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

Thursday, November 01, 2012  The South Carolina Hospitality Association names a new president after the tourism lobbying group's president was found dead earlier this year.

Wednesday, May 09, 2012  The grievance case of former Columbia Police official now rests in the hands of the city manager.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012  Prosecutors say that a hearing has been scheduled for Rachel Ducan in Columbia on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, April 19, 2012  A former employee of the South Carolina Hospitality Association has admitted she embezzled nearly $500,000 from the group whose director killed himself earlier this year.

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.

Thursday, April 12, 2012  A hearing on the firing of a former Columbia police chief deputy has been delayed after the city banned cameras from the proceedings even though the employee wanted them there.

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 08, 2012  South Carolina Hospitality Association Chairman Rick Erwin is scheduled to speak to reporters at 4 p.m. The Hospitality Association is at the center of a federal investigation into missing money at the agency.

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.

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.