DOT paid lobbyists $1.5 million since '01
COLUMBIA --- The state Transportation Department paid lobbyists $1.5 million from 2001 through last year, according to agency records.
The agency told The Greenville News that $963,000 of that went to a Washington, D.C., firm that employs former South Carolina GOP congressman John Napier to represent the agency in dealings with the U.S. Transportation Department and Congress.
The agency also paid $628,000 to Khare/Fowler Inc. for the lobbying services of Don Fowler, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. The department stopped hiring lobbyists last year.
Fifth-graders suspended for drinking on field trip
COLUMBIA --- Officials say five fifth-grade girls from Columbia have been suspended from school after they drank liquor that one of them brought on a field trip.
Brennen Elementary Principal Marian Crum-Mack says the students took a few sips from a small bottle of liquor one of them got from a friend.
The girls will have a hearing before school district officials.
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