South Carolina State University trustees met for four hours behind closed doors, but again refused to say anything more about why several officials at the school were fired.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ A chemical company plans to expand its operations in Lee County, creating 60 new jobs. Gov. Nikki Haley said Thursday that Martech Research will spend nearly $5 million to expand the operation in Bishopville.

Authorities say two former guards at the Saluda County jail have been arrested after they gave prescription drugs and bought fast food for inmates.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Court of Appeals has overturned the conviction and five-year prison sentence of a Dillon County man whose dogs attacked and killed a 10-year-old boy.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Senate is close to wrapping up work on a bill that would eliminate the agency that handles much of the state's bureaucracy and put much of its duties under the governor's control.

GREER, S.C. (AP) _ A Lyman man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in an alcohol-related crash that killed two people on a motorcycle and injured a third. Solicitor Barry Barnette says 40-year-old Kevin Casey was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to two counts of felony driving under the influence with a death and felony driving under the influence with great bodily injury.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) _ The state's first black Supreme Court justice since Reconstruction is the newest member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) _ A judge has sentenced an Inman man to 40 years in prison in a shooting that killed one man and wounded a woman. Prosecutors said 23-year-old Charvus Nesbitt submitted an Alford plea Monday to murder, attempted murder and other charges, which is a plea where he does not admit guilt but concedes there is enough evidence for a conviction.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ A panel of state leaders says South Carolina's education system needs dramatic improvement to successfully compete economically.

A Lancaster woman has been found dead from an apparent gunshot wound and police say it appears to be the second homicide this week.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ The South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a red flag fire alert for more than half of the state's counties. The commission says the alert goes into effect at 7 p.m. Friday. It means that outdoor burning is still allowed, but officials strongly advise holding off on doing any burning until weather conditions improve.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol needs your help following a deadly hit-and-run in Lexington County.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) _ Furman is adding men's and women's lacrosse to its roster of sports.