Across South Carolina

Tug boat captain has license suspended

BEAUFORT --- The captain of a tug boat pulling a crane that hit a Beaufort bridge last spring has agreed to a six-month license suspension.

The captain of the Sara Kaitlin will attend a training class under a settlement with the Coast Guard.

Wright Gres was earlier charged with negligence and misconduct.

The crane struck the J.E. McTeer Bridge between Lady's Island and the mainland in April. Bridge traffic was limited to one lane for almost two months during repairs.

The Coast Guard also recommended a $75,000 fine for the captain's employer, Savannah Marine Services. A hearing officer will decide the final amount later.

Police hope stolen vehicle has clues

CHARLESTON --- Authorities say they hope to find evidence in a vehicle stolen from one of the victims of a double homicide in North Charleston last weekend.

Police responding to a call of four or five men beating a woman Saturday night in a park found Sheila Stannard and John Burgess, both 48, shot.

Family members say Ms. Stannard helped care for Mr. Burgess, who suffered from severe diabetes.

Investigators have not figured out what the pair were doing in the park or a motive for the killings.

Charleston mayor begins 9th term

CHARLESTON --- Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. has started his ninth term.

Mr. Riley took the oath of office Monday, promising to make his next four years the most productive and hardworking he has ever served.

The 65-year-old mayor first took office in 1975. After taking the oath, Mr. Riley promised to make the city's fire department a national model. Nine firefighters died fighting a blaze at a furniture store in June, and critics say Mr. Riley shares some of the blame for problems in the department.

Police say stress led to woman's attack lie

CLINTON --- Authorities say two Presbyterian College students lied about an attack to police because one of them was stressed out about school work.

Clinton police said that after a monthlong investigation they determined Rachel Beaumont hit her roommate Trista Sturdivant with a lacrosse stick, causing a cut to her forehead. Police say Ms. Sturdivant then told officers last month that she had been attacked by someone who jumped out of the woods.

Investigators say Ms. Sturdivant was overwhelmed academically and needed a break. Ms. Sturdivant is charged with filing a false police report. Ms. Beaumont is charged with giving false information.

-- Edited from wire reports