COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Associated Press South Carolina daybook for Friday, Jan. 31

BRANCHVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Three women have been arrested in the stabbing death of the Branchville fire chief.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's original Sword of State was the symbol of power in the Palmetto state for several hundred years — until it disappeared in 1941. Its whereabouts have been a mystery ever since.

The famous New Year's Eve ball is in place above Times Square.

A three-judge appeals panel on St. Maarten has reduced the sentences for three men convicted in the September 2012 robbery and killing of a South Carolina couple in the Caribbean Country.

Target has run into another holiday shopping glitch!

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A laptop stolen from an auditor's car contained the personal information of more than 3,400 members of the South Carolina Health Insurance Pool.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — One of the longest-serving members of the South Carolina House says he won't seek re-election next year.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — An ice skating rink in downtown Columbia is the place to find an afternoon and evening event this New Year's Eve.

Orangeburg County is without one of its leaders tonight. According to the "Orangeburg Times And Democrat," Branchville Fire Chief...Alan Oakley...died over the weekend from a stab wound to the neck.

Authorities are urging residents to evacuate a North Dakota town near the scene of a fiery oil train derailment.

If you need a ride after welcoming in 2014, here is a list of some local cab companies.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Officials with the South Carolina Health Insurance Pool are investigating the theft of a laptop that contained Social Security numbers and names of people participating in the program, which provides insurance to people with pre-existing conditions.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) — Jury selection is scheduled to begin next year in the death penalty case against a man accused of killing an 8-year-old Chesnee girl to get back at his wife for leaving him.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Keeping up with allegations of ethical misconduct against South Carolina politicians is becoming increasingly difficult; 2014 begins with at least four cases awaiting decisions from three different authorities.

Now that Christmas is over - many people are wondering what to do with those unwanted Christmas trees. A local organization is making that process a little easier.

A Blacksburg man is dead after authorities say the car he is working on fall on top of him.