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Continued Coverage
Furry Friend Fridays: Meet Earl
He can be interactive, talkative and energetic but also settles down and relaxes very nicely.
19-year-old koala, considered one of world’s oldest, dies at Riverbanks Zoo
Lottie came to Riverbanks in 2003 as a gift from Queensland, Australia.
NC nurse who works with COVID patients wins lottery
When the lottery called her with the news, she had a hard time believing her good fortune.
Happy National Dress Up Your Pet Day!
Lots of pets in the Midlands are looking fancy and cute for the occasion.
MOST RECENT
Walmart on Bush River Road to close in February
The company says the decision came after a careful and thoughtful review process.
Marion County woman celebrates 101st birthday
One woman in Marion County started off 2021 with a very special birthday.
24/7 Safety Run kicks off in honor of two runners killed in Lexington in recent years
The group SAFE Lexington, which stands for streets are for everyone, formed last spring after two Lexington county runners, John Flanagan and Diane Wells, were hit and killed within 18 months.
Good news 2020: Sharing our favorite local, inspirational stories
There were stories of incredible love, like the couple WIS’ Caroline Coleburn spoke to who celebrated 70 years of marriage during the pandemic.
Forest Acres honors ‘Jay’ the mailman as he retires after decades on the job
James "Jay" Jones worked for the USPS for 48 years, 41 of which he spent serving Forest Acres.
Furry Friends Fridays: Meet Cooper
Cooper is a sweet, lovely boy that needs a seasoned dog owner who understands the breed. Catahoula Leopards are working dogs – known historically for hunting, guarding, herding and of course as loyal companions.
New Year’s celebrations in the Midlands continue both virtually and in person
While the New Year’s Eve action on Main Street is being put on hold, Five Points remained a destination to ring in the new year.
Arrested Development headlines virtual Famously Hot New Year celebration
Here's how to watch.
SC Navy veteran loses everything after his houseboat sinks Christmas night
On Christmas night, when winds began to pick up on the lake, Robert Simpson was asleep on his couch. His blood sugar had risen dangerously high, so he didn’t realize his boat was taking on water.
Midlands volunteers view Christmas as a day of giving
All around the Midlands Friday--there are those working to make sure no one goes hungry on the holiday.
Firefighters not able to be around family this Christmas stay vigilant
However, for first responders working long shifts over the holidays, COVID-19 has made it even harder to connect with their loved ones.
One-eyed horse helps young riders trot by their challenges
Ace recently arrived at Heart of the Horse Ranch in Camden with only one eye.
Mother who jumped from window during apartment fire braces for difficult Christmas
The fire displaced 35 people and damaged 10 units of the River Oaks Apartment complex.
Community organizing donation drive to help families who lost homes in Irmo fire
Two days before Christmas, 35 people were left homeless by an apartment fire in Irmo.
Two dozen homeless veteran families in Charleston to receive housing assistance
New federal funds will help dozens of homeless veterans in Charleston find a safe place to live this next year.
SC Federal Bar Association donates $10,000 to food bank
The S.C. Chapter of the Federal Bar Association says they are giving back to food banks this holiday season.
Town of Pine Ridge moves to find new police chief
In October the entire police force resigned.
ECONOMIST: COVID-19 relief bill could help struggling SC businesses make it to Summer
The proposed legislation includes $284 billion dollars for forgivable loans for businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program
Neighbor raises money for 12-year-old who witnessed mother’s murder
Despite seeing his mom die at a young age, Caleb believes things can always get better.
UofSC to livestream ‘super conjunction’ of Jupiter, Saturn starting Friday
On Friday, the University of South Carolina’s Melton Observatory will live stream the “super conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn starting at 6 p.m.
Furry Friend Fridays: Meet Fred
This good boy is on Santa’s “Nice” list this year and wishes for nothing more than a home for the holidays!
City of Columbia kicks off Martin Luther King Jr. virtual food drive
For more information, contact the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.
Foster children get special Christmas party to lift spirits
It’s the 23rd year they have hosted the event.
Prisma Health Children’s Hospital hosts holiday parade for patients
As part of the festivities, hospital beds and wagons became floats that made their way through the hospital in an effort to cheer up children in the hospital.
Furry Friends Fridays: Meet Trey
He loves to be held and cuddled after a good, long play.
WWII veteran honored ahead of 100th birthday
His church hopes the public will send “100 cards for 100 years.”
David Beasley, former S.C. governor and Darlington native, accepts Nobel Peace Prize
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley accepted the Nobel Peace Prize Thursday on behalf of the United Nation’s World Food Program.
WIS parterning with Red Cross to host blood drive
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org.
FCC awards $121 million in rural broadband funding
Senator Lindsey Graham’s office says the FCC has awarded the state of South Carolina $121 million in rural broadband funding for over 100,000 unserved homes and businesses.
Several restaurants, hotels will permanently close before January 1, SC hospitality-industry leaders anticipate
The National Restaurant Association warns 10,000 U.S. restaurants could permanently close in the next three weeks.
MONEY MATTERS: Variable annuities, pros and cons
Bradley says one of the biggest benefits of an annuity is tax deferral.
8-year-old who emigrated from Ukraine will soon compete in US national track championships
For USA Track and Field, Artem is currently listed as having the third fastest time this season for his age group in the 2000 meter race.
Puppy found wrapped in garbage bags in Charlotte dumpster - now up for adoption
What could have been a story about the cruelness of humanity, instead is a celebration of its kindness.
Irmo community steps up after ‘Grinch’ leaves community library bare
With every single one of the books gone, the team took to social media to ask if anyone would like to help get their little library back up and running.
Community mourns loss of Lexington elementary school teacher to COVID-19
Friends and those who had children in her class remember her as someone with a heart of gold.
Lexington Co. third grade teacher dies from COVID-19 complications
Staci A. Blakely, a teacher at Carolina Springs Elementary School, passed away on Saturday, December 5.
Mistaken Goodwill donation has son on Christmastime hunt for mother’s beloved skillet
He's calling Goodwill stores all over the Upstate and Midlands hoping to track it down.
Domestic Violence Survivor: “We feel like the forgotten ones,” how you can help during this season of giving
Some of the available support programs offer temporary housing for 30 days to help survivors get back on their feet.
Furry Friends Fridays: Meet Jessie and James
They are two dark orange feline brothers in search of a home together.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden presents ‘Lights Before Christmas’
“Lights Before Christmas” will be available to the public until December 30 from 5 p.m. through 9 p.m.
Richland Co. EMS hosting ‘Stuff the Ambulance’ toy drive
EMS will accept donations of many children’s items.
Public input needed to Reimagine the COMET, could be first changes to transit in nearly 130 years
Riders could see changes as soon as the fall of 2021.
Families Helping Families: All 2,600 families are adopted, but contributions still being accepted
Visit https://fhfmidlands.org/ for more information.
Famously Hot New Year goes virtual for its 10th anniversary
The virtual party will begin at 10:30 p.m. on December 31 and will feature a performance by a national headliner, who will be announced at a later date.
Google launches program to help minority-owned businesses grow in SC
Google believes these trainings are essential to helping stimulate economic opportunity for small minority-owned businesses.
$4 million secured for road projects as Five Points area undergoes changes
The move comes after the department published plans for improvements to the two streets over the summer.
City of Columbia launches Equity & Inclusion Survey for community feedback
The survey will be available until December 31.
Lexington Police ask community to ‘Fill the MRAP’ for Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, which is run by the Marines, says it expects more families will need help this Christmas.
Foster dog and 11 puppies saved on Thanksgiving Day
Marion Pond has fostered dogs before with Eunoia Rescue, but none like her most recent one, Chiquita who went into labor Thanksgiving Day.
“It’s just warm and fuzzy”: Local shops feel the love on Small Business Saturday
And shoppers walking around Saturday were thrilled to give the businesses lining Main St. their patronage.
Lexington Co. sergeant who served public for decades dies unexpectedly
Sgt. Cathy Etheredge, 60, had served with LCSD since 2003, but her law enforcement career spanned four decades and several agencies.
#OptOutside: Free admission offered at all S.C. State Parks on Friday
South Carolina State Parks wants to give people an incentive to be outside on Black Friday.
Furry Friend Friday: Meet Spot
Spot the Boxer is a smart boy who is also deaf.
SC Dept. of Commerce urging communities to participate in Small Business Saturday
Local shops are struggling to keep their doors open due to the coronavirus pandemic and they need support from the community to stay afloat.
Food banks see spike in demand during holidays amid pandemic
According to Harvest Hope Food Bank leaders, the organization estimates they will feed more than 3,975 people the week of Thanksgiving.
Extended Benefits program to end in December in SC
A state’s unemployment rate recorded for three months helps to determine when the program begins and ends.
Deadlines you need to know for holiday shipping
Shipping deadlines you need to know for the holidays.
Winning $100K Palmetto Cash 5 ticket sold in Irmo, officials say
The ticket was purchased at The Spinx #265 on the 8000 block of Broad River Road.