Across South Carolina

Pipe break forces students from dorm

ORANGEBURG - South Carolina State University evacuated about 400 students from a dormitory Thursday morning because of flooding caused by a pipe break.

The bottom nine floors were affected by the water problem at Sojourner Truth Hall on the Orangeburg campus. Students will be placed in hotel rooms until the problems at the dorm can be fixed, university President Andrew Hugine said.

Ex-CEO of HomeGold is indicted in fraud case

COLUMBIA - The former chief executive of HomeGold has been indicted on 10 charges by the state grand jury, Attorney General Henry McMaster said Thursday.

Ronald Sheppard, 48, was indicted on two counts each of forgery and insurance fraud in addition to one count each of securities fraud, bank fraud, breach of trust, perjury, conspiracy and obtaining a signature or property under false pretenses, Mr. McMaster said.

If convicted on all counts, Mr. Sheppard could face 57 years in prison and more than $165,500 in fines.

Mr. Sheppard will appear in Columbia for a bond hearing Nov. 22.

Pick 3, Pick 4 lottery sales are suspended

COLUMBIA - Lottery officials suspended sales of South Carolina's Pick 3 and Pick 4 games Thursday after there was a problem upgrading software.

It was not clear when sales or cashing in of winning tickets would resume, South Carolina Education Lottery spokeswoman Tara Robertson said.

"It's an accounting issue on both parts, in cashing in and on what the retailer owes the lottery on their invoice," she said. "If you were to come in and cash a ticket and it was for $1, it may say that it's for $2, or vice versa."

The problem occurred after the midday drawings. Thursday night's Pick 3 and Pick 4 drawing went on as scheduled at 6:59 p.m.

Fishermen find body afloat in Sampit River

GEORGETOWN - Authorities are investigating the death of a man whose body was found floating in the Sampit River.

The unidentified body was found Wednesday by fishermen, Georgetown County Coroner Kenny Johnson said.

It was likely the body had been in the water for several days and could have floated a good distance, Mr. Johnson said.