Government

Columbia, S.C.Governor Henry McMaster has directed the state's Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to implement additional job requirements for Medicaid recipients in order to keep their coverage. Once President-elect Donald Trump assumes office, the department has been directed to draft a formal request to fulfill the directive. Revisiting Work Mandates South Carolina was authorized to implement Medicaid work requirements under the first Trump administration, but the COVID-19 epidemic prevented the program from ever going into action. States were later prohibited from enforcing similar regulations by the Biden administration. McMaster contends that the program, which targets able-bodied, non-disabled persons between the ages of 19 and 64, is required to guarantee justice a...

SC's York County The York County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) is pleased to announce that it has joined the globally acclaimed Project Lifesaver Program, a quick response effort created to identify people who are at danger of wandering because of cognitive impairments. Residents of York County can now participate in the initiative, which offers radio-frequency tracking bracelets to those with special needs, including those with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and epilepsy. In order to be eligible, participants must be in the custody of a family member or caregiver who promises to keep the device in good working order and alert YCSO in the event of an emergency. Sheriff Kevin Tolson stated, "This proactive approach is about saving lives and reducing injury...

S.C., ColumbiaSouth Carolina's Maritime History, the newest event organized by the South Carolina Archives and History Foundation (SCAHF), will take place at the SC History Center in Columbia on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The rich nautical history of South Carolina includes pirates, trade, battle, and adventure. To be informed and entertained by a panel of knowledgeable speakers addressing South Carolina's maritime history, register today. To register and view the event brochure, go to https://scarchivesandhistoryfoundation.org/category/news-events/. Pre-registration is strongly advised. The cost of registration includes lunch. Among the presentations are Pirates, Planters, and Proprietors: The Early South Carolina Economy,The Royal Navy in colonial-era South Carolina, Joe Long, South ...

On December 16, 2024, the Tega Cay City Council had its regular meeting and discussed action items, city reports, and various recognitions. A thorough synopsis of the meeting is provided below: Recognitions and Proclamations Both teams were recognized for winning the 2024 South Carolina 5A Division 2 State Championships. Proclamations highlighted their achievements and the exceptional leadership of their coaches. Field Services Employee of the Year: Robbie Sims. Administrative Employee of the Year: Caroline Hasty. Department Head of the Year: Bob Barkin Key Agenda Items Minutes from November 18 and November 20, 2024, meetings were approved unanimously. Updates on the quarterly Business Connect meeting, highlighting local business resour...

As she finished her second term on the council, District Two Councilwoman Allison Love received recognition for her devoted service to the community at the York County Council meeting on December 16. During her tenure from 2017 to 2024, Love was instrumental in developing programs and policies that benefited her district and York County citizens. During her time serving as vice-chair of the council, Love received praise for her dedication, leadership, and ceaseless support of her people. Her fellow council members, employees, and meeting participants praised her achievements, emphasizing her seven years of commitment to public service. As she retires from politics, council members wished her well and thanked her for her dedication to the community. Love leaves a legacy of careful leadershi...

(WNY News Now) In response to a drone mishap that caused runways at Stewart Airfield to be briefly closed for an hour on Friday night, Governor Kathy Hochul has released a firm statement. Hochul urged immediate federal action to combat the growing threat presented by unlicensed drone activities near key infrastructure, calling the disruption a step too far. Due to drone activities in the airspace last night, Stewart Airfield's runways were closed for almost one hour. This has gotten out of hand. To combat this issue, I instructed the New York State Intelligence Center to look into drone sightings and work with federal law enforcement in mid-November, and those efforts are still going strong. However, I am now urging Congress to enact the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthor...

Columbia, S.C.James Robert Peterson, 37, of Prosperity, was found guilty on one count of felony in possession of a firearm by a federal grand jury in Columbia. According to the indictment, Peterson was discovered in possession of a pistol on June 11 after an incident in which he reportedly shot and killed K9 Agent Coba of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) as police attempted to apprehend him. Numerous additional charges pertaining to the incident have been brought against Peterson in state court. Peterson is prohibited from owning a handgun due to a prior criminal conviction. Peterson is being held pending trial and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that unites law enforcement at all levels with the communit...

The City of Tega Cay honored the diligence and commitment of its staff at its Quarterly Safety Meeting on December 13, 2024. The occasion emphasized accomplishments, honored exceptional effort, and reaffirmed the significance of workplace safety in all areas. Office Employee of the Year: Caroline Hasty, the city s Events Manager, was celebrated for her exceptional organizational skills and dedication to creating memorable community events. Field Employee of the Year: Robbie Sims from the Public Works Department was honored for his consistent hard work and commitment to maintaining the city s facilities and infrastructure. Director of the Year: Bob Bartkin, Finance Director, received this prestigious award in recognition of his leadership and effective fin...

SC's York County After being admitted to the hospital for medical issues, a 48-year-old male detainee at the York County Detention Center passed away. On Saturday, December 7, 2024, just before 10:00 p.m., the convict reported that he was not feeling well to the YCDC staff. Security personnel contacted YCDC medical staff after reviewing the inmate's vitals, and they concluded that he required more specialized medical treatment. The prisoner was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital by detention officials. He passed away at 4:24 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, while still receiving cutting-edge medical treatment at the hospital. Sheriff Kevin Tolson has asked the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to look into the death in accordance with YCSO protocol. As a courtesy hold for th...

For their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, three Lancaster men received sentences totaling 27 years in federal prison. Ricky Shane Underwood, 43; John Matthew Railey, 36; and Tyre Amahdikeem Brooks, 23 all entered guilty pleas to drug trafficking charges. Court documents show that starting in January 2020, the three of them plotted to distribute methamphetamine in the Lancaster region. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office's narcotics investigators made two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Brooks in June 2020. When Brooks was arrested the next month on unresolved state narcotics trafficking warrants, he was discovered in possession of methamphetamine in large amounts, a loaded AR-15 style assault weapon, and a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. Brooks was...