Local News

Peaches already blooming in SC, worrying farmers

AIKEN, S.C. (AP) — The warm winter already has some peach trees blooming, and that has farmers worried.

Could Warmer Temps Threaten Local Crops?

South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers is closely monitoring unseasonably warm temperatures' possible impact on crops, so you don't end up paying more at the grocery store.

SC Group goes to Court over Inmate Mental Health

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - An advocacy group that has sued South Carolina's prisons agency over the care of mentally ill inmates is getting its day in court. Circuit Court Judge Michael Baxley on Monday is expected to begin hearing arguments in the case. The lawsuit accuses the Corrections Department of violating the constitutional rights of inmates suffering from mental illness. Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities sued the agency in 2005, saying mentally ill inmates were being subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by being severely punished for disciplinary infractions. The group also said the inmates were not being given enough access to psychiatric care. The advocacy group says as many as 4,400 of the state's inmates are mentally ill. Prison officials deny claims that mentally ill inmates' rights are being violated but acknowledge their agency needs more money.

Police find bomb-making materials in Cordova

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Authorities say they found materials that could be used to make bombs while investigating a domestic violence complaint in Orangeburg County.

Riverbanks Zoo offers Valentine tour, dinner

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sweethearts looking for a special Valentine's experience can spend a night out with the animals.

Recall Involving a Breakfast Favorite

Minnesota-based Michael Foods is recalling its pre-hard boiled eggs.

A Look at South Carolina's Many License Plates

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ A new South Carolina license plate advocating equality for gay residents will be available Monday at Department of Motor Vehicles offices statewide. A look at the state's many license plates.

Is Black History Month Still Relevant?

In its 36th year of observance in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, Black History Month is underway. But, is it relevant or even necessary in 2012?

SC State Considers Budget Cuts

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina State University is considering budget cuts to make up for an estimated shortfall of almost $4 million.

SC Tourism Targets SEC and ACC Fans

Consider them South Carolina's newest tourist attractions - linebackers in Carolina garnet and wide receivers in Clemson orange. Last fall for the first time the state's tourism agency targeted promotional messages to ACC and SEC fans in nearby states.

Investigators Arrest Suspect in Salty Nut Cafe Fire

Columbia Fire Department investigators say they have arrested a man for intentionally setting a fire at the Salty Nut Cafe in Five Points.

Recalled birth control pills prescribed in Columbia

The fallout continues today from a voluntary recall issued by Pfizer over a contraceptive packaging mistake.

Suspended Drivers' Licenses to be Cleared

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces the upcoming Driver Suspension Eligibility Week for drivers with certain license suspensions, which means your spotted driving record could be wiped clean.

SC DOT secretary: Commission micromanages

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's transportation secretary says he's OK with having two bosses but he wants one of them to stop micromanaging the agency.

SC leaders, wife of VA chief meet on military kids

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The wife of the head of the Veterans Affairs Administration is praising South Carolina's community leaders and state school system for their efforts to support children in military families.

SC employers, Guard discuss jobs for female vets

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A group of South Carolina business leaders and the top female general in the South Carolina National Guard are meeting to discuss ways to help female military veterans get back into the workforce.

US Forest Service doing preventative burns in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Federal officials are hoping to reduce the threat of wildfires by doing some annual burns in South Carolina national forests.

US Army Picks Site for Orangeburg Reserve Center

The U.S. Army has selected a 15-acre site near Orangeburg for a new Army Reserve Center that will cost nearly $12 million.

SC DOT sets new goal for paying bills quicker

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina's transportation secretary says his agency is trying to pay bills faster than the law requires after last summer's financial mess.

Tougher Penalties for First Time DUI's Sought

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) testified today in front of the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Subcommittee in support of legislation which would require all convicted drunk drivers to ‘blow before they go’ by using an ignition interlock on their vehicle. They believe legislation, S 746, authored by Senator Joel Lourie, would help save lives and stop drunk driving.

Inspector General

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has signed a bill that sets up the office of the state inspector general to investigate allegations of fraud, waste and abuse in state government.

SC--USC-Nutrition

ALLENDALE, S.C. (AP) _ The wife of University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides and USC's mascot Cocky are leading an event on nutrition and reading for 300 families in Hampton and Allendale counties.

APNewsBreak: SLED probes pension influence report

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The head of South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division confirms to The Associated Press his agency is investigating a report that investment companies were told they could improve their chances of handling state pension investment work if they paid a friend of the state treasurer.