Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President James McQuilla encourages everyone to come out to the Festival of Roses soap bubbles and the smell of roasting meats filled the air Saturday at the Edisto Memorial Gardens as Orangeburg’s Festival of Roses kicked off its 52nd year enjoy the roses and some ice cream at the 2025 Orangeburg Festival of Roses Orangeburg resident Elijah Williams said what was on a lot of people’s minds Saturday “We are having fun,” the 6-year-old said after visiting several bounce houses Move with Celeste dancers at the 2025 Orangeburg Festival of Roses ready to wow those gathered at the Garden Stage with her clogging and hip-hop dancing routine It was her first time participating in the event “I just really like dancing,” Dandridge said Lil Fly Steppaz dance group performed at the 2025 Orangeburg Festival of Roses “I am excited for her to get to dance,” she said “She is really good at dancing and she loves it It is nice for her to get out here with a group.” selling yummy foods and treats at the event Brittany Smith from Orangeburg brought her six children to the festival “It is a community event and it doesn't cost anything to come in,” Smith said “A lot of the vendors are cost efficient for the type of communities that we live in to come out and enjoy the music Ronaldo and Kathi Dominguez traveled from Lexington to see the festival while taking a stroll through the rose garden I like to use a lot of native plants to make beds around the house I like how they define it and the little small islands they have created John and Jennifer McCormack of Chocolate Freaking Bacon traveled the farthest to attend the festival “We travel all over the place,” McCormack said “Anywhere from Maine to Texas the Carolinas They sell nine different types of chocolate with bacon in it with a variety of seasonings “We get all of our bacon from the same supplier that way we have consistency,” McCormack said “We want it all top quality and consistent.” traveled from Charlotte to attend the festival for the first time bubble blowers and handmade stuffed animals “We like to come out to events to support the youth in the community and provide a non-judgmental environment where they can pick up some of our toys and be fascinated by them,” Saleem said Orangeburg's Flowers and Light LLC owner and President Lisa McAlhany was also attending the festival for the first time "I thought it was a good way to get my name out there so that people will know that they’ve got a creative studio in the area that they can come craft at any time they want to," McAlhany said. The business can be found online at www.flowersandlight.com Contact the writer: gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5551 Check out Zaleski on Twitter at @ZaleskiTD Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter Email notifications are only sent once a day Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account T&D photo correspondent Yon Line provides images from the 2025 Festival of Roses in Orangeburg (WACH) — No injuries were reported after a large house fire broke out overnight in Orangeburg County Firefighters from the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety (ODPS) responded to the structure fire on Quick Street Part of the roof collapsed during the blaze and the second floor of the home was fully engulfed in flames ODPS officials said they were able to bring the fire under control within 20 minutes While the origin of the fire has been identified Read through the obituaries published in The Times and Democrat Busy mornings often lead to skipping breakfast research suggests this habit could have long-term health consequences Studies show that eating most of your calories earlier in the day rather than saving large meals for the evening has closed its restaurant at 2567 North Road near Orangeburg Preparatory School's upper campus A sign posted on the restaurant's door informed customers of the closure and encouraged customers to visit other IHOP locations in Lexington An email message left with IHOP's media contact was not returned in time for publication but did not indicate the intention to close any of its restaurants It is unclear if this closure is related to the bankruptcy but more IHOP locations have continued to close across the country over the past several years The 5,000-square-foot restaurant opened in Orangeburg in 2005 The local IHOP closed in 2020 when Florida-based CFRA Holdings It cited losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic The restaurant reopened about three years ago There are 29 IHOP restaurants across the state The restaurant chain has operated for more than 65 years With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food research suggests this habit could have long-te… has permanently closed its restaurant at 2567 North Road The reason for the closure was not immediately known Shadeed Smith is charged with accessory before the fact of a felony (WACH) — A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that left one dead last week in Orangeburg County Smith was arrested and charged in connection with the killing of Samson Green He appeared in court on Tuesday and was denied bond by a judge Green was shot and killed on Friday night during an altercation at a motel in Orangeburg          Judy got the win on the mound He scattered eight hits while allowing three runs with two of them earned          Rylin Brunson was 3-for-4 with a double to lead the Patriots          Calhoun 11          Williamsburg 10          Jefferson Davis 11          Wardlaw 6          Laurens Academy 4          Pee Dee 4          St          Mullins – Pee Dee opened the playoffs with a 4-0 win over St John’s Christian on Tuesday at the PDA field          The Golden Eagles improved to 15-3 with the victory SJCA is playing host to SCA in an elimination game All Rights Reserved | The High School Sports Report 1986-2021 The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in the shooting death of Samson Green on April 18 is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime of Neeses is in custody on a charge of accessory after the crime of murder Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced their arrests at a Wednesday afternoon press conference Ravenell held the press conference about 200 yards from where Green was killed in the Crown Inn parking lot just outside of the Orangeburg city limits They are brothers Tynes Arshond Bantan and Titus Bantan Jr announces arrests following the shooting death of a man outside an motel Anyone with information on the Bantans is urged to call the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 This is a developing story and will be updated Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email The future of an iconic Orangeburg restaurant is in doubt as the county considers whether it needs to take the Dairy-O’s land for a planned new courthouse The Dairy-O restaurant on Russell Street may be torn down to make way for the new courthouse project’s entrance and parking lot Orangeburg County Administrator Harold Young said “We have not finalized it yet,” Young said Friday Orangeburg County has purchased several parcels of land near the Dairy-O for the construction of a new Orangeburg County Courthouse It’s not been able to purchase the Dairy-O because the owner has refused to sell to the county Department of Transportation are requiring some changes to the county’s plans for the entrance and the parking for the new courthouse Now the county is considering using the power of eminent domain to force the sale of the Dairy-O’s land The county would have to provide just compensation “We are trying to work through that about what our options are,” Young said Young said he is well aware of the importance of Dairy-O in Orangeburg “I definitely know that and understand that,” he said certain times you come to a point and certain times you have to look at the greater good,” Young continued “We are seeing what that position may be.” Dairy-O owner Tommy Robinson said the restaurant has supported Orangeburg for 75 years We have seen lots of businesses come and go,” he said Robinson said he does not understand why the restaurant would be just “knocked down” for a parking lot “I feel like as long as we have been here and as long as we contribute to Orangeburg I feel like they should have just left us alone,” he said “I was under the impression that they were.” The Russell Street location “has been a blessing to us,” Robinson said It is just sad that the county can come in here and take it away Robinson has been affiliated with the restaurant for the past 57 years He started working at the restaurant at the age of 14 and managing at the age of 17 Dairy-O Manager Enderia Reed said she’s deeply saddened by the thought the Dairy-O might be torn down She has been at the restaurant for over 20 years “It is sad they don't want to hear our voice “I just feel that will be a great disaster for Orangeburg,” Reed continued Reed said the restaurant is not only popular locally but also for those coming to the area for South Carolina State University and Claflin University homecoming events but I’ve got to get a Curley Burger,’” Reed said “We are basically the home for Orangeburg,” she said “It is just sad they just want to take it away.” The restaurant currently has between 14 and 17 employees with many of them being from Claflin and S.C “We are one of those that don't mind giving them a chance,” Reed said Reed says the restaurant has not been given a timeline as to when it might close James Cleveland Sykes opened Dairy-O in September 1949 as a Dairy Queen the restaurant became independent from Dairy Queen Sykes took the Queen down from the sign and replaced it with an O and Dairy-O was born Construction on the courthouse is expected to begin by the end of 2025 The estimated cost of the courthouse construction project is about $38 million The county plans to pay for the project through an installment revenue purchase bond County officials say the method should allow it to pay for the courthouse without a tax increase by using fee-in-lieu of taxes revenue from industries The current Amelia Street courthouse was built in 1928 and officials say it’s past its useful life with one large courtroom and several smaller ones Orangeburg County’s courthouse needs at least six large courtrooms A number of buildings have been torn down to make way for the courthouse including the former Winn-Dixie and the former Thunderbird motel on Orange Street County Council approved the purchase of the A-Town Wings restaurant building on John C Calhoun Drive and its adjacent parking lot The purchase has been delayed due to real estate legal matters related to the property A 19-home residential development is planned for Firefly Lane outside Orangeburg Orangeburg County Council has rejected a request by a local smoke cessation group to make all county workplaces totally smoke and vape free An Elloree man pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature Orangeburg County’s administrator says the county could have put a new courthouse anywhere It chose downtown Orangeburg because the city requ… A West Columbia-based construction and heavy equipment company has decided to invest more than it originally planned in Calhoun County Orangeburg County Council agreed Monday to purchase two tracts of land for additional parking near the planned new county courthouse on Russel… Orangeburg’s much-loved Dairy-O restaurant isn’t going anywhere Orangeburg County is considering using the power of eminent domain to force the sale of the Dairy-O’s land African American athletic conference in the U.S and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bowie State University Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInORANGEBURG COUNTY (WCSC) - The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office has announced that a missing Orangeburg County teen has been located and is safe The teen was last seen on Monday in Orangeburg Five men are in custody and facing charges stemming from a deadly shooting just outside of Orangeburg The most recent suspect surrendered to the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday afternoon Those facing charges in the shooting death of 34-year-old Samson Green include three murder suspects They are also charged with possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime who is charged with accessory after the crime of murder who is charged with accessory before the fact of murder Ravenell held a press conference on April 30 in the Crown Inn motel parking lot Gunmen shot Green to death about 200 yards away on April 18 Ravenell said Green was “enjoying life” in the Crown Inn parking lot on Easter weekend “He had no idea that he was going to die that night,” he added Ravenell provided a timeline of what officers believe happened that night: – Someone called 911 to report the shooting The Escalade left the scene after Green was shot Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies first arrested Smith and the search was on for other suspects deputies arrested Milhouse-Keitt and Roberts Deputies found Milhouse-Keitt in the woods behind a church in the Neeses area “Which is some place he should’ve been – in the church but he was running the woods in Neeses,” Ravenell said “I guess he’s one of those that didn’t listen or doesn’t have common sense,” Ravenell said of Roberts “I told you anybody that participates in hiding them out will go to jail He’s in jail for hiding his friend out,” Ravenell said Roberts has only been out of prison for four months Department of Corrections spokesperson Chrysti Shain Roberts served time in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery on Sept Shain said Roberts was released into community supervision on Dec Ravenell said investigators were still searching for the Bantan brothers “I stated in a press conference on Wednesday that I was pretty sure he was watching and listening to us,” Ravenell said Thursday Warrants accuse Titus Bantan of standing over Green’s body and continuing to shoot him Tynes Bantan surrendered to law enforcement Ravenell thanked the citizens of Orangeburg County for their continued help He specifically expressed appreciation to: North Police Chief Lin Shirer Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 A murder suspect turned himself in Wednesday just hours after Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced the Cordova man was being sought He’s accused of joining others in the murder of Samson Green on April 18 in the parking lot of the Crown Inn motel Ravenell claims Bantan continued to shoot Green once Green fell to the ground Sheriff’s office spokesperson Richard Walker said Bantan surrendered to law enforcement Wednesday evening is also wanted on charges of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime the sheriff’s office has arrested and charged four people in connection with Green’s death: is charged murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime of Neeses is charged with accessory after the crime of murder of Orangeburg is charged with accessory before the fact of a felony in connection to the shooting “Just like Roberts is charged with hiding Milhouse-Keitt if you are helping Tynes Bantan you’re going to jail too,” he said Anyone with information on Tynes Bantan is urged to call the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 pleaded guilty to first-offense possession with intent to distribute a scheduled drug Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInORANGEBURG (WRDW/WAGT) - The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety says a missing 83-year-old man has been found Police say Jesse Waters was safe around 2:30 p.m Waters was last seen at 1459 Columbia Road at 11 a.m (WIS) - A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a Claflin University student Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell spoke Tuesday afternoon to provide an update in the investigation into the death of O’Brian Grant who was found dead along Legendary Drive Saturday morning Ravenell said they arrested Nathaniel Grant Monday night and charged him with murder grand larceny and possession of a weapon during a violent crime The sheriff said there was no relation between O’Brian Grant and Nathaniel Grant Ravenell said O’Brian Grant met with Nathaniel Grant at around 9:30 a.m just an hour before O’Brian Grant was shot and killed Nathaniel Grant allegedly used a stolen gun to kill O’Brian Grant and stole his car after the murder Deputies said Nathaniel Grant had changed the car’s tags to avoid law enforcement The sheriff noted Nathaniel Grant has an established criminal history domestic violence and failure to stop for blue lights This is the second press conference concerning Grant’s death in two days, as the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office held one Monday afternoon Ravenell said Nathaniel Grant had been “hiding out” since the murder and the sheriff hoped Monday’s conference would facilitate his eventual arrest Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here (WRDW/WAGT) - The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim in a shooting death Saturday Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said a 20-year-old man from Santee was found deceased around 10:30 a.m O’Brian Grant was pronounced dead on the scene Saturday Claflin University has said that Grant was a student at the university The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has said deputies are chasing a suspect through the county The coroner also said an autopsy is scheduled for later this week Investigators found the victim by the roadside of Legendary Drive after a 911 call Claflin University said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of one of our students He will be deeply missed by the Claflin University community.” “Please keep O’Brian’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.” Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 Record rainfall fell over the Orangeburg area beginning the afternoon of November 6th and continuing through the overnight periods leading to significant flash flooding and river flooding which led to: It all started with Hurricane Rafael. While Rafael never even made landfall in the United States (it moved into the central Gulf and weakened), moisture provided by the hurricane led to a Predecessor Rain Event (PRE) for portions of the area. A similar setup was observed earlier in the year with Hurricane Helene in the western Carolinas with high pressure offshore and a southwesterly jet stream. This led to significant moisture transport into eastern Georgia and South Carolina. The main difference being that Helene made landfall and moved into Georgia and the Carolinas while Rafael remained over 600 miles away from Orangeburg, where the flooding was most impactful. Example of predecessor rain event (PRE) from Hurricane Helene 925-850mb Moisture Transport - Low level moisture rapidly increased as tropical moisture from Hurricane Rafael was transported north. 500mb Analysis - Deep trough and closed off low over the Four Corners region of the US leading to deep SW flow, further increasing moisture. Several shortwaves moved into the area, increasing lift.  300mb Analysis - Strong upper level divergence increasing over the forecast area with a bullseye over where the highest rainfall fell. What resulted was a wide swath of over 8 inches of rain south of I-20. This led to significant flash flooding. MRMS estimated rainfall with observations overlayed Locations of Flash Flooding Local Storm Reports (LSRs) -           mostly closed roads. Highest rain amount observed was 12.45 inches at a CoCoRaHS gage near North which was a 24 hour South Carolina state maximum for the month of November. Utilizing Flood Inundation Mapping from the National Water Center, we can visualize the extent of river flooding in portions of the area. Additional reports and images of the flooding: Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInORANGEBURG, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said Tuesday an arrest has been made in the shooting death of a Claflin University student. Claflin student O’Brian Grant, 20, of Santee, was found dead around 10:30 a.m. Saturday along Legendary Drive. Nathaniel Grant, 28 – no relation to the victim – was a person of interest early in the case and was aware of that and became uncomfortable enough to make some mistakes that got him caught Monday night, the sheriff said. The suspect was arrested in Orangeburg County and charged with murder, grand larceny and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, the sheriff said. The murder weapon was a stolen firearm, the sheriff said. The larceny charge stemmed from the theft of the victim’s car, according to the sheriff. The suspect changed the tag and hid the car behind an abandoned house, the sheriff said. He’s not new to the jail due to a criminal history, “some of which played out in the particular case,” the sheriff said. One man is in critical condition after a shooting early Saturday morning in Downtown, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff said the suspect’s past offenses include removing tags from vehicles, possession of a stolen vehicle, pointing and presenting a firearm, domestic violence and failure to stop for blue lights. Ravenell called the killing a “senseless crime,” but added that “the thing we are trying to piece together is the motive.” He said the suspect tried to convince authorities he had bought the car on the day of the killing, providing a document that was actually an invoice instead of a bill of sale, which was “the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen,” the sheriff said. The announcement of the arrest came a day after the sheriff issued a stern warning for the people responsible for the murder of the college student as well as a separate killing the night before. “I want the Orangeburg County community to know that until these individuals are brought to justice. They are going to be uncomfortable as hell,” Ravenell said Monday afternoon. “I also want them to know that the next time they see me on TV, they’ll be standing - or a picture’ll be behind me of them, and I would promise the community that that won’t be long.” And that was exactly the case during the news conference Tuesday afternoon where the sheriff announced the arrest as Nathaniel Grant’s photo was displayed on a large-screen TV behind him. Ravenell said his team had been running on “very little sleep” as they investigated the pair of deadly shootings that happened within 15 hours of each other. An autopsy of O’Brian Grant is scheduled this week. Claflin said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of one of our students, O’Brian Grant. He will be deeply missed by the Claflin University community.” The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating a shooting Friday night that resulted in the death of a 34-year-old. The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office says Samson Green, 34, of Orangeburg, was pronounced dead on the scene of a shooting that was reported around 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Crown Inn on Bamberg Highway. Anyone with information about either case is urged to call 803-534-3550. Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Authorities have released the name of the Santee man who was shot to death and found Saturday. O’Brian Grant, 20, was pronounced dead along the roadside of Legendary Road in Orangeburg on Saturday morning, Coroner Sean Fogle said. Orangeburg County deputies are asking the public for information in the shooting. Orangeburg County dispatchers received a 911 call Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. about a man on Legendary Road, sheriff’s spokesman Richard Walker said. “This is a heinous crime against this young man,” Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said. An autopsy for Grant is scheduled for later this week, Fogle said. Anyone who has any information on the shooting should call authorities at 803-534-3550. Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C (WCSC) - The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety says an elderly man who went missing has been found. The 83-year-old suffers from dementia and there was concern for his safety, police said. Police did not provide details about where or how he was found. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Coroner identifies Orangeburg man killed in Friday night motel shootingby ABC News 4 Staff (WCIV) — The Orangeburg County Coroner's Office has identified the man killed in a shooting at the Crown Inn motel Friday night He said an autopsy is scheduled for next week Green was fatally wounded in a shooting that occurred some time around 8:30 p.m according to the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office READ MORE | "One dead after shooting at Orangeburg motel Friday night: OCSO" OCSO is investigating the incident and asked anyone with information to contact the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 president of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and experienced entrepreneur has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Orangeburg He aims to bring bold leadership and a new vision for the city's future “I’m running for mayor for a very simple reason — our city is at a crossroad and I believe I can help lead us down the right path,” McQuilla said and I believe I have the experience and vision to lead us forward I will lead a comprehensive and robust plan to create a new Orangeburg,” said McQuilla focuses on creating jobs to reduce crime and build a thriving community “By focusing on industries with high growth potential we will be able to attract innovative businesses that can provide well-paying jobs,” he said He believes Orangeburg can become a technology hub in the Midlands and plans to push for infrastructure improvements to make this possible “Success is simple when we work to together,” he said adding that teamwork unlocks collective potential “Diverse perspectives are crucial to creating inclusive solutions that acknowledge and celebrate the richness of our community and promoting events to celebrate individuality we will create a more cohesive city where everyone feels valued and engaged.” McQuilla also emphasizes collaboration across generations and cultures to build a more inclusive community I don’t want to see another generation of our kids disillusioned with despair but rather focused on prosperity,” he said “I envision educational programs and partnerships with local institutions to ensure that young people are equipped for the jobs of the future and can contribute meaningfully to the tech hub I anticipate for Orangeburg.” and making decisions that will benefit the city long-term with a vision of a more prosperous Orangeburg ahead (WCIV) — Investigators with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office are investigating a shooting that left one dead at a motel Friday night Deputies were called to the Crown Inn on Bamberg Highway around 8:30 p.m Friday with reports of a "shooting incident." OCSO investigators located a 34-year-old man who had been fatally shot His identity has yet to be released by the Orangeburg County Coroner's Office (WOLO)– Orangeburg County deputies are investigating a fatal Friday shooting at a motel According to the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office 34-year-old Samson Green of Orangeburg was found shot at the Crown Inn on Bamberg Highway If you have any information call the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888 CRIMESC We want to get anyone involved behind bars,” Orangeburg County Sheriff Ravenell said Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInCOLUMBIA (WCSC) - A former inmate will return to prison for at least a year after the South Carolina Department of Corrections hearing appeared before an administrative hearing officer Wednesday to address the community violations of his youth offender sentence The violations included using controlled substances and controlled substances and consuming alcohol while on supervision who was originally accused in 2018 and 2019 of the sexual assaults of three teens and who later took a plea deal to a lesser charge was arrested Fon a Youthful Offender arrest warrant Department of Corrections spokesperson Chrysti Shain said Documents also allege he failed to “refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages in excess,” detailing the purchase of eight Michelob Ultra beers on Tuesday at the Hillcrest Golf Club in Orangeburg It also cites “special conditions that outlined a zero tolerance for any violations of the Youthful Offender Conditional Release Certificate.” The state’s Intensive Supervision Administrative Release Authority granted the conditional release on Oct. 31, after he spent more than seven months behind bars after the ISARA revoked his parole following his arrest for driving under the influence having an open container of beer or wine in a car a seat belt violation and resisting arrest fighting with hospital staff and state troopers His legal troubles date back to 2018 and 2019, when he was accused of sexually assaulting three teenage girls over that time. As part of a sweetheart plea deal in 2022 Turner pleaded guilty to assault and battery and was given probation Weeks later, Turner was arrested in a separate incident and charged with disorderly conduct, possession of alcohol by a minor and threatening a public employee. Court documents show Turner threatened to bite off the finger of an Orangeburg County deputy when the deputy informed him of the jail’s COVID-19 protocols which required Turner to wear a mask Following that arrest and probation violation Turner was sent to the Department of Corrections where he stayed for about 16 months until he was let out in Nov the South Carolina Court of Appeals denied Turner’s appeal to be removed from the state’s sex offender registry Turner was being held in the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center He is expected to appear before a Department of Corrections review hearing officer who will review the case and make a recommendation to the ISARA which will determine whether Turner violated the conditions of his release That process is expected to be completed within the next two weeks Shain said the hearing official recommended Turner return to S.C Corrections and receive intensive addiction treatment while in prison He will return to Kirkland Reception and Evaluation Center where officials will determine where Turner will spend the rest of his time at (WOLO)– Orangeburg County School District says due to severe weather possibly happening on Wednesday District officials say the closures are based on the latest information from Orangeburg County Emergency Management officials that the area is expected to experience significant weather on Wednesday Forecasts indicate the potential for isolated tornadoes sustained winds between 36 to 46 miles per hour and wind gusts reaching up to 75 miles per hour The storm is expected to impact the area between 6 a.m Given the possible conditions and out of caution Orangeburg County School District will be closed on Wednesday all athletic events and extracurricular activities scheduled for March 5 are postponed The South Carolina Department of Education recommends that school bus operations be limited when sustained winds exceed 30 miles per hour and wind gusts surpass 45 miles per hour