Across South Carolina

Deputy is killed while responding to alarm

SMOAKS, S.C. --- A South Carolina sheriff's deputy was shot to death while responding to an early morning home alarm Wednesday, and authorities said they were seeking several people of interest after scouring the area.

Colleton County Sheriff George Malone declined to offer specifics about the people being sought in the slaying of Deputy Dennis Compton. No arrests had been made by Wednesday night.

Deputy Compton's body was found about 3 a.m. by the son of the owners of the home, which was empty at the time. Deputy Compton, 39, had gone to the house after an alarm there went off.

A few minutes later, the homeowners' son -- called to the home by the alarm company -- used the slain officer's radio to report Deputy Compton had been shot, Sheriff Malone said.

SCE&G awaits OK on nuclear reactor site

COLUMBIA --- South Carolina Electric & Gas will have to wait for permission to begin preparing a site where the utility wants to build two nuclear reactors, the state Public Service Commission decided Wednesday.

Regulators gave Friends of the Earth and other environmental groups two weeks to file paperwork to request that the commission have a public hearing on the proposal.

"I do not want to unreasonably delay this matter," said Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, who was the only board member to speak before the unanimous vote.

-- Edited from wire reports