South Carolina State News

Speed limits lowered on Pooler Parkway

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:32:16 +0000

Driving behaviors are responsible for a rise in car crashes on Pooler Parkway. So, the Pooler Police Department (PPD) is doing what they can to make the roads safer for drivers.

The murder of a First Baptist Church School teacher remains without leads nearly 15 years later

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:58:59 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - At approximately 3:00 a.m. on August 19th, 2006, police with the City of Charleston responded to the area of 76 Murray Blvd in reference to a vehicle blocking traffic and possible gunshots.

Upon arrival, officers located Clifton Harris Jr. slumped over in the driver’s seat of his car, shot to death. According to a report, the vehicle’s final location led detectives to believe that Harris was attempting to flee from his killer prior to being shot.

Harris was a respected 5th-grade history teacher at First Baptist Church School. He was known to frequent the Battery during the nighttime hours; in 2006, it was a place notorious for those who felt unable to be themselves in the open.

Chase Glenn, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Full Acceptance, said that back then, there was a stigma around individuals who identified as LGBTQ.

You’re talking about someone who may or may not had a faith that really impacted them and the way that they saw themselves and the way they lived their lives. If you also have to put that up against knowing that you may be gay or that you may be trans. That could be a really scary thing for someone where they may be scared, they may lose their job, that they may lose their family and friends and having that sort of weight can really impact someone.
Chase Glenn, Executive Director of the Alliance for Full Acceptance

While some stigmas remain, many who now identify as LGBTQ have found safer places for themselves in the community.

Glenn said, to put things in perspective, 2006 was before marriage equality. It was before the Supreme Court ruling where Title VII was discussed and some protection against employment discrimination was granted.

Additionally, he pointed out that the "sort of the cultural lexicon—we weren’t hearing people talking about LGBTQ identity like we are hearing today."

Despite the progressive social movements, Harris' case remains idle since 2016. Lt. Thomas Bailey with the City of Charleston said in a statement that it was then that detectives reexamined the investigative file and sought the public’s assistance. While both the crime scene and evidence were analyzed along with the interviewing of several individuals, they were unable to determine who the suspect was or locate any eyewitnesses to the incident.

Lt. Bailey said that the tragic murder of Clifton Harris remains a cold case and investigators seek any information about what occurred on The Battery on August 19^th, 2006.

Glenn went on to note that he hopes if someone feels safe now to report any information, they would come forward and that their identity would be protected as much as possible.

If you have any information that could help police in this case—call Crime Stoppers at 843-554-1111.

'It's a nightmare': Richmond Hill mother wants change after 7-year-old son hit and killed by car

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:48:38 +0000

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) - Emily Ridley says her 7-year-old son Jack had a heart of gold big enough for his family, his friends and nearly anyone else with whom he came into contact. She says his compassion and fun-loving personality often inspired a loud performance or an organized Nerf gun war. The memories still [...]

PHOTOS: Crews extinguish 'heavily involved' garage fire in Beaufort County

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:48:21 +0000

Crews from the Bluffton Fire District worked quickly Wednesday afternoon to extinguish a structure fire in Beaufort County.

DHEC director says SC teachers could start getting COVID vaccines in mid-March

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:35:04 +0000

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) - South Carolina is still in Phase 1A of the vaccine rollout, but state health leaders say Phase 1B could start by mid-march and that means teachers could soon start getting the vaccine.

Director of South Carolina DHEC, Dr. Edwards Simmer says, "As we now get through enough seniors and we are no longer able to fill our appointments with them, by all means, let's put all of the 1B folks in the open appointments."

122,000 South Carolina school employees are fighting to get at the top of the list for Phase 1B vaccinations. State Superintendent Molly Spearman says, over 50% of school employees across the state say they want the vaccine.

"58% of them signed up, as high as 90% in some districts, and as low as 15% in some districts," she says.

Spearman says each district needs to make a plan for vaccination rollout.

"Who their provider is, how they're going to operate, is it going to be onsite at the school, are the school nurses going to participate, who's giving the vaccine," she says.

When phase 1B begins, it'll be up to the districts to distribute them.

"We agree with the superintendent's plan to have each district have a identified provider, perhaps two or three providers that's going to take care of that district, that county. I think that's the right way to go," says Dr. Simmer.

Some state representatives like Todd Rutherford say the problem with teachers getting vaccines is a supply issue.

"We don't have them in the back, we couldn't have all of the sudden just decide that shots need to go in arms," says Rutherford.

South Carolina DHEC says with the proper precautions put in place there is no reason schools should not open.

Tiger Woods faces hard recovery from ‘significant’ injuries in car crash

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:27:53 +0000

Golf star Tiger Woods is recovering from surgery on his leg and ankle after his SUV swerved off the road and rolled down a steep hillside Tuesday morning, requiring crews to pry him from the wreckage.

Jasper Ocean Terminal could mean billions to both SC and Ga.

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:21:25 +0000

JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) - A Lowcountry project that's been promised for decades may now be one step closer to reality. The South Carolina Ports Authority has signed a deal to transfer 50% ownership of the Jasper Ocean Terminal to Jasper County. The other 50% is owned by the Georgia Ports Authority. The county and [...]

Multiple agencies respond house fire in West Ashley

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:21:22 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Multiple emergency response crews were dispatched to a house fire in West Ashely Wednesday evening.

According to the Charleston Fire Department, the call was received shortly before 5:30 p.m.

Crews with the Charleston Fire Department, James Island Fire Department, Charleston County EMS, and Charleston Police Department arrived to a home on West Confederate Circle to find the home "well involved in fire."

The smoke and fire venting from the attic was so bad that "crews were forced to evacuate the structure for a brief period of time, until additional ventilation improved conditions."

Crews were able to get the fire under control, but investigators have not yet determined the origin, cause, or circumstances of the fire.

The Charleston Fire Department says that the home was under renovation and no injuries were reported.

'Real world' test of Pfizer COVID vaccine confirms effectiveness at preventing illness, even after single dose

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:11:01 +0000

A real-world test of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in more than half a million people confirms that it’s very effective at preventing serious illness or death, even after one dose.

Troopers: One killed in fatal wreck along Prince Perry Rd. in Pickens Co.

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:48:00 +0000

EASLEY, SC (FOX Carolina)- The South Carolina Highway Patrol says that one person died during a single vehicle wreck along Prince Perry Rd. near Easley.

'It's a nightmare': Richmond Hill mother wants change after 7-year-old son hit and killed by car

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:36:46 +0000

Jasper County Ocean Terminal could mean billions to both SC and GA

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:36:39 +0000

JASPER COUNTY, SC (WSAV) - A Lowcountry project that's been promised for decades may now be one step closer to reality. The South Carolina Ports Authority has signed a deal to transfer 50% ownership of the Jasper Ocean Terminal to Jasper County. The other 50% is owned by the Georgia Ports Authority. The County and [...]

Moncks Corner, North Charleston men arrested in Orangeburg for murder of Summerville man

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:23:21 +0000

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCBD) - The Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) on Wednesday announced the arrest of two Lowcountry men for a January 16 shooting that left one man dead.

According to OCSO, Theodore Nelson (28) of Moncks Corner and Malik Hedin (24) of North Charleston are both facing murder charges for the death of a 32-year-old man from Summerville.

OCSO says that the victim was standing outside of a residence in Eutawville around 2:00 a.m. when shots were fired from a passing vehicle. Investigators believe that Nelson and Hedin fired the shots.

The men were taken into custody Monday by OCSO with the assistance of US Deputy Marshals.

Scammers taking advantage in the pandemic; this time it's fake tech support offers

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:10:40 +0000

The Georgia Attorney General's Office warns that scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic, with so many people working from home.

GOP lawmakers: Schools can reopen with no additional funds from Congress

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:02:05 +0000

Republicans have turned to reopening schools as their political rallying cry to try to win back key components of their base: suburban voters and women.

Wade Hampton, J.L. Mann seniors honored by Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:24:00 +0000

GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Hispanic Heritage Foundation announced this year's nominees for its youth awards on Wednesday, including two Upstate students.

Scammers taking advantage in the pandemic, this time it's fake tech support offers

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:33:35 +0000

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - The Georgia Attorney General's office is warning that scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic that has so many people working form home. It says with people relying on the internet for teleworking and online learning that tech support scams are now emerging in an effort to steal people's personal and [...]

'Folks are not aware': Savannah historian opens up about COVID-19's impact on his mental health

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:03:38 +0000

Following a recent battle with COVID-19, local historian Jamal Touré hopes to shed light on the not-as-often discussed mental health impacts.

World’s first all-civilian mission to space to benefit St. Jude

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:57:51 +0000

Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian mission to space, announced its mission to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital while achieving a milestone in commercial space exploration.

States pass their own virus aid, not waiting on Washington

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:50:15 +0000

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Not waiting for more federal help, states have been approving their own coronavirus aid packages, spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help residents and business owners devastated by the the pandemic's economic fallout. Maryland and California recently moved forward with help for the poor, the jobless, small businesses and those [...]

Judge approves Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan for Belk chain

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:49:41 +0000

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A judge has approved Chapter 11 bankruptcy plans for North Carolina-based department store chain Belk, creating a new infusion of capital and cutting its debt load.

The Charlotte Observer reports the judge approved the plan Wednesday.

The move provides the ailing department store chain financial breathing room as it grapples with the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Financial Officer William Langley said in a filing accompanying the bankruptcy that the pandemic directly resulted in drastic declines in sales, revenue and liquidity.

Belk furloughed workers in March as the pandemic hit and cut senior staff pay up to 50% as stores temporarily closed.

Laurens Co. deputies searching for 4th grader last seen walking into woods near Hickory Tavern school

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:23:00 +0000

HICKORY TAVERN, SC (FOX Carolina) - The Laurens County Sheriff's Office posted a photo on Facebook of Harley Arrington Wednesday afternoon and asked that anyone who sees him call 911.

Laurens Co. deputies say 4th grader who went missing in woods was found safe

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:23:00 +0000

HICKORY TAVERN, SC (FOX Carolina) - The Laurens County Sheriff's Office said a boy pictured in a photo deputies posted on Facebook of on Wednesday was found and is safe after he went missing in the woods

Catching up with Mama! The star of classic 'Mama's Used Cars' commercials talks to News 2

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:01:13 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – If you watched local television in the 80’s, 90’s or early 2000’s, you likely caught the antics of David, the clumsy, careless but kind-hearted son of white-haired pearl-wearing “Mama.”

The comedic pair were local celebrities – we all waited to see Mama rescue David… from himself.

News 2’s Carolyn Murray recently caught up with Mama and found her witty, wise and celebrating 100 years of life.

“My name is Mary Elizabeth Armstrong, and I am 100-years-old,” she said. “Everybody calls me Mama.”

For more than 30 years, Mama filled TV airtime with her side kick, David Simmons.

They had scripts, but often just worked off each other.

“If we made a mistake, David would say ‘keep on going.’ We had many mistakes,” she said with a laugh.

Thirty seconds of home-grown humor almost overshadowed that they were in the business of selling cars at Palmetto Ford’s ‘Mama’s Used Cars.’

The duo became as familiar as your next-door neighbors.

“David and I did the commercials almost 30-something years,” she said.

When asked who came up with the idea that would become the stuff that gives locals a laugh, Mama said: “Manly Eubank. He called me one day and told me he wanted to do a commercial about a mother and a son, and he would like for me to be the mother. I said ‘Manly, I don’t know how to do that, and I am too fat for television.”

She enjoyed being on television. “Oh yea,” she said. “I couldn’t help but enjoy it.”

A widow of more than 55 years, Mama started “acting” late in life. She was in her 70’s – her mind stayed sharp as a tack but needed a break sometimes during tapings.

“I would take my walker and put it near me and would kind of lean against the car and we would do the commercials,” she recalled.

Sadly, David Simmons passed away in 2017. Mama said they became close over the years.

“He was more than just a boss, he was a friend,” she said. “He took good care of me like I was his mother.”

Her great grandson, Trey, said he had no problems sharing her with everyone. “It wasn’t odd, I enjoyed it,” he said. “I believe it was back in elementary school and I brought Nana in to come and talk. And I was like this is my great grandmother.”

The coronavirus pandemic keeps her home these days, but those times when she did venture out, she saw stares and heard the calls, “Hey, Mama, I want a car!”

Born the year women got the right to vote in downtown Charleston, Mama says she has been blessed to see and hear more than most.

“I really don’t know why God kept me here,” she said. “I’m still here and I’ll be here ‘til the good Lord says come home.”

Libby “Mama” Armstrong is proud to share that she is the mother of five children, 10 grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Guns stolen from unlocked cars could be linked back to you if they're used during another crime, police say

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:59:54 +0000

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. (WCBD) – Law enforcement officials say several guns have been stolen from unlocked vehicles so far this year in Goose Creek. While police say it is an on-going issue, it’s where these guns end up that is most concerning.

“It’s problematic,” said Goose Creek Police Chief LJ Roscoe. “It’s problematic for us in a lot of situations because it’s a crime that someone’s going into the car and stealing the guns. It is a crime; however, it’s a crime that can be avoided if people would lock their doors.”

Leaving guns in unlocked vehicles causes several problems.

“Once they’ve got the gun out, we’re worried about who’s got it. Obviously, a criminal has got it because it’s stolen. So, we have to worry about what crime it is going to be used in down the road,” said Chief Roscoe.

She said the 10 guns stolen from unlocked cars this year were not by forced entry.

Of the ten stolen, two shotguns were stolen from one unlocked vehicle at a Walmart Neighborhood Market. Guns were also stolen from several neighborhoods off Liberty Hall Road, including some from Liberty Village, Brickhope Greens, Royal Oaks, and at least two from vehicles at Waterford Townhomes.

Lacreshia Geddis lives in Waterford Townhomes and finds the news alarming. “Sometimes, even when I come into the house, I leave my purse in there and I hate these keypads. I’m thinking hey, it’s a lot… it’s really not,” she said.

Geddis said she would never leave a gun in the vehicle. “That’s very frightening. Because there’s little kids around that catch the bus and go back-and-forth to school,” she said,

Last year, 42 guns were stolen in Goose Creek. The bottom line: “Don’t leave a weapon in the vehicle,” said Chief Roscoe. “But even more so, if you are going to leave a weapon in the car, please lock the car doors.”

Chief Roscoe said another thing to consider is if a crime is committed with your gun, it would likely be traced back to you.

WATCH: Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg gets COVID-19 vaccine

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:58:47 +0000

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg on Wednesday received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Tecklenburg was vaccinated during a clinic hosted by Harris Teeter and the City of Charleston at the Charleston Gaillard Center.

Via City of Charleston

He noted that the woman giving him his shot came all the way from North Carolina to help with the vaccine efforts.

Tecklenburg also said that getting the shot was easy: "I was smiling the whole time."

Board of trustees votes to double bonus for unused leave days for Pickens Co. employees

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:39:00 +0000

PICKENS, SC (FOX Carolina) - On Monday night, the School District of Pickens County's board of trustees voted for a policy to increase employee benefits.

Release: NC woman went shopping with $150K virus relief loan

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:19:00 +0000

Federal prosecutors say a North Carolina woman lied to get nearly $150,000 in coronavirus relief that she later spent on shopping sprees.

Beaufort City Council approves waiving business license interest, penalties for 2 months

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:13:07 +0000

Beaufort City Council voted Tuesday waiving penalties and interest on business license taxes sent after April 30.

Man fires 33 rounds into Summerville woman's house, car after 'bad business deal'

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:10:38 +0000

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) - The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is investigating after a woman's home and car were hit with 33 rounds of gunfire following what she says was a "business deal that went wrong."

The woman told deputies that she was asleep in her home on Cady Drive when she was awoken around 2:45 a.m. by the sound of gunfire. She looked out her window and saw a "blacked out" sedan fleeing her property.

The victim recognized the car as belonging to a man with whom a business deal had fallen through, and she said he was "upset due to her not giving him the GMC Yukon that was shot."

Another witness confirmed that the car seen fleeing the property belonged to the man in question.

The victim called the man's aunt, who said that she saw him arrive home shortly before 3:00 a.m.

DCSO said that the victim's GMC Yukon and home were shot multiple times. Investigators collected 22 shell casings.

An arrest was not immediately made.

Jerry Richardson gives $150 million to Wofford College Endowment

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:06:00 +0000

SPARTANBURG, SC (FOX Carolina) - Wofford College announced on Wednesday that Jerry Richardson, a Wofford alumnus and founder of the Carolina Panthers, donated $150 million to the college. The gift is the largest in college history and will help fund…

AMBER Alert issued for 4-year-old girl abducted in NC

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:57:00 +0000

AMBER Alert canceled, missing 4-year-old found safe

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:57:00 +0000

Georgia senators vote to end twice-yearly time changes

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:44:56 +0000

Georgia senators want to stop changing their clock twice a year, saying shifting from standard time to daylight saving time and back is disruptive.

Summerville man charged with illegally dumping concrete slabs in Pawleys Island community

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:43:29 +0000

PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities say they have charged a Summerville man who illegally dumped loads of concrete slabs at a church and along Highway 17 in the Pawleys Island community.

Deputies earlier this week were calling on the public’s help to identify the source of construction debris that was dumped at Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

The department announced on Wednesday that it had filed charges against a subcontractor's employee for illegally dumping the concrete slabs.

Deputies say they learned the source of the distinctive stone-and-concrete decking was from a private home swimming pool make-over.

The debris had been removed and dumped by 20-year-old Charles E. Bunnell Jr., of Summerville.

NC's curfew ending Friday, more businesses allowed to reopen with capacity limits, governor says

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:31:00 +0000

RALEIGH, NC (FOX Carolina) – North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced on Wednesday that he would be lifting the state’s modified stay-at-home order on Friday.

Victim identified in fatal crash involving K9 Unit; deputy released from hospital

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:17:41 +0000

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Berkeley County Coroner's Office has identified the victim who died during a crash with a deputy in Bonneau on Tuesday.

Coroner George Oliver said 73-year-old Julia Georgiadis of Moncks Corner was killed after colliding with a K9 Unit on Main Street/US 52 around 10:00 a.m.

A deputy with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office was responding to an 'agency assist' call from the St. Stephen Police Department when a pickup truck pulled out in front of him.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis said the deputy's vehicle caught fire. “He couldn’t get out. He was trapped in the vehicle for a period,” he said. “The vehicle caught on fire; with the help of bystanders, they got him out. He went back in the vehicle to get his canine out.”

The driver of the pickup truck, Georgiadis, was killed, and the passenger was taken to the hospital for treatment along with the deputy. The K9 was taken to an emergency vet.

News 2 has learned the deputy was released from the hospital and is recovering. The K9 was also released from the emergency vet.

The South Carolina Highway patrol and the Berkeley County Coroner's Office are investigating the crash.

Plan to prioritize SC teacher vaccinations stalls, as DHEC says it could hurt seniors

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:15:27 +0000

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey tweeted Tuesday that the House’s inaction on his plan to prioritize teacher COVID-19 vaccinations would likely preclude teachers from being vaccinated before the end of the school year.

Plan to prioritize SC teacher vaccinations stalls, as DHEC says it could hurt seniors

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:15:27 +0000

Latin American chicken restaurant chain plans big expansion into South Carolina

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:08:03 +0000

The restaurant’s first location will be in Myrtle Beach. Here’s what they’re planning.

Coroner: Firefighter killed in Spartanburg Co. crash while headed to work

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:06:00 +0000

Florida county refuses to lower flags for Rush Limbaugh

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:03:47 +0000

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Palm Beach County defied Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, refusing to lower its courthouse flags to half-staff in honor of the late conservative broadcaster Rush Limbaugh. The county's courthouse flags remained at full staff, ignoring Gov. Ron DeSantis' Tuesday afternoon order directing its U.S. and Florida flags to be flown [...]

SC reports 898 COVID-19 cases, 25 deaths Wednesday

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:57:10 +0000

South Carolina health officials have reported fewer than 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases for three days running for the first time since early November.

SC reports 898 COVID-19 cases, 25 deaths Wednesday

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:57:10 +0000

South Carolina health officials have reported fewer than 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases for three days running for the first time since early November.

Prisma planning to launch 3 mobile vaccination clinic vehicles in Upstate

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:54:00 +0000

GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) - After administering 258 first-dose vaccinations over the weekend at pilot mobile vaccination clinics over the weekend, Prisma Health announced Wednesday they were working to deploy three Mobile Health Clinic vehicles in the Upstate.

Couple arrested in shots fired incident on Skidaway Island

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:28:19 +0000

A couple has been arrested in connection to a shots fired incident at a home on Skidaway Island early Wednesday.

Former SC utility CEO pleads guilty to nuclear plant fraud

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:21:00 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The utility executive who spent billions of dollars on two South Carolina nuclear plants that never generated a single watt of power will plead guilty in two courts Wednesday.

DHEC: 896 new COVID-19 cases in SC, 438,861 total

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:19:05 +0000

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced on Wednesday 896 additional cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 438,861.

A full breakdown of the number of new cases by county can be found here.

DHEC also announced 25 additional deaths, bringing the total to 7,460. Cl i ck here for a breakdown of deaths by county.

The percent positive for Wednesday is 8.8%. Note: DHEC has implemented a new method for calculating percent positive. Although rates seem lower, spread is still high. Click here for more information.

DHEC says a total of 5,795,304 tests have been conducted in the state. A detailed breakdown of tests in South Carolina is available on DHEC’s Data and Projections webpage. DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory is operating extended hours and is testing specimens seven days a week, and the Public Health Laboratory’s current timeframe for providing results to health care providers is 24-48 hours.

Click here for additional details, including case numbers by zip code, a case count breakdown, and recovery rate.

Editor’s note: DHEC includes the following disclaimer in all of their COVID-19 related releases:

*As new information is provided to the department, some changes in cases may occur. Cases are reported based on the person’s county of residence, as it is provided to the department. DHEC’s COVID-19 map will adjust to reflect any reclassified cases.

Meet local tennis sister duo: Claudia and Vivian Miller

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:16:53 +0000

SULLIVANS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – From Chicago to the Lowcountry - Claudia and Vivian Miller are not only a sister duo, but ranked tennis players as well.

The Miller sisters both attend Ashley Hall High School. As a senior, Claudia is the oldest at 18 years old. She is currently a 4-star recruit that is ranked No. 182 nationally, according to Tennis Recruiting Net.

Claudia was an ice skater and would see the kids playing tennis when she would come out of practice. But, her tennis talents don't fall too far from the tree.

"I think I was around six or seven years old and I tried every sport," said Claudia. "Both my parents played tennis in high school."

Vivian Miller is a 5-star recruit and is ranked top-50 in the nation, according to Tennis Recruiting Net. The 16-year-old junior remembers her childhood memories in sports being the same as Claudia's.

"Like my sister, we played all the sports," said Vivian. "Claudia probably got into tennis earlier than I did, but I followed and copied everything she did."

Their bond is what makes them each so dangerous.

"My sister and I both play in national tournaments," said Claudia. "We're both nationally ranked so we get to travel to all of these cool places."

Going to these tournaments and visiting these cool places, while also competing on the biggest of stages.

"I guess the first time I thought that I was really relevant nationally was winning Silver Ball which is second place at the biggest national tournament in the country," said Vivian. "It was in doubles, so that was a really big moment for me. It gave me a lot of confidence that I am one of the top players."

Claudia and Vivian train six days a week, and don't have to look to far for motivation.

"I look up to my parents, but my coach, too," said Claudia. "He was really good, played at Duke and he was an All-American."

"As a coach, you're always looking for people who are motivated and have a good attitude," said Jonathan Stokke, the Miller sisters Tennis coach. "The reality is we spend three to four hours a day, every day of the week together and so they both have that in spades. They have great attitudes and I never have to motivate them. They both want to be the best that they can be. It's been an absolute pleasure to coach them"

Vivian Miller and Coach Stokke at the The Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship

As Claudia and Vivian push each other to get better, their relationship grows on and off the court.

"I also look up to my sister too," said Claudia. "We all kind've taught each other different things so it's a really nice environment."

"Growing up with Claudia playing tennis has been really really great," said Vivian. "We're each other's biggest supporters and we're so lucky to play with each other. Not a lot of siblings have that connection with their sibling."

And it's a connection that will stand no matter the distance.

Claudia is committed to playing at Middlebury College, while Vivian is in the process of being recruited by Division 1 schools for tennis.

"It's just like every day, all my memories with tennis are really with her," said Claudia. "I'm going to miss it when I go to college. I really am excited about college, but I am so lucky to have spent all this time playing tennis with my sister in addition to all the normal sister things. This is just another fun thing we get to do together."

New crisis team takes Richland County deputies out of mix on mental health calls

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:14:56 +0000

“Being mentally ill does not make you a criminal,” Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said.