Jim Clements will take the job in January. The board agreed to match Clements’ salary of $775,000 at his current job as president of the University of West Virginia. Tuesday’s vote by the Agency Head Salary…

Columbia voters reject strong-mayor government

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Voters in South Carolina’s capital city have rejected the idea of switching to a strong mayor form of government. The referendum failed Tuesday, with 57 percent of voters saying “no” to giving Columbia’s mayor more authority, leaving executive duties with the city manager. Fewer than 12,000 people voted. By law, supporters cannot try again for four…

Director: Medicaid spending less than projected

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s Medicaid director says his agency is on track to spend about $250 million less this fiscal year than allotted in the state budget. Director Tony Keck told a Senate panel on Wednesday the Department of Health and Human Services is projected to spend $6.2 billion in state and federal money. But he cautioned that…