Government

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...

Due to a scheduling anomaly, some older Americans missed a payment at the beginning of December, even though the majority of Social Security recipients are used to receiving one check every month. Furthermore, certain beneficiaries can experience an earlier implementation of their yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) than the customary January implementation. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) prepares its payment calendar well in advance, some recipients may be caught off guard by this month's special schedule and COLA changes, which could result in surprises and changes to their financial plans. Dates of Payment for December 2024 Payments for recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are typically made on the first of every month. However, the SSA distributed the...

York County is inviting residents to participate in York County 101: Citizens Academy, a free program designed to provide an in-depth look at the county s government and its daily operations. This engaging academy offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about departmental functions, operational procedures, and the essential services that keep York County running smoothly. A range of issues will be covered in each session, along with an outline of the county's operations and a forum for candid dialogue between attendees and county employees. Participants will acquire a thorough grasp of local government operations through talks, presentations, and excursions. York County citizens who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to participate in the program, which takes pla...

IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE: November 25, 2024 Columbia, S.C. A skunk discovered close to Sherer and Jack Wilson roads in Sharon, South Carolina, has tested positive for rabies, according to the state's Department of Public Health (DPH). As of right now, there are no known exposures. As mandated by the South Carolina Rabies Control Act, two dogs and two cats who were exposed will be placed in quarantine. On November 21, 2024, the skunk was sent to DPH's lab for examination, and on November 22, 2024, it was determined to have rabies. Call DPH's Rock Hill office at (803) 909-7096 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday) or (888) 847-0902 (Select Option 2) if you, a loved one, or your pets think you have come into contact with this skunk or another animal that may have rab...

For Quick Publication U.S. Attorney s Office, District of South Carolina Columbia, S.C.Jack Keegan Davis, 21, of Columbus, Ohio, is charged with coercing and enticing juveniles, producing, distributing, and possessing child pornography*, as well as cyberstalking, according to a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. According to the indictment, Davis pretended to be a juvenile and engaged with minors on social media between August 2022 and October 2024 using at least four social media platforms and 130 social media display names. Davis produced material about child sexual abuse and used those claims to encourage young victims to have sex. According to the allegations, Davis obtained that content, kept it, and shared some of it with other children, including one of his victi...

MCCOLL, S.C. Police Chief Bob Hale and all four of his officers resigned, citing budget cuts, harassment, and a toxic work climate fostered by a particular council member, leaving the town of McColl without a police department. The resignations, which were verified by local news sources and on social media, have raised concerns in the community about public safety and the department's internal conflicts. Chief Hale described the difficulties that prompted his decision in a sincere statement posted on Facebook. I have been subjected to unjustified and malevolent conduct for months that has been intended to compromise my leadership and integrity, Hale said. He blamed a council member for the harassment and personal assaults that fuelled the toxic environment. Hale claims that these activi...