ABC Columbia

Experts: Brace for an early mosquito season

Crews in some counties hard-hit by the flooding and rains have been out earlier than usual treating ditches to kill mosquito larvae

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Nearly six months after October’s historic floods, experts say prepare to battle the early onset of mosquito season. Crews in some counties hard-hit by the flooding and rains have been out earlier than usual treating ditches to kill mosquito larvae. Mosquitoes in South Carolina can carry a number of diseases such as West Nile virus, the…

WATCH: Mental Health Advocacy at State House

Advocates say when it comes to those living with mental illness education can lead to understanding.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Advocates say far too often you only hear about mental illness when an act of violence is committed. Wednesday at the South Carolina State House the point was made that only 6% of those with mental illness have violent tendencies. That means 94% of the mentally ill do not have violent tendencies. Advocates say in comparison…

Mental Health Advocacy at State House

Advocates say when it comes to those living with mental illness education can lead to understanding.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — The State House on Wednesday hosted Mental Health Advocacy Day. Representatives with the South Carolina chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness as well as members of several law enforcement agencies met with lawmakers. NAMI advocates say when it comes to those living with mental illness education can lead to understanding. NAMI SC Executive Director…

Thousands rally to “End the R-word”

Approximately 2,000 students, teachers, family members and volunteers gathered to celebrate the Special Olympics and to pledge to support the elimination of the R-word and advocate for respect.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Spreading the word to end the R-word. An event took place Tuesday afternoon on the South Carolina State House grounds. Approximately 2,000 students, teachers, family members and volunteers gathered to celebrate the Special Olympics and to pledge to support the elimination of the R-word and advocate for respect. Barbara Oswald with the South Carolina chapter of…

Officials: St. Pat’s in Five Points a “huge success”

Five Points Association says nearly 44,000 people attended this past Saturday's event.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Organizers say the 34th Annual St. Pat’s in Five Points celebration was a huge success. The Five Points Association says nearly 44,000 people attended this past Saturday’s event. Co-chair of the Five Points Foundation Amy Beth Franks says while there were no major incidents there were 43 arrests. Here’s more information from the official release from…

Weekend Guide: St. Pat’s in Five Points

Don't press your luck! We're helping you plan your Saturday in Five Points for the "Midlands' premiere event."

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Let’s hope the luck of the Irish will help hold off the rain expected this weekend for one of the largest parties in the South. The annual St. Pat’s in Five Points kicks off Saturday morning. Set up for the big day of festivities was in full swing Friday. Organizers say they’ll be ready to show…

Owner of Free Times found dead

Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirms the owner and publisher of The Free Times took his own life.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Sad news to pass along. Free Times owner and publisher Charles Nutt of Elgin passed away in an Augusta, Georgia hotel room Wednesday. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirms Nutt took his own life. Eva Moore, managing editor of Free Times, released a statement on behalf of the paper: “We are deeply saddened by the loss…

VIDEO: Sanford Picked for Cuba Delegation

U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC 1st District) will be among a handful of republicans traveling to Cuba with President Barack Obama.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — U.S. Representative Mark Sanford (R-SC 1st District) will be among a handful of republicans traveling to Cuba with President Barack Obama. The former South Carolina governor has worked in the past to lift the travel ban between the U.S. and Cuba. The majority of those on the trip will be democrats. The delegation leaves on Sunday…

New Partnership Aims at Helping SC Seniors

South Carolinians have a new way to find out what services are available in their area.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — South Carolinians have a new way to find out what services are available in their area. Tuesday afternoon, Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster announced the launch of SC 211. The number can connect callers with support groups, community clinics, counselors, shelters, food pantries, programs for seniors, and other services. SC 211 is free and available in multiple…