Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

Wednesday, April 17, 2013  Police are investigating suspicious packages found in downtown Columbia.

Thursday, November 29, 2012  The musical entertainment lineup for Columbia's Famously Hot New Year celebration is complete, event organizers announced Thursday.

Friday, July 06, 2012  A minor gas leak closed a section of Pickens Street in Columbia Friday

Wednesday, April 18, 2012  A former senior official from the Columbia Police Department who was fired in the wake of the search for a missing Columbia executive says she was on vacation in the opening days of the investigation. Personnel records released by the city dispute the claim.

Friday, March 09, 2012  After an autopsy and several additional tests, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts has officially ruled Tom Sponseller's death a suicide.

Thursday, March 01, 2012  Columbia police are launching an internal investigation into why it took officers 10 days to find the body of missing CEO Tom Sponseller.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012  Richland County Coroner Gary Watts confirmed Wednesday that Columbia business executive, Tom Sponseller, died from a single gunshot wound to the head. According to Watts, it appears that he died relatively near the time he was reported missing.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012  Richland County Coroner Gary Watts announced in a news conference today that it appears Tom Sponseller committed suicide. Watts said it appears Sponseller suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012  A candlight vigil for missing lobbyist Tom Sponseller is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012  Columbia police are looking for Tom Sponseller, who was reported missing Saturday. Chief Randy Scott said they found Sponseller's car parked in a parking garage where he usually parks. Investigators are looking into possible surveillance videos at his office and outside where they found his car.

Sunday, March 28, 2010  The Columbia Police Department is investigating the murder of a 23 year old male victim.