Across South Carolina

Officials discuss ways to disclose spending

COLUMBIA --- South Carolina's comptroller and a conservative think tank discussed spending information they believe the public should be able to see more readily.

Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom and the South Carolina Police Council held a news conference Monday, along with Columbia Mayor Bob Coble and members of Irmo Town Council.

Irmo's council posts monthly spending information on a Web site that Mr. Eckstrom set up. Mr. Coble said Columbia is beginning to do that, too.

Mr. Eckstrom has for some time posted detailed transaction information on state government agency spending. He's in charge of task force that will set up a state system to track how federal stimulus money is used.

Tire store fire causes heat, AC restriction

GEORGETOWN, S.C. --- A fire at a Georgetown tire store forced residents to temporarily shut down their heating and air conditioning systems.

Authorities say the blaze at Georgetown Wheel and Tire was reported around 6:30 a.m. Monday and took about four hours to get under control.

County emergency and fire officials said about 50 families and businesses were told to shut off their heat and air in order to not draw in the heavy, acrid smoke. That included the sheriff's office and hospital, which postponed some surgeries.

People were told around noon they could turn on their systems.

In other news

AUTHORITIES SAY a 23-year-old South Carolina man has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for shooting into a car outside a night club, killing one passenger and injuring two others. Prosecutors said Charles Dominick of Spartanburg pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter and assault and battery with intent to kill in the November 2006 shooting.