Across South Carolina

Businesses, agencies can apply for storm aid

COLUMBIA --- The U.S. Small Business Administration says small businesses and nonprofits in 13 counties in South Carolina and three counties in Georgia can apply for loans to cover damages due to hail storms earlier this year.

The loans announced Friday are available to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit groups affected by the May 11-20 hail storms.

Counties eligible for loans are: Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Edgefield, Greenwood, Hampton, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Orangeburg and Saluda, all in South Carolina; and in Burke, Columbia and Richmond counties in east Georgia.

Disaster victims can call the agency at (800) 659-2955 or send e-mail to disastercustomer service@sba.gov. The deadline for applying is April 15.

Student accused of taking gun to school

COLUMBIA --- Police have arrested a 15-year-old student and accused him of taking a loaded .22-caliber handgun to a Columbia high school.

Police spokesman Brick Lewis told The State newspaper Thursday the ninth-grader at C.A. Johnson High School is charged with illegal possession of a weapon, disturbing school and resisting arrest.

No shots were fired in Monday's incident.

The student's name was not released because he is a minor. Richland District 1 school spokeswoman Karen York said the student faces expulsion.

Ms. York said another student tipped an assistant principal about rumors the teen was armed.

-- Edited from wire reports