Across South Carolina

S.C. reports fewer flu cases but more deaths

COLUMBIA --- South Carolina is reporting fewer swine flu cases, but more deaths from the disease.

The Department of Health and Environmental Controls tells The State newspaper of Columbia that just 56 cases of swine flu were reported in the state's hospitals the week ending Nov. 14, down from 78 the week before.

But DHEC says swine flu contributed to six deaths in South Carolina the week of Nov. 14, matching the deadliest week since the flu variety was first reported in the state in April.

Sara Lee plans to shut bakery, laying off 200

GREENVILLE, S.C. --- Officials with Sara Lee Corp. say 200 workers in South Carolina will lose their jobs when the company closes its bread factory in Greenville.

Sara Lee officials told the Herald-Journal of Spartanburg they have to close the bakery in January because they lost a major customer.

Spokesman Mike Cummins says the plant makes frozen dough and bagels for the food service industry.

Mr. Cummins says a few workers may be offered jobs at other plants, but the rest will get severance packages and help finding another job.

Sara Lee began operating the plant in 1984 after acquiring it from King's Hawaiian Bakery.

In other news

OFFICIALS SAY EIGHT railroad cars, one loaded with thousands of gallons of sulfuric acid, derailed near Gilbert, about 30 miles from Columbia. Officials tell The State newspaper that no injuries have been reported. They say no immediate danger exists because the tank car containing the acid had not leaked.